Setup · Direct download
Direct download & license keys
VidNotes comes two ways: the Mac App Store, or a direct download from vidnotes.org unlocked with a license key. It's the same app — the direct download also carries Pro, which the App Store doesn't allow.
1
Download and install
Get the .dmg from the download page, open it and drag VidNotes Directto Applications. It’s signed and notarized by Apple, so it opens like any other app. It runs Free until you activate a license.
2
Buy a license
Choose Scholar, Researcher or Pro on the download page and check out with Stripe. Your license key arrives by email within a minute. It starts with
VN1-.3
Activate
Either:
- click Activate in the email — it opens VidNotes and unlocks your tier, or
- paste the key into Settings → License and click Activate.
Keys are checked on your Mac, with no account and no sign-in. Use your key on the Macs you own.
4
Updates
VidNotes Direct checks for updates and installs them from inside the app. You can also choose Check for Updates… in the app menu. Updates are free for your tier.
5
Coming from the Mac App Store version?
Install VidNotes Direct alongside it, then choose File → Import Library from App Store Version…. Pick the videos to bring over — notes, transcripts, briefs, chats and captures come along. Nothing in the App Store version is changed.
Lost your key? Resend it to your purchase email. Moving to a new Mac? Activate the same key there, then use a VidNotes Pack to bring your library.