DownloadYour studio.
From setup to final cut.
The complete guide to switching, recording, and creating clips with PodSwitcher.
PodSwitcher follows the conversation, switches your cameras, and brings recording and clip creation into one desktop workspace. Start with a short rehearsal before recording a full show.
- Install PodSwitcher from Downloads and activate your license in the License workspace. Allow the microphone and camera access your operating system requests.
- Connect your switcher and assign your microphones in Setup. Test each speaker separately so you can see which camera responds.
- Open Monitor, choose a program input, and check the picture and audio. Record a short test, then open it in Clips to check the saved result.
- Set up video tools when prompted before transcription, AI clip generation, or finished clip exports. The first setup downloads the tools and models used locally.
Know the workspaces
Monitor is your live production view. Setup maps microphones to cameras. Clips holds recordings and clip edits. Settings contains switching rules, clip-generation preferences, and updates. License handles activation.
Prepare the studio computer
Connect the switcher and computer to a network where they can reach each other. A USB or HDMI capture device supplies program video when network preview is unavailable. Make sure you have space for recordings and exported clips.
Connect your ATEM and RØDECaster as shown. Download the guide for IP setup, microphone channels and video preview.
Connect cameras & microphones
Setup · Sidebar → Switcher
Camera control and program video are separate connections. An ATEM network connection lets PodSwitcher change cameras; a program input lets you see and record the switched picture.
- Choose ATEM Direct in the sidebar, enter your switcher’s IP address, and select Connect ATEM. Alternatively, choose the Companion connection and configure its camera actions.
- In each camera panel, use + Audio Channel to assign the microphone channel or channels that should activate that camera.
- Set close-up cameras to Speaker and your room view to Wide shot. Speak at normal show volume and adjust the threshold while watching the audio meters.
- Save a named setup snapshot in the sidebar so you can recall this room later.
- Connect your switcher in the left sidebar.
- Assign microphone channels inside each camera panel.
- Choose a role and tune the threshold beneath the meter.
Four or eight camera inputs
Choose the visible camera count in Settings → Switching to match your setup. Each speaker camera has its own microphone assignments and threshold.
ATEM Direct & Bitfocus Companion
Use direct ATEM control for camera cuts, or map switches to Companion actions in your existing production setup. Companion can connect those actions to the other equipment you already control.
Snapshots & switching presets
Use setup snapshots for your studio configuration. Save switching presets in Settings for the pacing and rules of different shows. Give them recognizable names, such as the room or show name.
Tune automatic switching
Settings → Switching
Start with microphone thresholds, then tune how quickly cameras react and when the wide shot should take over. The goal is to follow real speech without cutting on every cough or interruption.
Threshold & input gain
A camera’s threshold determines when its assigned microphone counts as active. Input Gain raises native USB microphone meter levels before threshold checks; it is a switching-meter adjustment, not your recording mix.
Minimum speech duration
Require audio to stay above its threshold for 0–3 seconds before switching. A longer duration filters brief sounds; zero allows an immediate response.
Long Activity
Return to the wide shot after one speaker has remained active for the configured duration. Set it to zero to disable this rule.
Loudness/Overlap
Enable overlap handling to change how the switcher responds when people speak over each other or the conversation becomes particularly animated.
Prolonged Silence
Move to the wide shot after no camera audio is active for the configured number of seconds. Set it to zero to disable.
Excessive Switching
Set a number of camera changes and a time window. If changes happen too quickly, the wide shot gives the conversation room to settle. A switch count of zero disables the rule.
Keep Zoomed Out Active
Choose how long the wide shot stays active after silence or rapid switching triggers it. This keeps the view from immediately bouncing back.
Manual Camera Hold & Manual Mode
Click a camera to take over temporarily; Manual Camera Hold determines when automation can resume. Turn on Manual Mode in the sidebar when you want to remain in control.
Good to knowRehearse normal speech, a pause, and a moment of overlap. Adjust one setting at a time so you can hear and see what changed.
Monitor & record
Monitor
Monitor brings the program picture, camera buttons, audio monitoring, recording controls, and system status into one view.
- Select your program input. PodSwitcher can try network program video from a compatible ATEM; choose a capture device when network video is unavailable.
- Enable Audio Monitor to listen to the program through your computer. Check the source audio before starting a recording.
- Select REC to record locally to MP4. Recording status remains visible while you move to other workspaces.
- Use IN and OUT to mark a moment during the show. Stop recording and open Clips to review the saved program.
- The large preview displays your selected program feed.
