# Luxel Documentation

> Complete Markdown mirror of the public Luxel documentation.

Source: https://luxel.media/docs

This file is generated during the Luxel website build from the built Astro documentation page.

# Use Luxel from first launch to final export.

Luxel is a Mac menu bar recorder for screen capture, area capture, replay buffer clips, audio-only recordings, camera preview overlays, local transcripts, command-line automation, quick exports, and editor-based exports.

## Start in three steps

1.  Launch Luxel and find it in the menu bar.
2.  Grant only the permissions needed for the capture you are about to make.
3.  Pick a target, record, then open the result in the editor or Finder.

## Capture from the app, buffer, or scripts

Use the menu bar for interactive recording, global shortcuts for repeated actions, Replay Buffer for the moments that already happened, and the `luxel` command for scripted captures.

## Installation and first launch

### Install Luxel

1.  Install and launch Luxel.
2.  Keep the app in a stable location before granting permissions.
3.  Open Luxel from Finder or Launchpad.
4.  Look for the Luxel status item in the macOS menu bar.

Current builds require macOS 26.0 or later. Luxel runs from the menu bar, so the menu bar item is the main place to start captures and open settings.

### First capture

1.  Open Luxel from the menu bar.
2.  Choose a target from Target, or use Area to draw a custom region.
3.  Enable System Audio, Microphone, or Camera only if the recording needs them.
4.  Click Record Source, Record Area, or Record Audio.
5.  Stop recording from the menu bar status controls, active recording controls, or shortcut.

## Permissions

Luxel requests permissions only when a feature needs them. Permission chips appear in the menu when a required permission is missing.

### Screen & System Audio Recording

Required for display, window, area, and system-audio capture. macOS may label this setting as Screen & System Audio Recording in System Settings > Privacy & Security.

After granting access, quit and reopen Luxel.

### Microphone

Required when Record Microphone is on, when the area picker microphone toggle is on, or when you start an audio-only recording.

You can choose System Default or a specific input device.

### Camera

Required when camera preview is enabled. Luxel uses the selected camera to show a floating preview overlay for recordings.

Camera controls appear after you choose a camera device.

### Speech Recognition

Required when generating local transcripts in the editor or from the command line. Luxel uses on-device speech recognition for transcription.

Luxel asks for this only when transcription starts.

### Permission tip

After changing Screen & System Audio Recording access, quit and reopen Luxel. If macOS keeps prompting, make sure you are opening the same copy of Luxel each time.

## Core concepts

### Menu bar first

Luxel lives in the menu bar. The panel contains target selection, capture buttons, audio toggles, permission status, recent files, replay controls, and settings access.

### Targets

A target can be a display, an app window, or a selected area. Active-window and fullscreen commands resolve their target at the moment capture starts.

### Recordings folder

New recordings default to `~/Movies/Luxel`. You can choose a different folder in Output settings.

### Editor

Standard video recordings open in the editor after capture. Audio-only recordings can open in the editor for playback, transcript review, and audio export. Quick exports can finish directly to a file or post-action.

### Quick exports

Export presets can turn a capture into GIF, MP4, HEVC MP4, ProRes MOV, or APNG output without manually opening every export control.

### Replay buffer

Replay Buffer is an opt-in rolling capture mode. It keeps recent screen history available so you can export the last selected duration as a normal MP4 recording.

### Local transcripts

Luxel transcribes audio on your Mac. Transcripts can stay in the editor workflow or be written from the CLI as text or JSON.

### Recent files

The menu shows the latest recording and a Recent menu for opening clips in the editor or revealing them in Finder.

## Capture guide

### Record a screen, window, or area

1.  Open Luxel from the menu bar.
2.  Choose Target and select a display or window.
3.  Turn on System Audio or Microphone if needed.
4.  Click Record Source, or use Record Area for a selected region.
5.  Use Stop, Pause, or Resume from the recording controls.

Audio-only recordings do not support pause and resume.

