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OpenBrief
What it is
OpenBrief is a free desktop app that turns long videos, audio, and recordings into briefs. It creates transcripts, summaries, transcript-grounded questions, and notes that can be exported as Markdown. Users add local files or supported web links to a source library that keeps details together. Existing captions are used when available; otherwise the app transcribes the media. Transcript chat lets users ask questions and receive answers tied to the source. Exports can include summaries, decisions, timestamps, and notes. OpenBrief runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, with installers for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs, 64-bit Windows, and Debian Linux. The desktop app requires no account or sign-up. Media processing runs locally, and the homepage says files and generated notes stay on the device. Optional API keys support OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini, and OpenRouter. Requirements include macOS 13, Windows 11, or current Linux, disk space, and a local inference stack.
For and against
For
- Processes media locally
- No account or sign-up required
- Transcript chat ties answers to sources
- Exports notes and timestamps as Markdown
- Available for Linux, macOS, and Windows
Against
- Requires a local inference stack
- Cloud AI requires users' API keys
- No paid plan or trial is offered
The verdict
OpenBrief provides local recording analysis with transcripts, summaries, source-linked questions, and exports. Its free desktop model favors users comfortable supplying local resources or optional AI-provider keys.
Who it suits
OpenBrief suits researchers, students, interviewers, and product teams handling recordings, lectures, demos, or screen captures. It is useful for readers who want local processing and Markdown notes.
Plans and prices
Free
Desktop app; no paid plan or trial clock
Read 7 Oct 2026 · openbrief.app
On the record
- Account
- The desktop app does not require an account or sign-up.openbrief.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Available builds
- The download page lists macOS Apple Silicon and Intel installers, a 64-bit Windows installer, and a Debian Linux download.openbrief.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Captions
- OpenBrief uses existing captions when available and transcribes only when needed.openbrief.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Export
- Users can export summaries, decisions, timestamps, and notes to Markdown.openbrief.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Optional API keys are supported for OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini, and OpenRouter.openbrief.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The site describes it for research calls, lectures, product demos, interviews, and screen recordings.openbrief.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Local processing
- The download page says media processing runs locally, with optional cloud AI providers chosen by the user.openbrief.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Open source
- The download page says OpenBrief is built in the open and links to its source code on GitHub.openbrief.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Optional tools
- The download page lists optional bundled tools for YouTube and offline transcription.openbrief.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The homepage says files and generated notes stay on the user's device.openbrief.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- OpenBrief turns long videos, audio, and recordings into briefs with transcripts, summaries, grounded questions, and exportable notes.openbrief.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Requirements
- The stated requirements are macOS 13, Windows 11, or a current Linux desktop, local disk space, and a local inference stack for transcription, voice generation, and voice cloning.openbrief.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Source library
- Users can add local files or supported web links and keep source details together in a library.openbrief.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Transcript chat
- Users can ask questions and get answers tied to the transcript.openbrief.app · read 7 Oct 2026