- Recording, audio, and input controls sit on the right.
- Camera buttons let you make a manual cut.
Program preview & camera control
Watch the currently switched output and use the numbered camera buttons for manual cuts. The camera controls do not require a separate live preview for every camera.
Device refresh & system status
Refresh devices after connecting a capture source. The System panel helps identify switcher, video, audio, and recorder connection problems.
Local recording & compatible ATEM recording
The app writes an MP4 on your studio computer. On supported connected ATEM setups, it can also coordinate the switcher’s recorder. Check the status messages for each recorder; one starting does not guarantee the other started.
Set up a livestream
Monitor → Livestream settings
Choose a destination and configure the stream before your show. Streaming availability depends on the connected setup and its capabilities.
- Open Livestream settings from Monitor. Choose YouTube, Facebook Live, Twitch, or Custom for an RTMP/RTMPS destination.
- Use Connect Account to open the service’s stream setup page, or choose Use Stream Key. Copy the stream key from the service and paste it into PodSwitcher.
- Select the server, or enter a custom server URL. Set resolution, frame rate, and bitrate for the destination and your connection.
- Start the livestream from Monitor and check the incoming preview on the destination service. Stop it from Monitor when the show is finished.
Recording and streaming are separate controls
Start recording too if you want a local copy. Confirm both states in Monitor rather than assuming that starting one starts the other.
Check the destination
A configured key prepares the connection; your platform may still require you to complete its own broadcast setup. Keep stream keys private.
Use Web Remote
Sidebar → Web Remote
Control the studio from a phone, tablet, or another computer on the same network. PodSwitcher stays open on the studio computer and does the recording and processing there.
- Turn on Web Remote below Manual Mode in the sidebar.
- Choose Copy Link and open that private link in the other device’s browser. Both devices need a local network that permits communication between them.
- Use Monitor for live video and audio, camera changes, recording, and IN/OUT markers. Open Clips to select recordings, adjust ranges, create clips, and play them.
- Return to the desktop for rendering, file export, and workspace cleanup. Turn off Web Remote to disconnect browser sessions.
Independent browsing, shared studio controls
The browser can navigate and select recordings independently. Camera changes, recording commands, markers, and saved ranges act on the studio computer.
Links & reconnecting
Anyone holding the link can control the studio. Access turns off when the desktop app restarts. Copy an updated link if the studio’s address or port changes; stopping and restarting Web Remote does not rotate the saved access token.
Local network access
This is local-network remote control, not an internet-access service. The local connection uses HTTP, so a browser may say “Not secure.” Use a trusted studio network; a guest network or firewall can block access.
Start from a show recorded in PodSwitcher or import an existing recording. The library keeps the source recording and its clips together.
- Open recordings or use Recording options → Import recording to bring in a video. Search the recordings list and select a source.
- Play the source, move the playhead, and mark the IN and OUT points for your clip. Zoom the timeline to make finer adjustments.
- Create the clip, then choose Edit Clip to open its framing, captions, text, and music tools.
- Review the clip list, search by name, and preview individual clips before rendering.
- Choose the source recording on the left.
- Preview and adjust the selected clip in the center.
- Review individual clips or Render All from the right panel.
Playback & range editing
Jump to the beginning or end, step back or forward five seconds, adjust preview volume, and zoom the timeline. Fine-tune the selected range before moving into the editor.
Non-destructive editing
Clip ranges and edits are saved separately from the original recording. You can return to the source and make other clips without overwriting the show.
Library organization
Use the recording and clip search fields to find material, choose a recordings folder, and open the recording’s folder on the desktop.
AI generation & transcription
Settings → Clip generation · Clips → Generate clips
Generate clip suggestions from a recording’s transcript, or transcribe without generating clips. AI suggestions are in beta: review the wording and the start and end of every selected moment.
- In Settings → Clip generation, select AI plan credits or Connect to ChatGPT. Only the method you select is used.
- For local generation, finish video-tools setup and check your local clip allowance. For ChatGPT, complete the account connection and verify it is ready.
- Select a recording in Clips and choose Generate clips. Use the adjacent menu for Transcribe only or the optional emoji setting.
- Review the results, adjust clip ranges, correct captions, and choose the clips you want to finish.
Highlight preferences
Choose Best highlights for no fixed count, or set a requested clip count. Set a clip-length preset or minimum and maximum seconds, choose a selection prompt, and select Save clip preferences. Results may contain fewer clips when the recording does not support the requested number.