### Tune capture behavior

-   Choose a fixed screen recording rate from 1 to 120 FPS, or match the display refresh rate.
-   Choose whether the cursor is visible and whether clicks are highlighted.
-   Enable system audio, microphone audio, or both before recording.
-   Use countdown and auto-stop when a capture needs a timed start or end.

### Record audio only

1.  Grant Microphone permission.
2.  Choose System Default or a specific input device in Recording settings.
3.  Choose AAC or ALAC as the audio-only format.
4.  Click Audio in the menu bar or use the Audio Only shortcut.

Audio-only files use the `.m4a` extension.

### Add camera preview

1.  Open Recording settings or the area picker camera menu.
2.  Choose a camera device and grant Camera permission.
3.  Choose circle or rounded-rectangle shape, size, and mirror behavior.
4.  Position the floating preview before or during setup.

The floating preview appears in the recording when it overlaps the capture target.

### Use countdown and auto-stop

The area picker supports countdown presets of Off, 3 seconds, 5 seconds, and 10 seconds. Stop-after presets include Off, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, and a custom duration from 0:01 to 12:00:00.

Stopping during countdown cancels the countdown instead of saving a recording.

## Clip what just happened

Replay Buffer continuously keeps recent screen history available while it is active. It is opt-in, visible in the menu bar, and uses the same Screen & System Audio Recording permission as normal screen capture.

### Set up Replay Buffer

1.  Open Settings > Replay Buffer.
2.  Enable Replay Buffer and approve the first-use consent prompt.
3.  Choose a length: 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, or 5 minutes.
4.  Choose 24 FPS or 30 FPS.
5.  Turn on Include System Audio only when clips need Mac audio.
6.  Choose whether clips open in the editor or use the quick export destination.

### Use it from the menu

1.  Start Replay Buffer from the menu bar control.
2.  Wait until the status moves from starting to buffering.
3.  Click Export to save the selected recent duration.
4.  Use Start and Stop to arm or disarm the buffer.
5.  Use the Clip Replay Buffer shortcut or `luxel clip` for the same action.

### Behavior and privacy

-   Replay Buffer captures the display with cursor and stores temporary segment files in Luxel's cache while active.
-   Normal recordings pause the replay buffer and it resumes when recording stops.
-   The buffer pauses for system reasons such as display sleep, lock, battery, or display changes.
-   Resume on Launch is off unless you enable it in Replay Buffer settings.
-   Clips are MP4 files named like `Luxel Replay 2026-07-01 at 14.30.00.mp4`.

If you clip before enough history exists, Luxel saves the available portion rather than inventing missing time.

## Select and refine an area

### Draw a selection

Click Area to open the full-screen selection overlay. Drag to draw a region, resize it with handles, or use Full Display to select the display. The minimum selection is 32 by 32 pixels.

Size presets include 1280 by 720, 1920 by 1080, and 800 by 600. Aspect ratio choices include Free, 16:9, 4:3, 1:1, 9:16, and 21:9.

### Useful controls

-   Choose countdown, stop-after, audio, camera, ratio, and size controls.
-   Toggle microphone and camera when permissions allow it.
-   Use the loupe for precise edges.
-   Dim other displays or restore the last selection from Presets settings.
-   Open Focus settings from the notification reminder if you want fewer interruptions.

### Area picker shortcuts and gestures

| Input | Action |
| --- | --- |
| `Escape` | Cancel area selection. |
| `Command+Z` | Undo a selection edit. |
| `Command+Shift+Z` | Redo a selection edit. |
| `Option+Click` | Use the active quick recording preset when one is available. |

## Edit and export recordings

### Open and review

After a standard video recording stops, Luxel opens the editor with a preview, source filename, duration, dimensions, audio status, alpha status, estimated file size, Save Original, and Export controls.

Rename the source file in place, move to newer or older recordings in the same folder, or open an existing media file with `luxel editor <file>`.

### Trim, resize, and retime

-   Use Timeline start and end controls to trim the output range.
-   Choose Original, percentage size presets, or Custom width and height.
-   Use Crop to Fill when fitting the output size.
-   Set frame rate and playback speed from 0.1x to 10x.
-   Preview playback loops inside the trim range.

