How do I build ScreenCat on Windows?

You'll need Visual Studio C++ installed to compile native modules. Follow the README steps: clone the repo, run npm install, use electron-rebuild, and then npm start. It's more involved than on macOS.

Is ScreenCat free for commercial use?

Yes, ScreenCat is BSD licensed, which allows free use, modification, and distribution for commercial purposes, as long as you comply with the license terms.

ScreenCat vs TeamViewer: which is better?

ScreenCat is better for developers needing customization and open-source transparency, while TeamViewer offers polished, reliable features for general users but is proprietary and less hackable.

How can I share my screen with someone using just a browser?

Use ScreenCat's remote control page by sharing your invite code; the remote user can access your screen via their web browser, with Google Chrome recommended for compatibility.

What are the security risks with ScreenCat?

As an alpha project, security might not be fully vetted. It uses WebRTC for peer-to-peer connections, but users should review the code and be cautious in sensitive environments.

How do I contribute to ScreenCat development?

Check the GitHub issues, especially those marked 'help wanted'. Fork the repo, make changes, and submit a pull request; the project is volunteer-run and welcomes contributions.

Open-Awesome

screencat

BSD-2-ClauseCSSv4.2.0

An open-source WebRTC screen sharing and remote control application for desktop collaboration.

Visit Website GitHub

3.0k stars357 forks0 contributors

What is screencat?

ScreenCat is an open-source desktop application that enables real-time screen sharing and remote control using WebRTC technology. It allows users to share their desktop with others and grant them remote mouse and keyboard access, facilitating remote collaboration and support. The project is built as a hackable alternative to proprietary screen sharing tools, emphasizing community-driven improvements.

Target Audience

Developers and early adopters who need a customizable, open-source solution for remote desktop collaboration and are comfortable with alpha-stage software. It's particularly useful for open-source contributors and remote teams seeking transparency and extensibility.

Value Proposition

ScreenCat offers a free, BSD-licensed alternative to commercial screen sharing software, with full source code access for customization. Its use of WebRTC enables browser-based viewing without installing additional software, and its modular design welcomes community contributions to enhance functionality.

Overview

:cat2: webrtc screensharing electron app for mac os (Alpha)

Use Cases

Best For

Remote technical support and troubleshooting sessions
Collaborative coding or pair programming with remote developers
Open-source projects needing transparent, customizable collaboration tools
Educational demos or workshops where screen sharing with control is required
Teams avoiding proprietary software for privacy or cost reasons
Experimentation with WebRTC-based desktop streaming applications

Not Ideal For

Production environments requiring stable, out-of-the-box screen sharing for critical daily operations.
Non-technical users or teams needing a simple install-and-run solution without compilation or troubleshooting.
Organizations with mixed OS environments where consistent performance across macOS, Linux, and Windows is essential.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Open Source Hackability

BSD licensed and actively encourages PRs, making it highly customizable for developers who want to modify or extend functionality beyond commercial limits.

Browser-Based Accessibility

Allows remote viewers to control the host using only a web browser via the dedicated remote control page, reducing client-side installation needs and enhancing accessibility.

WebRTC Peer-to-Peer

Leverages WebRTC for direct video streaming and data channels, minimizing server dependency and enabling low-latency real-time collaboration without proprietary infrastructure.

Simplified Connection Setup

Uses a minimal lobby server to automate SDP payload exchange, eliminating the cumbersome manual copy-pasting of connection codes described in the README.

Cons

Alpha Software Stability

Explicitly labeled as alpha status, meaning it may have bugs, incomplete features, and is not as reliable as commercial alternatives, as admitted in the README.

Complex Build Requirements

Requires building from source for some platforms, involving npm, Electron, and native modules like robotjs, which can be challenging for users without development experience.

Cross-Platform Limitations

Primarily optimized for macOS, with Linux and Windows support being less polished and potentially requiring additional troubleshooting, as noted in the README.

Frequently Asked Questions

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