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OpenBrief

openbrief.app

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
Visit openbrief.app
Spec score 7.7 #15 of 24 in Text Summarization Software

What it is

OpenBrief turns long videos, audio, and recordings into briefs with transcripts, summaries, source-grounded questions, and notes for export. It is intended for material such as research calls, lectures, product demos, interviews, and screen recordings. Add local files or supported web links to a library that keeps source details together. The app uses existing captions where available and transcribes when needed; transcript chat answers are tied to the transcript. Summaries, decisions, timestamps, and notes can be exported to Markdown. The desktop app runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows and does not require an account or sign-up. The homepage says files and generated notes stay on the user's device, and the download page says media processing runs locally. Optional API keys let users choose cloud AI providers: OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini, or OpenRouter. Requirements include macOS 13, Windows 11, or a current Linux desktop, local disk space, and a local inference stack for transcription, voice generation, and voice cloning. The free plan costs nothing, with no paid plan or trial clock.

Spec sheet

Purpose
OpenBrief turns long videos, audio, and recordings into briefs with transcripts, summaries, grounded questions, and exportable notes.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openbrief.app
Intended users
The site describes it for research calls, lectures, product demos, interviews, and screen recordings.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openbrief.app
Integrations
Optional API keys are supported for OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini, and OpenRouter.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openbrief.app
Privacy
The homepage says files and generated notes stay on the user's device.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openbrief.app
Account
The desktop app does not require an account or sign-up.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openbrief.app
Available builds
The download page lists macOS Apple Silicon and Intel installers, a 64-bit Windows installer, and a Debian Linux download.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openbrief.app
Captions
OpenBrief uses existing captions when available and transcribes only when needed.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openbrief.app
Export
Users can export summaries, decisions, timestamps, and notes to Markdown.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openbrief.app
Local processing
The download page says media processing runs locally, with optional cloud AI providers chosen by the user.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openbrief.app
Open source
The download page says OpenBrief is built in the open and links to its source code on GitHub.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openbrief.app
Optional tools
The download page lists optional bundled tools for YouTube and offline transcription.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openbrief.app
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.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openbrief.app
Source library
Users can add local files or supported web links and keep source details together in a library.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openbrief.app
Transcript chat
Users can ask questions and get answers tied to the transcript.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openbrief.app

Plans and prices

Free Free Desktop app; no paid plan or trial clock Read 7 Oct 2026 · openbrief.app

Every OpenBrief plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Uses existing captions when available
  • Questions and answers are tied to transcripts
  • Markdown export includes decisions and timestamps
  • Desktop app requires no account

Limits

  • Requires local disk space and an inference stack
  • No paid plan or trial

Who it suits

It suits people who need searchable briefs from recordings, such as lectures, interviews, or research calls. It also fits users who prefer local processing and a desktop app without an account.

Verdict

OpenBrief combines transcripts, summaries, transcript-based questions, and Markdown notes in a free desktop app. Its stated requirements include a local inference stack, while cloud AI providers are optional and user-selected.

Where Specifiction places it

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