### Choose export formats

| Format | Notes |
| --- | --- |
| MP4 (H.264) | Most-compatible video export with Compact, Balanced, or High quality. |
| MP4 (HEVC) | Smaller-file HEVC export with Compact, Balanced, or High quality. |
| MOV (ProRes 422) | Editing and mastering export with fixed High quality and LPCM audio. |
| MOV (ProRes 4444) | High-fidelity ProRes export with fixed High quality and LPCM audio. |
| GIF | Animated image export. Audio is dropped. Supports loop and dithering options. |
| APNG | Lossless animated PNG export. Audio is dropped. |
| WebM (VP9) | WebM export with Compact, Balanced, or High quality. |
| MP4 (AV1) | AV1 MP4 export with AAC audio through the bundled SVT-AV1 encoder. |

The format menu can select multiple formats and shows size estimates when Luxel can calculate them. MP4, MOV, WebM, and AV1 exports use even pixel dimensions.

### Adjust audio

-   Use Include Audio to mute or keep audio for formats that support it.
-   Set audio level from 0% to 200%.
-   Enable Normalize Audio to smooth loudness during export.
-   Audio-only sources export as M4A, ALAC M4A, WAV, CAF, or FLAC.

GIF and APNG always drop audio.

### Export actions

During export, Luxel shows progress and lets you cancel. After export, actions include Open, Reveal in Finder, Save a Copy, Open With, Copy File, Copy Path, and Share. Multi-format export creates a batch folder named after the source recording.

Copy Frame and Save Frame As use the current paused frame and save PNG output.

## Create local transcripts

Luxel uses local transcription for recordings with audio. Use the editor for review workflows or the CLI when you need transcript files in scripts.

### In the editor

1.  Open a recording with audio in the editor.
2.  Use the transcript preview to generate or review transcript text.
3.  Search transcript text or select transcript spans to jump playback.
4.  Leave Segment Transcript Turns enabled for automatic turn grouping.
5.  Turn it off in Settings > Output for faster raw transcripts on long recordings.

### From the command line

```
luxel transcribe demo.m4a > demo.txt
luxel transcribe demo.mp4 --output demo.json --json --overwrite
luxel transcribe demo.mp4 --locale en_US --semantic-turns
```

Plain text is printed to stdout by default. Use `--json` for full turn-segmented transcript data.

## Compound workflows

### Capture, refine, export, share

1.  Record a display, window, or area.
2.  Stop to open the editor.
3.  Trim the range, choose size, frame rate, and speed.
4.  Export as MP4, HEVC, ProRes MOV, GIF, APNG, WebM, or AV1.
5.  Use Copy Path, Share, or Reveal in Finder from the exported file menu.

### Fast GIF from a selected area

1.  Create an export preset with GIF format and the desired destination.
2.  Set it as the Quick Recording preset.
3.  Open Area, draw a selection, and press`Option+Click`Record.
4.  Let the preset run its post-action after capture.

### Repeat a previous capture

1.  Turn on Remember Last Capture in Presets settings.
2.  Make a normal capture once.
3.  Use Quick Record Last from the shortcut, CLI, URL automation, or App Shortcut.
4.  For a new selected area, use the area picker's Quick Record action with the active quick preset.

### Replay a bug after it happens

1.  Enable Replay Buffer before the session starts.
2.  Choose a 1 minute, 2 minute, or 5 minute length based on how much history you need.
3.  When the issue appears, click Export or run `luxel clip --seconds 30 --wait`.
4.  Open the clip in the editor or let the quick export destination handle it.

### Paused-frame handoff

1.  Open a recording in the editor.
2.  Pause on the frame you need.
3.  Use Copy Frame or Save Frame As from the editor actions.
4.  Use the saved PNG or clipboard image in the destination app.

