Collections and folders do different jobs.
A personal collection can group saved items for study, work, or later viewing. Do not assume adding an item to a collection creates a copy or relocates it. Inspect My Files for its real saved location.
From a download folder to a local library
Organize YouTube downloads by channel and playlist.
Saving the file is the beginning. VODForge keeps source context, Library groupings, and saved locations together so you can find the video or audio you meant to keep.
Free desktop app · MIT licensed · No desktop account
Step by step
Build a library you can navigate.
01
Choose one destination before downloading.
In Forge, use Save to to pick where the app should write your downloads. Keep external storage connected when it is the selected destination.
02
Save the playlist context.
Use the playlist’s link with Ignore playlists Off in Settings when you want its items grouped by that playlist. A single video outside a playlist is saved under the channel’s videos - no playlist structure.
03
Browse and annotate.
Open Library to browse Channels or Playlists, or use its search. Item details let you keep private notes, tags, and source information with the saved output. Personal collections group items for your own purposes.
04
Open the physical location.
Use My Files to browse the storage behind the Library. Open this folder opens the location on your computer. A Library grouping helps navigation; it is not the same thing as moving the file on disk.
The file has a home. The item has a history.
Typical MP4 output uses your chosen destination, a channel folder, a playlists folder or videos - no playlist, and a folder for the item. MP3 and Original audio use the same organized item folders. My Files makes the current physical location visible without relying on a remembered path.
Start with a playlist download
Keep these boundaries clear.
Use the app when moving saved files.
The 0.2.5 release improves Library move actions and confirmations. Read the action’s confirmation before moving or deleting anything. Moving files in another app can leave saved locations needing recovery.
Save only content you are entitled to download and check the platform’s terms. Source availability, access restrictions, and provider changes can prevent downloads.
Library organization questions.
Will Library’s Channels view download a whole channel?
No. Channels is a grouping for saved media. Use supported video links, playlist links, or a URL list to start downloads; this page does not promise automatic whole-channel archiving.
Are notes and tags sent with usage analytics?
The automatic telemetry contract excludes note, tag, category, search, media-title, URL, and file-path text. A feature event can record that an action happened without sending what you typed.
What if my external drive is unplugged?
Reconnect the storage and check the saved location before treating the media as deleted. If files were moved, use the app’s recovery tools to locate them. The Library and physical storage are separate parts of the workflow.
Published release · VODForge 0.2.5
Choose your free download.
The published Apple Silicon package requires macOS 26 or newer; the Intel package requires macOS 15 or newer. These are bundled-binary requirements, not a full tested-device compatibility matrix. Windows 10/11, 64-bit. No desktop account required. Packaged releases include the tools they need.
Apple Silicon Mac
macOS 26 or newer. Choose when About This Mac shows an Apple Chip.
Download · 270 MB
VODForge-macOS-arm64-v0.2.5.zip
Intel Mac
macOS 15 or newer. Choose when About This Mac shows an Intel Processor.
Download · 307 MB
VODForge-macOS-x64-v0.2.5.zip
Windows
Use the installer for normal setup, or keep the portable ZIP’s contents together.
Download · 252 MB
VODForge-Windows-Setup-v0.2.5.exe
Portable ZIPDeveloper ID signed and notarized on Mac; signed Windows packages. SHA-256 checksums · Published release notes · Privacy choices
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