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People often want to download online videos from sites like YouTube to watch offline or edit. ClipGrab for Mac claims to allow users to save Internet videos to their desktop, but ultimately doesn't deliver.
ClipGrab for Mac is available as freeware without any restrictions. The program is small and installed easily after a quick download. After installation, the program starts quickly, but there are no instructions, and product support appears minimal. While sparse, the interface is fairly intuitive. Menus allow the user to paste a link with a video directly into the program or search directly in YouTube from the program. The interface and search features work well and return YouTube's results, but that is where the functionality ends. During testing, when clicking on YouTube links, the program went to the conversion menu, but error messages were returned about half the time saying the pages were not available. When they did load and the conversion was selected, an additional error message came back stopping the process. None of the YouTube videos we tried even started converting. While the program downloaded, installed, and started up as expected, it simply did not perform its functions.
While available for free, ClipGrab for Mac did not work as intended, and those seeking to save online videos to their desktop should look elsewhere.
Publisher's Description
From nn-d:
ClipGrab is an open source downloader and converter for online videos. It currently supports YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion, CollegeHumor, MyVideo, Sevenload, Clipfish, MySpass and Tudou. Many other sites are supported via the heuristics filter (e.g. several adult sites, gloria.tv and many many generic sites). ClipGrab can convert the downloaded videos to MPEG4, WMV, OGG Theora, MP3 and OGG Vorbis - or simply store the videos in their original format. ClipGrab can download videos in HD from sites where this quality standard is available. Since 3.0.7, ClipGrab can also add ID3 metadata to MP3 files.
What's new in this version:
- Improved download speed
- Updated compatibility with YouTube
- Support for Metacafe and Youku
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All versions:
4.1 starsout of 32 votes
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Current version:
0 stars Be the first to review this product -
My rating:
Write review
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"doesn't work anymore..........don't waste time"
Version: ClipGrab 3.1.0.2
Pros
very easy peasy to use
Cons
used to work but since they tried to integrate loads of things......doesn't work on any site
Summary
don't waste time.......
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"Used To Work But Doesn't Work Anymore!"
Version: ClipGrab 3.1.0.2
Pros
There are no pros for this product
Cons
Does not work. Its searches for whatever YouTube clip/song you want, but when you click on it, it says the link does not exist.
Summary
I used to LOVE ClipGrab! I used it all the time. But about 4-5 months ago it just stopped working and it hasn't worked since. I am so disappointed. Do not waste your time downloading this.
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"Do you like software that comes with zero instruction?"
Version: ClipGrab 3.1.0.2
Pros
Sort of works if you don't mind trying over and over
Cons
No instructions for install
No instructions for use
No contact info to request help
No fun to F withSummary
How these guys got an approval from CNET makes me wonder about how CNET butters it's bread.
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"ClipGrab 3.2.0.6 is now out and it works tremendously!"
Version: ClipGrab 3.1.0.2
Pros
The latest version of ClipGrap 3.2.0.6 is able to download from many independent sites as well as YouTube and the rest. You should donate after trying it on a trial basis, but test out the new version for yourself!
Cons
None what ever
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"Doesn't work!!!"
Version: ClipGrab 3.1.0.2
Pros
None exist
Cons
Doesn't download videos from the internet
Summary
I spent 75 minutes trying to download a single video from Youtube and Clipgrab failed every time. Don't waste your time. I didn't heed the warning of a previous reviewer and I ended up wasting my time.
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"Did not work"
Version: ClipGrab 3.1.0.2
Pros
It was free but don't waste your time!
Cons
Waste of time - Tried several sites/cut and pasted links - and this did not work!
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"THIS one is THE fastest and easiest!!!"
Version: ClipGrab 3.1.0.2
Pros
Great user friendly! Cut & paste the URL and click GO and it's done.
Cons
None I can find.
Summary
Why isn't all software this intuitive?
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"Perfect! Can't get any better!"
Version: ClipGrab 3.1.0.2
Pros
Does what it says
Great Quality
Super FastCons
I have not seen any yet and I've been using it for a few months now.
Summary
Best one out there!
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"Used to work just fine..."
Version: ClipGrab 3.1.0.1
Pros
When it worked properly:
Fast reliable downloadsCons
Randomly stopped working.
Summary
I was more than pleased with this program for a few months. Recently I noticed I can't use it to download anything. It just stopped working. Perhaps an update is needed? All in all, it was a great program while it was functional and it'd be great if the problem was fixed.
An update was added to this program and now it's back to working great. Thank you!
Updated on Aug 6, 2011 -
"It does what I need it to do!"
Version: ClipGrab 3.1.0.1
Pros
It's easy!
Cons
I haven't come across any
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