### Scripted export and transcript

1.  Install the command from Settings > Command Line.
2.  Run `luxel convert demo.mp4 demo.webm --width 1280 --height 720`.
3.  Use `luxel convert demo.mp4 demo-av1.mp4 --format av1` when you want MP4 AV1.
4.  Run `luxel transcribe demo.mp4 --output demo.txt`.
5.  Use `--json` when another tool needs structured output.

## Keyboard shortcuts

Open Settings > Shortcuts to enable, search, edit, reset, or clear shortcuts. Custom shortcuts must use one key plus at least one modifier.

| Command | Default shortcut | Result |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Select Area | `Command+Control+Option+R` | Open the area picker for recording. |
| Toggle Recording | `Command+Control+Option+T` | Stop an active recording, or start from the default target. |
| Record Active Window | `Command+Control+Option+Shift+W` | Record the current active window. |
| Record Fullscreen | `Command+Control+Option+Shift+F` | Record the main display. |
| Audio Only | `Command+Control+Option+A` | Start an audio-only recording. |
| Quick Record Last | `Command+Control+Option+Q` | Use the remembered last capture with the quick preset. |
| Clip Replay Buffer | `Command+Control+Option+C` | Save the recent replay buffer when it is active. |

### Conflict warnings

Luxel warns about duplicate shortcuts and known macOS capture shortcuts.

`Command+Shift+3``Command+Shift+4``Command+Shift+5``Command+Shift+6``Command+Control+Shift+3``Command+Control+Shift+4`

## Command line tool

Use `luxel` when you want captures in scripts, shell aliases, launchers, media processing, or repeatable workflows.

### Install or repair

Open Settings > Command Line to install the bundled command. Luxel creates a symbolic link named `luxel`, defaulting to `~/.local/bin/luxel`, and links the bundled manual page under `share/man/man1/luxel.1` relative to the install root.

Use Repair after replacing or moving the app so the installed command points at the current signed Luxel app bundle. Use Copy PATH Command for zsh, bash, fish, or POSIX sh profile setup.

### Common examples

```
luxel --version
luxel record --display main --fps display --countdown 3
luxel record --active-window --fps 120
luxel record --active-window --preset "Default" --save-to ~/Movies/Luxel
luxel toggle --last-area
luxel stop
luxel clip --seconds 30 --wait
luxel latest --reveal
luxel preferences
luxel record --last-area --print-url
luxel editor ~/Movies/demo.mp4
luxel convert demo.mp4 demo.webm
luxel convert demo.mp4 demo-av1.mp4 --format av1
luxel convert demo.mp4 demo.gif --start 2 --duration 5 --fps 15 --width 800 --height 450
luxel convert demo.mp4 demo.mov --format prores422 --quality high
luxel export request.json output.webm --overwrite --json
luxel transcribe demo.m4a > demo.txt
luxel transcribe demo.mp4 --output demo.json --json --overwrite
```

### Commands

| Command | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| `luxel --version` | Print the Luxel CLI version. |
| `luxel record` | Start a recording from a display, active window, or last selected area. |
| `luxel stop` | Stop the active recording. |
| `luxel toggle` | Stop the active recording, or start one when a target is provided. |
| `luxel clip` | Clip the replay buffer. |
| `luxel latest` | Open the latest recording, or reveal it in Finder. |
| `luxel editor <file>` | Open a media file in Luxel's editor. |
| `luxel convert <input> <output>` | Convert or edit media from the command line. |
| `luxel export <request-json> <output>` | Export from a Luxel export request JSON file. |
| `luxel transcribe <file>` | Transcribe a media or audio file locally. |
| `luxel preferences` | Open Luxel settings. |

### Command details

-   `record` requires exactly one target: `--display`, `--active-window`, or `--last-area`.
-   `record --fps` and `toggle --fps` accept a whole number from 1 to 120 or `display` to follow the screen refresh rate.
-   `toggle` stops an active recording when no target is passed. When starting, target-related options require a target.
-   `clip` uses the configured replay buffer length unless `--seconds` is passed.
-   `latest --reveal` reveals the latest recording in Finder instead of opening it.
-   `preferences` opens Luxel settings. `--pane` accepts `general`, `presets`, `shortcuts`, `updates`, or `about` as a URL hint; current builds open Settings normally.
-   `convert` infers format from the output extension, but `.mov` requires `--format prores422` or `--format prores4444`, `.m4a` requires `--format m4a` or `--format alac`, and MP4 AV1 requires `--format av1`.
-   `export` accepts a Luxel export request JSON document for fields without dedicated flags.