AI plan credits
Local models process the transcript on your computer. Studio includes 3 source hours per computer license each month; Unlimited has no local clip-generation quota. The usage display separates available, used, and in-progress time.
Connect to ChatGPT
Use your connected account for clip generation without spending PodSwitcher plan credits. Transcript text and timestamps are sent to ChatGPT; source video and audio remain local. Your connected service’s availability and account limits still apply.
Transcribe only
Save a timed transcript without selecting clips or consuming your clip-generation allowance. Completed recording transcripts can be reused when preparing clips and captions.
Transcription quality
Choose Fast or Accurate in Settings. On Windows CPU, Accurate uses a larger model and takes longer; compatible NVIDIA GPUs use batched transcription. Existing transcripts remain unchanged, and this preference does not change Mac transcription.
Platform requirements
Local native transcription and clip generation on Apple silicon require macOS 15 or later. Windows x64 uses its local transcription and clip-selection pipeline. Complete the tools setup for your platform before processing.
Good to knowAI Hooks controls are currently hidden while that feature is being stabilized. You can still create and edit title text manually in Boxes. Availability can vary between development builds and installed releases.
Frame for wide or vertical video
Edit Clip → Framing
Keep the full horizontal camera frame, or choose how the speaker appears in a vertical clip. Preview the entire clip after changing the layout, especially across camera cuts.
Horizontal · Wide
Preserve the full camera frame for a landscape clip.
Auto
Choose a layout for each camera shot, rather than forcing the same composition across the whole clip.
Static speaker
Keep a steady crop around one speaker. Use this when a stable frame suits the conversation.
Auto follow
Move the crop as the speaker moves. Check the result when a speaker leans, gestures, or leaves their usual position.
Speaker pair
Keep two speakers visible together. Refine the framing controls and inspect both positions before export.
Edit & style captions
Edit Clip → Styles · Text · Animation
Edit the words and timing, then make the captions fit your show. The preview lets you see the text against the footage as you work.
- Open Edit Clip and enable Show captions. Choose a built-in style as your starting point.
- Double-click a caption phrase to edit its wording. Drag a caption’s timeline bar to move it, or its edges to trim its timing.
- Select the captions on the canvas to move or resize them. Adjust text, spacing, colors, outlines, shadows, backgrounds, and animation.
- Preview the clip from start to finish, then save. Use undo and redo while refining the result.
- Choose a style, font, or text effect in the left panel.
- Select text on the canvas to position and resize it.
- Use the timeline to scrub, move, and trim phrases.
Fonts & typography
Use bundled fonts, browse and download a family in Google Fonts, or import your own TTF/OTF files. Installed fonts are reused in preview and export. New font downloads need internet; cached fonts remain available offline.
Word grouping & timing
Adjust grouping, word and line limits, and line breaks. Editing wording preserves the phrase’s overall timing; adding or removing words redistributes timing inside that phrase.
Highlight words
Choose a meaningful highlighted word or override the automatic choice. Chosen keeps emphasis on that word for the phrase; Spoken follows the word being said. Color, boxes, underline, and outline depend on the selected style.
Saved styles & brand palettes
Save, rename, duplicate, and delete personal presets. Reuse font favorites, recent colors, and brand palettes, or set a default for new clips. Existing clips keep their own saved styling.
Apply to all clips
Use Apply to all N clips to reuse caption styling across the current recording. Caption-only actions preserve each clip’s transcript, timing, and framing.
Contextual emojis
In Emojis, choose Off, Occasional, or Frequent. Suggested artwork appears with relevant captions; not every phrase gets an emoji. Turning it off keeps your words intact. You can also select a caption phrase and use Choose emoji to add one manually. Generate clips also offers Add occasional emojis for that run.
Add titles & animated text
Edit Clip → Boxes
Text boxes are separate from spoken captions. Use them for a title, an introduction, or context that should appear for only part of the clip.
- Open Boxes and add or select a text box. A new clip may start with a title draft based on its clip title; edit or remove it as needed.
- Enter the text and choose its typography and background. Drag the box on the preview to place it.
- Move the box’s timeline bar to change when it appears. Drag its edges to set the duration.
- In Animation, choose Box animation In and Box animation Out. Play across both ends to check the transitions.
Independent styling
A selected box has its own font, color, outline, shadow, and background. Styling a title does not require changing your spoken captions.
Alignment & timing
Boxes and captions share the same timeline and playhead. Dragging near the frame center shows alignment guides; hold Alt while dragging to bypass snapping.
