Show HN: VODForge – a free local desktop UI for YouTube video/playlist downloads

VODForge is a free, locally-installed desktop application that allows users to download YouTube videos and playlists as clean MP4 video or production-ready MP3 audio files. With VODForge, users have control over the video quality, queue management, metadata, and cover art, rather than relying on converter websites or command-line tools. The application is MIT licensed and works without a desktop account, ensuring that all downloads remain on the user's computer.

VODForge, which is signed and notarized for macOS and Authenticode signed for Windows, utilizes yt-dlp and FFmpeg libraries to perform the download and conversion processes. The software provides a focused desktop workflow, enabling users to choose the desired format, monitor the conversion process, and maintain a clear record of the original YouTube content and the final, VODForge-created files.

Users can select video resolutions up to 4K, customize output profiles, and manage individual videos or full playlists through a clear sequential queue. VODForge keeps the source YouTube content and the validated MP4 output together, allowing users to compare various video attributes such as codecs, resolution, bitrates, frame rate, audio, size, and saved location.

Similarly, for audio files, users can choose up to 320 kbps, preserve the original source rate, and manage cover art separately or by embedding YouTube or custom artwork. The application also allows users to inspect the exact saved location of their files.

VODForge supports files downloading directly from GitHub Releases, and it is compatible with M1, M2, M3, M4, and newer Apple chips on macOS. For Intel-based Macs, the application is typically available from 2019 and earlier. On Windows, users can choose from signed installers for Windows 10 and Windows 11 (64-bit). Currently, VODForge's public builds focus exclusively on YouTube videos and playlists, and it does not support yt-dlp's multi-site catalog.

The desktop application is free and released under the MIT License, with its source code available on GitHub. VODForge Cloud, a separate planned paid service, is not yet publicly available. Public macOS builds are Developer ID signed and notarized, while Windows installers are Authenticode signed by Kryden Ventures, LLC. SHA-256 checksums are published for every release asset, ensuring file integrity.

No account is required to download and manage files in VODForge. The application uses a random installation ID for first-launch and Cloud-interest measurement. When usage sharing is enabled, it sends coarse app-open, download-run, conversion, and playback events to VODForge and HeyCatch. However, sensitive data such as media URLs, titles, filenames, file paths, and file contents are excluded from these events.

Users can disable future usage sharing in the app settings. Cloud functionality is currently a planned paid service, and users can join the free interest list for updates on pricing and availability.