### Capture and replay options

| Option | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| `--display <target>` | Record a display. Use main or pass a display identifier. |
| `--active-window` | Record the active window. |
| `--last-area` | Record the last selected area. |
| `--preset <name>` | Use a Luxel export preset for quick recording. |
| `--fps <1-120|display>` | Use a fixed recording frame rate or match the display refresh rate. |
| `--countdown <seconds>` | Wait 0 to 60 seconds before capture starts. |
| `--save-to <directory>` | Save the recording in a specific directory. |
| `--seconds <seconds>` | Clip a specific replay buffer duration with luxel clip. |

### Command-line export options

| Option | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| `--format <format>` | Use gif, hevc, mp4, av1, webm, apng, prores422, prores4444, m4a, alac, wav, caf, or flac. |
| `--width <pixels> --height <pixels>` | Resize the export. Use both options together. |
| `--fps <frames>` | Set the output frame rate. |
| `--start <seconds> --end <seconds>` | Trim to an explicit time range. |
| `--start <seconds> --duration <seconds>` | Trim to a duration from a start time. |
| `--speed <value>` | Set playback speed from 0.1 to 10. |
| `--mute` | Export without audio. |
| `--crop-to-fill` | Fill the output size by cropping. |
| `--crop <x,y,width,height>` | Use an explicit crop rectangle. |
| `--quality <quality>` | Use compact, balanced, high, or lossless when available for the format. |
| `--overwrite` | Replace an existing output file. |
| `--json` | Print a JSON result instead of the output path. |
| `--quiet` | Suppress terminal progress output. |

### Transcript options

| Option | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| `--locale <identifier>` | Transcribe with a specific locale. Defaults to the current locale. |
| `--output <file>` | Write transcript output to a file instead of stdout. |
| `--semantic-turns` | Use automatic turn grouping. |
| `--json` | Print full transcript JSON instead of plain text. |
| `--overwrite` | Replace the transcript output file if it already exists. |

### Result and callback options

| Option | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| `--wait` | Wait for Luxel to call back with the command result. |
| `--json` | Wait for the result and print JSON. |
| `--timeout <seconds>` | Set callback wait time. The default is 120 seconds. |
| `--print-url, --dry-run` | Print the Luxel automation URL instead of opening it. |
| `--x-success <url>` | Callback URL for successful execution. File results append filePath; recording starts append recordingID. |
| `--x-error <url>` | Callback URL for failed execution. Failures append errorMessage. |
| `--help` | Show help for the current command. |

### Callback output

Successful file results append `filePath`. Recording starts append `recordingID`. Failures append `errorMessage`. Use `--wait` for a plain result line, `--json` for structured callback output, and `--timeout` to control how long the command waits.

## Export and conversion formats

The editor exposes video and animation formats for screen recordings, plus audio-only formats when the source is audio. The CLI exposes the same conversion options for scripts.

| Format | Codec or container | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| MP4 | H.264 video | Most-compatible video export. Supports Compact, Balanced, and High quality. |
| HEVC MP4 | HEVC video | Smaller video export. Supports Compact, Balanced, and High quality. |
| ProRes 422 MOV | Apple ProRes 422 | Editing and mastering export with fixed High quality and LPCM audio. |
| ProRes 4444 MOV | Apple ProRes 4444 | High-fidelity ProRes export with fixed High quality and LPCM audio. |
| GIF | Animated image | Drops audio. Supports loop and animation-focused export controls. |
| APNG | Animated PNG | Lossless animated image export. Drops audio. |
| WebM | VP9 WebM | WebM export. Supports Compact, Balanced, and High quality. |
| MP4 (AV1) | AV1 video with AAC audio | AV1 MP4 export through the bundled SVT-AV1 encoder. |
| M4A | AAC audio | Audio-only editor export and CLI conversion format. |
| ALAC M4A | Apple Lossless audio | Lossless audio-only editor export and CLI conversion format. |
| WAV | PCM audio | Uncompressed audio-only editor export and CLI conversion format. |
| CAF | Core Audio Format | Apple audio-only editor export and CLI conversion format. |
| FLAC | Free Lossless Audio Codec | Lossless audio-only editor export and CLI conversion format. |

