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ClipGrab
ClipGrab · Seybothenreuth, Germany · founded 2007
What it is
ClipGrab is free open-source software for downloading and converting online videos on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It lists support for YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion, Facebook, and other sites, with recognition that may work on thousands of additional sites. Videos can be converted to MPEG4, MP3, WMV, OGG Vorbis, or OGG Theora, and some can remain in their original format. YouTube downloads are supported up to 1080p, with an integrated search function. Facebook downloads include private videos in HD or standard definition, according to ClipGrab. The Linux edition is GPLv3-licensed and available as a precompiled version or source code. Windows installers are offered with or without third-party offers. ClipGrab cannot run on iOS, so downloads must be made on a PC or Mac for transfer. The support FAQ notes failures from unreliable or offline connections and recommends updates when video sites change. Email support, a forum, and FAQs are available.
For and against
For
- Free downloader and converter
- Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Converts to several audio and video formats
- YouTube downloads up to 1080p
- GPLv3 open-source Linux edition
Against
- Cannot run on iOS devices
- Downloads may fail with unreliable connections
- Updates may be needed when sites change
- No browser integration or scheduling
The verdict
ClipGrab provides free desktop video downloading and format conversion, with broad listed site support and an open-source Linux edition. iOS users need another device for downloading, and changing video sites or poor connections can interrupt downloads.
Who it suits
ClipGrab suits people who want a free desktop downloader and converter across Windows, macOS, or Linux. It is not suitable for running directly on iOS devices.
Plans and prices
Free
Video downloading · Video conversion · GPLv3 open-source software
Read 20 Sep 2026 · clipgrab.org
ClipGrab
desktop downloader/converter · Windows, macOS and Linux
Read 14 Oct 2026 · clipgrab.org
Donation €10
voluntary contribution
Read 14 Oct 2026 · clipgrab.org
Donation €20
voluntary contribution
Read 14 Oct 2026 · clipgrab.org
Donation €50
voluntary contribution
Read 14 Oct 2026 · clipgrab.org
On the record
- Audio extraction
- Selecting MP3 downloads the video's audio track as an audio-only file.clipgrab.org · read 14 Oct 2026
- Clipboard workflow
- The documented workflow is to copy a video URL, paste it into the Downloads tab, choose quality and format, then start the download.clipgrab.org · read 14 Oct 2026
- Company registration
- A German commercial-register record lists libre media labs GmbH as formed on 22 August 2025 with €25,000 share capital.online-handelsregister.de · read 14 Oct 2026
- Compatibility limitation
- The official troubleshooting guide says website technical changes can break downloads and recommends updating ClipGrab.clipgrab.org · read 14 Oct 2026
- Developer distribution
- The roadmap says current source is distributed as a tarball and that a public Git repository is only being evaluated.clipgrab.org · read 14 Oct 2026
- Facebook videos
- ClipGrab says it can download Facebook videos, including private ones, in HD or standard definition.clipgrab.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- History
- The ClipGrab 4 fundraiser page says the first version was released in 2007.clipgrab.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Independent test limitation
- A 2026 StreamFab test reported zero completed downloads from ten YouTube URLs, with blank search, stalled analysis and 403 errors.streamfab.dvdfab.cn · read 14 Oct 2026
- Installer caveat
- The standard Windows installer can contain third-party offers operated by dotInstaller and TheCassiniLabs; the site provides a no-offer installer.clipgrab.org · read 14 Oct 2026
- iOS limitation
- The site says ClipGrab cannot run on iOS devices and suggests downloading on a PC or Mac and transferring the video.clipgrab.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Legal caution
- An ORF/FM4 article described ClipGrab as free and open source while warning that downloading streams can conflict with broadcasters' rights.fm4v3.orf.at · read 14 Oct 2026
- License
- ClipGrab is described as GPLv3-licensed open-source software.clipgrab.org · read 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: installer extras
- Softonic reports that anti-malware tools may flag installCore bundled with some installers and recommends the direct installer.en.softonic.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: performance
- Tom's Hardware calls ClipGrab sluggish in use despite allowing resolution and format selection.tomshardware.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: source compatibility
- VideoHelp reviewers reported that version 3.9.15 did not work with YouTube while 3.9.14 did.videohelp.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Linux and license
- ClipGrab is GPLv3-licensed open source software available as a precompiled Linux version or source code.clipgrab.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Linux support
- Linux users can download a 64-bit binary or compile the published source code.clipgrab.org · read 14 Oct 2026
- Mac compatibility
- The site says ClipGrab for macOS works on Macs with macOS 10.12 or newer, including Macs with M1 processors.clipgrab.org · read 5 Oct 2026
