I challenged myself to build a Mac app with AI. It became SimplyShot

Description and use

The author built SimplyShot, a Mac app that combines screenshotting, scrolling capture, AI text recognition, redaction, background removal, screen recording with audio and camera overlay, and a Studio editor for video editing.

Problem

The author wanted to build a useful Mac app that incorporates AI features such as screenshotting, scrolling capture, text recognition, redaction, background removal, capture history, screen recording with audio and camera overlay, and editing tools for zooms, cuts, backgrounds, and captions.

Outcome

SimplyShot evolved from a simple screenshot tool into a comprehensive Mac app that integrates AI-assisted screenshotting, scrolling capture, text recognition, redaction, background removal, capture history, screen recording with audio and camera overlay, and a Studio editor for video editing.

Workflow

• 1. Start with a basic screenshot capture feature.
• 2. Add scrolling capture capability.
• 3. Integrate AI for text recognition and redaction.
• 4. Implement background removal and capture history.
• 5. Expand to screen recording with audio and camera overlay.
• 6. Develop a Studio editor for zooms, cuts, backgrounds, and captions.
• 7. Refine UI to keep features simple and intuitive.

Evidence

SimplyShot started with a question: how far could I get building a real Mac app with AI?

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I wanted a challenge, but I also wanted to build something I’d actually use. A screenshot app was the first idea that came to mind.

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I’d get one feature working and immediately think of something else to add. Scrolling capture, text recognition, redaction, backgrounds, capture history…

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That’s how SimplyShot ended up with a Studio editor. What started as a screenshot experiment grew into screen recording with audio and a camera overlay, followed by editing tools for zooms, cuts, backgrounds, and captions.

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