### Format rules

GIF and APNG drop audio. MP4, MOV, WebM, and AV1 exports use even pixel dimensions. ProRes exports use MOV output. WebM exports use VP9. AV1 exports use MP4 output.

## URL automation and App Shortcuts

### URL scheme

Luxel registers the `luxel://` URL scheme. Starting captures and clipping the replay buffer can require confirmation unless a caller has been granted access; commands like stop, preferences, and latest are allowed by default.

```
luxel://record?target=display&display=main&fps=display&countdown=3
luxel://record?target=activeWindow&preset=Default
luxel://toggle
luxel://stop
luxel://clip?seconds=30
luxel://preferences
luxel://latest?reveal=true
```

### x-callback URLs

Automation commands accept `x-success` and `x-error` callback URLs. Successful file-producing commands append `filePath`, recording starts append `recordingID`, and failures append `errorMessage`.

Use `luxel record --last-area --print-url` to inspect the URL the CLI would open.

### App Shortcuts

Luxel includes App Shortcuts for Start Recording, Stop Recording, Toggle Recording, Clip Replay Buffer, and Get Latest Recording. Start and Toggle can accept target, preset, and countdown values; Clip Replay Buffer can accept seconds; Get Latest Recording can reveal the file in Finder. Shortcut phrases include "Start a recording with Luxel", "Stop Luxel", "Toggle Luxel", "Clip replay buffer with Luxel", and "Show my latest Luxel recording".

## Settings and preferences

| Pane | What it controls |
| --- | --- |
| Recording | Cursor visibility, click highlights, 1-120 FPS or display-matched capture, system audio, microphone audio, audio-only format, microphone selection, camera preview, shape, size, and mirroring. |
| Output | Recordings folder, loop exports, transcript turn segmentation, and whether Luxel asks before discarding a recording. |
| Presets | Quick export presets, cropper size presets, loupe behavior, dimming, and last-selection restoration. |
| Shortcuts | Global shortcut enablement, shortcut search, custom shortcut editing, reset/clear controls, and conflict warnings. |
| Notch | Built-in notch controls, idle quick actions, recording waveform, auto-collapse timing, and floating HUD fallback. |
| Replay Buffer | Enablement, buffer length, display-with-cursor source, frame rate, system audio, resume on launch, and clip destination. |
| Command Line | Install or repair the bundled luxel command, choose an install location, choose a shell, and copy a PATH setup command. |
| System | Menu bar timer, notification reminders, launch at login, update settings, and acknowledgements. |

### Quick presets

Export presets can be added, duplicated, deleted, renamed, and assigned as the Quick Recording preset. Presets support format, size rule, frame rate, destination, and post-action. Preset destinations are Recordings Folder or Clipboard. Quick presets expose GIF, MP4, HEVC MP4, ProRes 422 MOV, ProRes 4444 MOV, and APNG; WebM and AV1 remain available from editor and CLI export.

### Replay Buffer

Replay Buffer settings control the enable toggle, clip length, 24 or 30 FPS, system audio inclusion, Resume on Launch, and whether clips open in the editor or quick export destination.

### Command Line

Command Line settings install, repair, or move the bundled `luxel` command and copy a PATH setup command for the selected shell.

### System behavior

System settings cover the menu bar timer, notification reminders, launch at login, updates, and acknowledgements.

