Freedom251 › Video Downloaders
ClipGrab
by ClipGrab
What ClipGrab is
ClipGrab downloads videos from YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion, Facebook and other online video sites, then converts them into formats such as MPEG4, MP3, WMV, OGG Vorbis and OGG Theora. Some videos can be saved in their original format. It supports YouTube downloads up to 1080p and has an integrated YouTube search. ClipGrab says its video recognition may work with thousands of sites beyond those it names, and that it can download Facebook videos, including private ones, in HD or standard definition.
The free software runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. Its Linux version is GPLv3-licensed open source and is available precompiled or as source code. ClipGrab says it works on Windows 11, 10 and 8, and on Macs with macOS 10.12 or newer, including M1-based Macs. It cannot run on iOS. Downloads may fail with an unreliable or offline connection; the support FAQ recommends updating when video sites change. Email support, a feedback forum and FAQs are available.
Who it suits
ClipGrab suits people who want a free desktop tool to download and convert online videos on Windows, macOS or Linux. It may also suit Linux users seeking GPLv3-licensed open-source software.
What it does well
- Free plan includes video downloading and conversion.
- Converts videos to MPEG4, MP3, WMV and OGG formats.
- YouTube downloads supported up to 1080p.
- Available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Linux version is GPLv3-licensed open source.
What to know first
- Cannot run on iOS devices.
- Downloads may fail with unreliable or offline internet.
- Windows installer with third-party offers is independently operated.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Video downloading · Video conversion · GPLv3 open-source software | Free |
| ClipGrab | desktop downloader/converter · Windows, macOS and Linux | Free |
| Donation €10 | voluntary contribution | €10, paid once |
| Donation €20 | voluntary contribution | €20, paid once |
| Donation €50 | voluntary contribution | €50, paid once |
As clipgrab.org lists them, read 20 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Go to https://clipgrab.org/.
- Choose the Windows, macOS, or Linux version for your computer.
- On Windows, choose an installer with or without third-party offers.
- Use ClipGrab to find YouTube videos or download videos from supported sites.
- Convert a downloaded video to a listed format or keep it in its original format when available.
Verdict
ClipGrab combines video downloads and format conversion in a free desktop app for three operating systems. It does not support iOS, and its FAQ notes that connection problems or changes to video sites can affect downloads.
Questions
How much does ClipGrab cost?
ClipGrab is free. Donations are optional.
Which computers can run ClipGrab?
ClipGrab is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its site says the macOS version works with macOS 10.12 or newer, including Macs with M1 processors, and the Windows version works on Windows 8, 10, and 11.
Can ClipGrab run on an iPhone or iPad?
No. ClipGrab cannot run on iOS devices; its site suggests downloading videos on a PC or Mac and transferring them.
Is ClipGrab open source?
The Linux version is GPLv3-licensed open-source software, available as a precompiled version or source code.
Which video formats does ClipGrab support?
It converts videos to MPEG4, MP3, WMV, OGG Vorbis, or OGG Theora. Some videos can be saved in their original format.
How can I get help with ClipGrab?
Support is available by email. The site also links to a customer feedback forum and FAQs.
Facts from ClipGrab's own pages
- Audio extraction
- Selecting MP3 downloads the video's audio track as an audio-only file. · clipgrab.org, 14 Oct 2026
- Clipboard workflow
- The documented workflow is to copy a video URL, paste it into the Downloads tab, choose quality and format, then start the download. · clipgrab.org, 14 Oct 2026
- Company registration
- A German commercial-register record lists libre media labs GmbH as formed on 22 August 2025 with €25,000 share capital. · online-handelsregister.de, 14 Oct 2026
- Compatibility limitation
- The official troubleshooting guide says website technical changes can break downloads and recommends updating ClipGrab. · clipgrab.org, 14 Oct 2026
- Developer distribution
- The roadmap says current source is distributed as a tarball and that a public Git repository is only being evaluated. · clipgrab.org, 14 Oct 2026
- Facebook videos
- ClipGrab says it can download Facebook videos, including private ones, in HD or standard definition. · clipgrab.org, 5 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2007 · clipgrab.org, 28 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · clipgrab.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- Seybothenreuth, Germany · clipgrab.org, 28 Sept 2026
- History
- The ClipGrab 4 fundraiser page says the first version was released in 2007. · clipgrab.org, 5 Oct 2026
- Independent test limitation
- A 2026 StreamFab test reported zero completed downloads from ten YouTube URLs, with blank search, stalled analysis and 403 errors. · streamfab.dvdfab.cn, 14 Oct 2026
- Installer caveat
- The standard Windows installer can contain third-party offers operated by dotInstaller and TheCassiniLabs; the site provides a no-offer installer. · clipgrab.org, 14 Oct 2026
- iOS limitation
- The site says ClipGrab cannot run on iOS devices and suggests downloading on a PC or Mac and transferring the video. · clipgrab.org, 5 Oct 2026
- Legal caution
- An ORF/FM4 article described ClipGrab as free and open source while warning that downloading streams can conflict with broadcasters' rights. · fm4v3.orf.at, 14 Oct 2026
- License
- ClipGrab is described as GPLv3-licensed open-source software. · clipgrab.org, 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: installer extras
- Softonic reports that anti-malware tools may flag installCore bundled with some installers and recommends the direct installer. · en.softonic.com, 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: performance
- Tom's Hardware calls ClipGrab sluggish in use despite allowing resolution and format selection. · tomshardware.com, 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: source compatibility
- VideoHelp reviewers reported that version 3.9.15 did not work with YouTube while 3.9.14 did. · videohelp.com, 14 Oct 2026
- Linux and license
- ClipGrab is GPLv3-licensed open source software available as a precompiled Linux version or source code. · clipgrab.org, 5 Oct 2026
- Linux support
- Linux users can download a 64-bit binary or compile the published source code. · clipgrab.org, 14 Oct 2026
- Mac compatibility
- The site says ClipGrab for macOS works on Macs with macOS 10.12 or newer, including Macs with M1 processors. · clipgrab.org, 5 Oct 2026
- macOS support
- The homepage lists macOS 10.12 or newer, including M1 Macs, for version 4.0.0-beta2. · clipgrab.org, 14 Oct 2026
- Maker
- The legal page identifies libre media labs GmbH as responsible for clipgrab.org content and gives its address as Hauptstraße 10, 95517 Seybothenreuth, Germany. · clipgrab.org, 5 Oct 2026
- Maker headquarters
- The legal address is Hauptstraße 10, 95517 Seybothenreuth, Germany. · clipgrab.org, 14 Oct 2026
Where ClipGrab stands on Freedom251
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- Download Manager Software#2 of 58