How does Screenpipe compare to Rewind.ai?

Screenpipe is open-source and 100% local by default, unlike Rewind which requires cloud storage. It also supports multi-monitor capture and a plugin system, but has a higher upfront cost for the desktop app.

Can I use Screenpipe with ChatGPT?

Yes, via the MCP server integration, which allows AI assistants like Claude Desktop to query screen history. However, direct ChatGPT integration might require additional setup through MCP-compatible clients.

How to set up pipes in Screenpipe?

Create markdown files in ~/.screenpipe/pipes/ with YAML frontmatter for scheduling and permissions. The README provides examples like Obsidian sync or reminder pipes, but it requires manual configuration.

Does Screenpipe work on multiple monitors?

Yes, it captures all connected monitors simultaneously, unlike some alternatives that only record the active window, as stated in the comparison table.

Is Screenpipe's data exportable?

Yes, data is stored locally in SQLite databases and JPEGs, allowing manual export or backup. The open-source nature means you can access raw files, though bulk export tools are not detailed in the README.

What are the system requirements for Screenpipe?

It requires ~8GB RAM recommended, 5-10GB disk space per month, and runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux. CPU usage is typically 5-10% due to event-driven capture, but older hardware may struggle.

Screenpipe

NOASSERTIONRustapp-v2.4.37

An open-source AI memory tool that records your screen and audio locally, enabling search and automation agents based on your computer activity.

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What is Screenpipe?

Screenpipe is an open-source AI memory tool that turns your computer into a personal AI by continuously recording your screen and audio locally. It creates a searchable memory of everything you've seen, heard, or done, enabling you to recall past activities and run automated agents (pipes) based on your work patterns. The tool solves the problem of forgetting important information and manual context switching by providing AI-powered search and automation directly from your activity history.

Target Audience

Knowledge workers, developers, researchers, remote workers, people with ADHD, and teams who need to recall computer-based information or automate workflows based on screen activity. It's particularly valuable for developers using AI coding assistants who want to provide context about their work.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Screenpipe because it's the leading open-source, privacy-focused alternative to commercial tools, offering 100% local data storage, deterministic AI data permissions, and a flexible plugin system for automation. Its event-driven capture minimizes resource usage while providing rich context for AI assistants through MCP integration.

Overview

Run agents that work for you based on what you do. AI finally knows what you are doing

Use Cases

Best For

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Giving AI coding assistants (like Cursor or Claude Code) context about your current work
Automating workflows based on specific computer activities (e.g., updating Linear when working on a task)
Searching through meeting transcriptions and screen content with natural language queries
Creating a private, local alternative to cloud-based AI memory services
Deploying AI agents across teams with centralized configuration and data permissions
Recording and transcribing system audio and microphone input for remote meetings

Not Ideal For

Teams requiring real-time, continuous video surveillance or screen recording for compliance
Users on extremely resource-constrained machines (e.g., less than 8GB RAM or minimal storage)
Organizations needing out-of-the-box cloud collaboration without local device management
Casual users who only need basic note-taking without AI automation or search

Pros & Cons

Pros

Event-Driven Efficiency

Captures screenshots only on meaningful OS events like app switches or clicks, reducing CPU usage to 5-10% and storage to ~20GB/month compared to continuous recording.

Privacy-First Local Storage

All data is stored locally by default with support for local AI models like Ollama, ensuring no data leaves the machine without user consent, as emphasized in the privacy section.

Flexible AI Integration

Runs as an MCP server for AI assistants like Claude Desktop and Cursor, and allows scheduled AI agents (pipes) defined as markdown files for automation based on screen activity.

Deterministic Team Controls

Offers per-pipe AI data permissions via YAML frontmatter with OS-level enforcement, enabling centralized config management for organizations without exposing employee data.

Cons

High Upfront Cost

The desktop app requires a one-time $400 purchase, which is steep compared to free or subscription-based alternatives and may barrier entry for individual users.

Complex Pipe Configuration

Creating pipes involves writing markdown files with YAML frontmatter for scheduling and permissions, which can be cumbersome for non-technical users despite the plugin flexibility.

Limited Linux Convenience

Linux support requires building from source, unlike macOS and Windows with native installers, making setup less straightforward for some users.

Open Source Alternative To

Screenpipe is an open-source alternative to the following products:

Granola is a macOS app for managing window layouts and organizing desktop workspaces with keyboard shortcuts.

L

Limitless

Limitless is an AI-powered productivity tool that provides meeting recording, transcription, and summarization features to help users capture and organize information.

R

Rewind.ai

Rewind.ai is a platform that captures and organizes everything you see, say, or hear on your computer to create a searchable memory of your work.

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