What Mac do I need?
The current Neocodec release requires an Apple-silicon Mac running macOS 15 Sequoia or later. Neocodec 1.0.1 remains available for compatible Macs running macOS 14 Sonoma.
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about installing, updating, licensing and using Neocodec.
Installation
How do I install Neocodec?
Download the DMG from neocodec.com, open it, and drag Neocodec onto the Applications shortcut. Eject the disk image after copying. A ZIP is also available as an alternative. Launch it once so macOS can register its Finder Quick Actions. Neocodec includes its conversion tools, so Homebrew and a separate FFmpeg installation are not required.
Is the download signed and notarized?
Yes. Official releases are signed with an Apple Developer ID and notarized by Apple. The normal first-launch confirmation for an app downloaded from the internet is expected; you should not need to disable Gatekeeper or System Integrity Protection.
How do I install the command-line tool?
Use Neocodec's Settings control to install the neocodec command for your user account. The app adds its user-local command directory to your shell configuration when needed. Open a new Terminal window—or follow the displayed source command—to use it immediately.
Updates & upgrades
How do I check for updates?
Open Settings ▸ About and choose Check for Updates…. You can also enable automatic checks. Neocodec verifies the signed update before installation.
Will an update keep my settings?
Yes. A normal in-app update replaces the application while preserving your preferences, presets, activation state and existing converted files.
Are version 1 updates included?
Yes. A Neocodec version 1 purchase includes all 1.x updates. A future major version 2 may be offered as an optional paid upgrade; version 1 remains yours to use.
Licensing
Can I try Neocodec before buying?
Yes. The full-feature trial lasts 14 calendar days from its first successful online start. An internet connection is required to start it and periodically verify its status. It does not require a payment method or Neocodec account.
Is Neocodec a subscription?
No. Neocodec is a one-time AUD$29 purchase for one named user, including all version 1.x updates.
How many Macs can I activate?
One licence can be active on up to five Macs. Use Manage devices or Deactivate this Mac in Settings ▸ License when moving to another Mac.
Can I use a paid copy offline?
Yes. After a successful licence check, Neocodec can continue working offline for up to 14 days before it needs to verify again.
What is the refund policy?
Neocodec offers a voluntary 30-day money-back guarantee in addition to rights that cannot be excluded by law. Use the secure support form to request help or a refund.
Features
Does Neocodec upload my videos?
Conversion, screen recording and frame export run locally on your Mac. A cloud-synced or network recording folder may transfer files according to that service's settings. Optional transcription is the separate exception: after your approval, it can send extracted audio or a whole video up to 100 MB to OpenRouter and the selected model provider using your API key. See the Privacy Policy.
Can I use Neocodec from Finder or Terminal?
Yes. Finder provides seven conversion Quick Actions plus a separate Transcribe action. The bundled command-line tool supports direct jobs, presets and custom output directories.
Where are converted files saved?
Next to the original by default. You can instead choose a custom folder, ask for a destination each time, or provide an output directory from the command line.
Screen recording
What can I record?
In Neocodec 1.1, choose a display, a window, an app on one display, or a selected area. Open File > Record Screen… or press Command-Shift-R. See the screen recording guide.
How do I allow screen recording?
If macOS asks, enable Neocodec under System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen & System Audio Recording. You may need to quit and reopen the app, then choose your source again. Selecting a microphone can require a separate permission.
Can I record system audio and a microphone together?
Yes. They are separate choices and can be used together or left off. Both are off on first use, and later choices are remembered. Check them before every take. Window/App audio can include other windows of that app; Display/Area system audio can include other apps.
Where are recordings saved?
Recordings save as H.264 MP4 in Movies/Neocodec Recordings by default. Choose another folder in Options > Recording options…. This is separate from conversion output settings. Wait for Recording saved before using the file.
Does recording upload anything?
Recording and Add to Neocodec do not upload media. A cloud-synced or network destination may transfer saved files. Optional transcription has separate upload approval and provider costs.
Can I trim or convert a recording afterwards?
Yes. Play the saved clip, open Trim…, or use Convert… to prepare it in the main window. Review the settings, then start the job. GIF, AV1 and WebM are conversion options after saving, not recording formats.
What if saving is interrupted?
Keep the recovery files. Fix any storage problem and use Retry saving or Unfinished recordings. Missing or damaged parts cannot always be repaired. Check the recovered video before deleting anything.
Frames for AI tools
Can an AI tool understand my screen recording?
If it can read images, yes. In Neocodec 1.2, choose Frames and add the video. Neocodec saves still images where the screen changed, contact sheets that show them at a glance, and a frames.json list of times and reasons. Click Copy path and give the folder to your AI tool. See the quickstart.
How many frames does it save?
Up to one for every 5 seconds of the video or trimmed range, at least 24 and at most 1,000. If the screen changes less often, you get fewer frames. Up to 36 frames fit on one contact sheet; more are spread over numbered sheets.
Can I control the frames from the command line?
Yes. neocodec frames adds options for more or fewer frames, larger images, PNG, evenly spaced frames, trims and a JSON summary. AI coding tools can run neocodec frames --help and follow its instructions for AI tools.
Does exporting frames upload anything?
No. Frames are made on your Mac and nothing is uploaded. The images show whatever was on screen, so treat the folder like the recording. An AI tool you give them to follows its own terms, and some tools upload images to their own service.
Formats
Which formats does Neocodec support?
Neocodec supports H.264 MP4, AV1 MP4, VP9/Opus WebM, GIF and M4A audio output.
Where is H.265/HEVC support?
The initial commercial release does not include H.265/HEVC input or output because of licensing restrictions and associated costs. If customer demand is strong and grows enough to justify those obligations, we will consider adding support in a future version. This is not a commitment or release timeline.