Choose by processor, not age.
Some Intel and Apple Silicon models overlap in release year. The Chip or Processor field is the useful check. Separate downloads are available for both; use the matching package.
Apple Silicon + Intel packages
A free YouTube downloader for your Mac.
Save MP4 video, MP3, or Original audio and keep the results in your local Library. Choose the Mac build that matches your processor, then start from a YouTube link.
Free desktop app · MIT licensed · No desktop account
Step by step
Set up VODForge on macOS.
01
Check About This Mac.
Open the Apple menu and choose About This Mac. If it shows Chip with Apple M1, M2, M3, M4, or newer, choose Apple Silicon. If it shows Intel Processor, choose Intel. Model year alone is not reliable.
02
Extract the downloaded ZIP.
Download the matching signed release below. Open the ZIP to extract VODForge.app, then move the app to Applications. Keep the application bundle intact; its runtime is inside.
03
Open the app and choose a folder.
Open VODForge normally. The public Mac app is Developer ID signed, notarized, and stapled. In Forge, choose Save to for your downloads; no Python or command-line setup is needed for the packaged release.
04
Paste, choose, and download.
Paste a YouTube video or playlist URL. Choose MP4, MP3, or Original audio, review Options, then choose Download. Keep the Mac awake while the run finishes and find the result in Library.
Your saved media, ready for local playback.
Browse the Library, inspect saved-output details, and play supported local media inside VODForge. The file stays on your Mac, so a completed local file can be used offline. Downloading a new YouTube source still needs a network connection.
Follow the MP4 workflow
A few useful installation checks.
Verify the official release.
These links redirect to the public GitHub Release assets. Compare a file’s SHA-256 with the published checksum if you need to verify its bytes. If macOS reports a damaged or unexpected package, recheck the source and download instead of disabling security controls.
Save only content you are entitled to download and check the platform’s terms. Source availability, access restrictions, and provider changes can prevent downloads.
Mac download questions.
Does VODForge support both Apple Silicon and Intel?
Yes. The published release has separate arm64 and x64 macOS ZIP assets. Choose Apple Silicon for an Apple Chip and Intel for an Intel Processor in About This Mac.
Do I need Homebrew, Python, or FFmpeg installed separately?
Not for the packaged app. Its required runtime and tools are bundled. Running from source is a different developer workflow.
Can I keep downloading with the lid closed?
The desktop app works on your Mac, so downloads need the computer awake and connected until they finish. Do not assume closing the lid leaves the run active.
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
Developer ID signed and notarized on Mac; signed Windows packages. SHA-256 checksums · Published release notes · Privacy choices
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