Celluloid

What Celluloid is

Celluloid is a macOS app that turns a webcam feed into a virtual camera for video conferencing apps. It applies filters in real time and provides controls for brightness, contrast, saturation, exposure, color temperature, and sharpness. Built-in looks include Noir, Chrome, Fade, Instant, Mono, Process, Tonal, Transfer, and Black Mist. Digital zoom ranges from 1.0x to 4.0x, with a movable crop window for shifting the view.

Celluloid remembers the chosen filter, image adjustments, zoom, and crop position between sessions. The camera runs while the preview is open or while an external app is using its virtual camera. Listed destinations include Zoom, Google Meet, FaceTime, Photo Booth, and other apps that accept camera input. The app requires macOS 15.0 or later and permission to access the camera. The repository is MIT licensed, and its README credits Jake Spurlock. Getting started requires building the Release configuration in Xcode, launching Celluloid, approving the system extension, and selecting “Celluloid Camera” in the video app. The latest listed release is v1.3.0, which includes a vignette slider, Launch at Login, performance improvements, and clearer setup guidance.

Who it suits

Celluloid suits Mac users who want to adjust and frame a webcam image before sending it to a video app. It is a fit for people comfortable building a project with Xcode and using a virtual camera in apps such as Zoom, Google Meet, FaceTime, or Photo Booth.

Getting started

1. Use a Mac running macOS 15.0 or later and allow camera access.
2. Build the Release configuration in Xcode.
3. Launch Celluloid and approve the system extension.
4. Open a video app that accepts camera input.
5. Select “Celluloid Camera” as the camera in that app.

Verdict

Choose Celluloid if you use a recent Mac and want live webcam filters, image controls, and a virtual camera for video apps. Look elsewhere if you need another operating system or want an installation route that does not involve building with Xcode.