## Languages

Luxel is available in multiple languages across the app interface and system permission descriptions.

### Supported locales

-   English
-   German
-   Spanish
-   French
-   Italian
-   Japanese
-   Korean
-   Vietnamese
-   Simplified Chinese
-   Portuguese (Brazil)
-   Portuguese (Portugal)

### Localized system prompts

Luxel includes localized descriptions for camera, microphone, screen capture, and speech recognition access. These prompts explain that Luxel uses each permission only when the matching feature is enabled or a recording starts.

The app follows the current macOS language settings automatically.

## Troubleshooting

Luxel keeps asking for screen permission

Make sure you are opening the same copy of Luxel each time. After changing Screen & System Audio Recording access, quit and reopen Luxel.

Record buttons are disabled

Choose a capture target and resolve the visible permission chips. Screen capture needs Screen & System Audio Recording permission; audio-only capture needs microphone permission.

Screen capture still fails after allowing permission

Quit and reopen Luxel after changing Screen & System Audio Recording access. If Luxel still is not listed, remove old Luxel entries from the permission list and open Luxel again.

Microphone audio is missing

Enable Record Microphone, choose a valid microphone or System Default, and grant Microphone permission. GIF and APNG exports do not carry audio.

Quick Record is disabled

Create or select a quick export preset, then choose a target or enable Remember Last Capture so Luxel has a previous capture to repeat.

Copy Frame or Save Frame As is disabled

Pause preview playback first. Frame grabs use the current paused frame and save as PNG.

Shortcut does not fire

Make sure Keyboard Shortcuts is enabled, remove duplicate shortcuts, and avoid known macOS capture shortcuts, including:

`Command+Shift+3``Command+Shift+4``Command+Shift+5``Command+Shift+6``Command+Control+Shift+3``Command+Control+Shift+4`

The notch controls are not visible

Luxel uses the built-in notch when a notched display is detected and the Notch setting is enabled. Otherwise it falls back to the floating HUD if that fallback is enabled, or to menu-bar-only status.

Replay buffer cannot start

Enable Replay Buffer, grant Screen & System Audio Recording permission, and make sure a normal recording is not already active. Luxel pauses the buffer while regular recordings run.

Replay buffer clips are shorter than requested

The buffer can only export captured history that already exists. Wait until the menu reports that replay buffering is active before clipping the full selected duration.

The luxel command is not found

Open Settings > Command Line, install or repair the command, then copy the PATH command for your shell if the install directory is not already on PATH.

CLI transcription fails

Confirm speech recognition is available and authorized, then retry. The transcribe command uses local transcription, the selected locale, and the same speech recognition availability as the app.

## FAQ

### Where are recordings saved?

By default, recordings are saved in `~/Movies/Luxel`. Change the folder in Settings > Output.

### Can I export audio in GIF or APNG?

No. GIF and APNG are animated image formats in Luxel and drop audio. Use MP4, HEVC MP4, ProRes MOV, WebM, or AV1 when audio is required.

### How does camera preview work?

Choose a camera in Recording settings or the area picker. Luxel shows a floating camera preview that can appear in the captured area. You can choose circle or rounded-rectangle shape, small/medium/large size, and mirror behavior.

### Can I export audio-only recordings?

Yes. Audio-only recordings are saved as `.m4a` with AAC or ALAC. The editor and CLI can export audio-only sources as M4A, ALAC M4A, WAV, CAF, or FLAC.

### Can I control Luxel from scripts?

Yes. Use the `luxel` command for shell workflows, or use the `luxel://` URL scheme from apps that can open URLs.

### Does Replay Buffer record all the time?

No. Replay Buffer is off until you enable it. While active, it is visible in the menu bar and can be stopped from the same controls.

### Can I use Luxel without opening the editor?

Yes. Quick exports and replay clip destinations can finish directly, and `luxel convert`, `luxel export`, and `luxel transcribe` run from the command line without opening the editor.

### Which languages are localized?

Luxel includes English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese, Portuguese (Brazil), and Portuguese (Portugal).