Review the title draft
Treat an automatically populated title as editable text. Check that it accurately describes the clip and stays on screen long enough to read.
Mix background music
Edit Clip → Music
Add a backing track while keeping the original podcast audio. You can work with music even when transcription is still running.
- Search the music library by title or mood and choose Use, or select Import audio for your own track.
- Audition the track, set its volume, and choose the start offset. Enable looping if you want the remaining portion to repeat.
- Choose Apply mix and play the clip to check that dialogue stays intelligible.
- Copy the displayed attribution when using a library track and include it in the published post description.
Local imports
Import MP3, WAV, M4A, AAC, OGG, or FLAC files up to 100 MB. The app copies imported audio into the project, so moving the original file does not break the saved clip.
Downloads & reuse
Browsing the online library and downloading new tracks need internet. Saved tracks can be reused offline. Removing music leaves the original podcast audio intact.
Music credits
Library tracks come from Incompetech and require CC BY 4.0 attribution. The app retains the attribution and license details; include them when sharing your finished video.
Preview, render & export
Clip editor → Export · Clips → Render All
An editable clip and a finished video file are different things. Render after your final changes so the output includes the current crop, captions, titles, and music.
- Review the full clip with sound. Check the first and last words, camera cuts, title timing, caption legibility, and music level.
- Choose Export in the clip editor, or render an individual clip from the library.
- Use Render All to process the clips for the current recording. Watch progress and any errors before closing the app.
- Use the rendered-file action or recording folder to find the output, then play the exported file before publishing.
Render again after editing
Changes to an editable clip need a fresh render to appear in its finished file. Keep the original recording available while editing and rendering.
Desktop processing
Rendering, file export, and workspace cleanup run from the desktop. Web Remote can create and play clips, but it does not expose those desktop-only actions.
Both published plans include the PodSwitcher app. The difference is the local clip-generation allowance, measured in source footage rather than the length of the clips you export.
Studio · $29/month or $249/year
Includes 3 source hours each month per computer license. Multiple computer licenses pool their time: two computers get 6 hours, three get 9. The allowance refreshes monthly with either billing cycle.
Unlimited · $49/month or $499/year
Includes unlimited local clip generation. Pricing scales with the number of computer licenses, just as it does for Studio.
What uses the allowance?
Local AI clip selection counts the source recording time processed. Transcribe only and connected-ChatGPT generation do not spend this allowance. Usage includes in-progress reservations, so available time can change while jobs are running.
Existing licenses
Eligible existing app licenses include Studio benefits at their original billing price. Refresh the subscription in Settings if the displayed allowance has not updated.
What stays local?
Switching, recording, local transcription, local AI processing, and editing run on your computer. Choosing ChatGPT sends transcript text and timestamps to that service. Activation, entitlement verification, downloads, and connected services need internet.
Updates
Use Settings → Updates to check app updates. Finish active recordings and processing before installing an update. Visit Downloads for the available installers and platform information.
These shortcuts work in the Monitor workspace when you are not typing in a text field. Number keys select one of the visible cameras.
Check the relevant connection or processing state first. A working camera-control connection does not automatically mean program video or audio is connected.
The switcher connects, but the preview is blank
Choose a program capture input in Monitor. Network preview depends on the ATEM model and setup. Connect a USB/HDMI capture source, refresh devices, and check operating-system camera permissions.
Cuts happen too often—or not at all
Check microphone assignments and watch the meters while each person speaks. Adjust the camera thresholds, then minimum speech duration and wide-shot rules. Check whether Manual Mode or Manual Camera Hold is preventing automatic cuts.
There is no audio in monitoring or the recording
Check the source’s program audio and the device connection. Audio Monitor controls what you hear through the computer; verify the saved test recording separately.
Web Remote will not open
Keep the desktop app running with Web Remote enabled. Copy a fresh link, check both devices are on a reachable local network, and check firewall or guest-network isolation. Re-enable Web Remote after an app restart.
Clip generation cannot start
Check the selected generation method in Settings → Clip generation. For local AI, finish tools setup and refresh the subscription. For ChatGPT, check the connection. PodSwitcher does not silently switch from ChatGPT to spending local credits.
Captions have mistakes
Correct the phrase directly in the caption editor. On Windows CPU, try Accurate transcription for future jobs. Changing that preference does not rewrite existing transcripts.
The exported file does not show my latest edits
Save the clip, render it again, and open the newly rendered file. Check that you are not playing an earlier export. Keep PodSwitcher open until rendering completes.