ArtTimelapse — Frame‑based Screen Recorder for Artists

App Interface

Capture clean, consistent timelapse videos of your art process on Windows. Works with all desktop art apps: Photoshop, Krita, Clip Studio Paint, GIMP, Illustrator, Blender, and more. This repo keeps only the Python source files at the repository root. The Windows executable is distributed via the project website.

Get the Windows EXE

• Download the latest EXE from the project website: https://artimelapse.free.nf/. The EXE is not stored in this repository due to size.

Why Artists Love It

• Frame‑based capture keeps playback smooth and consistent
• App‑agnostic: records any art workflow across popular tools
• Lightweight and distraction‑free: focus on creating, not settings

What's New

• Focus‑aware recording (Windows): auto‑pauses when you switch away from your art app, then resumes when you return.
• Export resolution selector: choose Source, 1280x720, or 1920x1080.
• Uniform GIF/MP4 sizing: frames are aspect‑fit with gentle letterboxing to avoid distortion.

Quick Start

Run From Source (Windows)

1. Install Python 3.11+.
2. Optionally create and activate a virtual environment:
   • python -m venv .venv
   • .venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1
3. Install dependencies:
   • pip install -r src/requirements.txt
4. Start the app:
   • python src/app.py

Build (Optional)

If you need to rebuild the executable locally, you can use PyInstaller directly without a spec file:

pip install pyinstaller
pyinstaller --name timelapse --onefile --noconsole --icon icon.ico src/app.py

• The generated binary will be placed under dist/ by default. Move it to exe/timelapse.exe if you want to keep it in the repository.
• Do not commit the EXE to the repository; distribute it via your website.
• Note: dist/ and other build artifacts are excluded via .gitignore.

Compatibility

• Works with any Windows desktop art app: Photoshop, Illustrator, Krita, GIMP, Clip Studio Paint, Corel Painter, Affinity Photo, Blender (2D/Grease Pencil), and more.
• Records your canvas and workflow regardless of the tool you use.

Usage Tips for Artists

• Keep your canvas centered to make timelapse framing consistent.
• Hide sensitive windows or switch to a dedicated workspace while recording.
• Pause or stop between long breaks to keep videos concise.
• Export your timelapse with your preferred editor (e.g., Premiere, DaVinci Resolve).

How to Use

• Launch the app (Windows EXE or run python app.py).
• Choose capture mode: click‑drag to select a region or use full screen.
• Set the frame interval (e.g., 0.5–1s) for timelapse smoothness.
• Start recording; the app hides while capturing frames.
• Stop with F11 or by clicking the on‑screen banner.
• Optional: toggle “Hide cursor” if you don’t want the mouse shown.
• Optional: enable “Pause when leaving target app” to avoid capturing other tabs/apps.
• Export a single GIF or MP4; choose playback FPS and pick export resolution (Source, 1280x720, or 1920x1080).

Project Structure

• app.py, cursor.py, exporter.py, recorder.py, selection.py — Python source
• src/requirements.txt — dependencies for running from source

Privacy

• All recording happens locally on your machine; nothing is uploaded.

Donate

• If ArtTimelapse helps your workflow, consider supporting development.
• PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/shwadden

Contributing

• Fork the repo and create a feature branch.
• Run locally: pip install -r src/requirements.txt, then python src/app.py.
• Focus on artist UX, performance, and small, targeted fixes.
• Do not commit build/, dist/, or web/ artifacts (ignored via .gitignore).
• Open a pull request with a clear description and, if possible, a short demo GIF/MP4.

Credits

• Salout Ilyass — Portfolio: https://ilyass-portfolio.rf.gd/?i=1