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File Formats

PixelRecorder uses professional file formats optimized for video production workflows.

Video: MOV Container

What is MOV?

MOV is Apple’s QuickTime container format. It wraps video, audio, and metadata into a single file.

Why MOV?

Professional Standard

  • Native to Final Cut Pro
  • Excellent DaVinci Resolve support
  • Works in Premiere Pro
  • Industry-standard container

Metadata Support

  • Embedded SMPTE timecode
  • Chapter markers
  • Color space information
  • Creation date/time

Flexibility

  • Multiple video tracks
  • Multiple audio tracks
  • Subtitle support

MOV in PixelRecorder

Each video stream produces a MOV file containing:

  • Video track (H.264 or HEVC)
  • Optional audio track
  • Embedded timecode
  • Recording metadata

Audio: BWF Format

What is BWF?

BWF (Broadcast Wave Format) is an extension of WAV specifically designed for broadcast and professional audio.

Why BWF?

Timecode Support

  • Embedded SMPTE timecode
  • Sample-accurate position
  • Sync with video sources

Metadata

  • Recording date/time
  • Device information
  • Description fields
  • Coding history

Industry Standard

  • Broadcast standard
  • Supported by all DAWs
  • NLE compatible

BWF in PixelRecorder

Audio-only streams produce BWF files containing:

  • PCM audio (48kHz/24-bit)
  • Embedded SMPTE timecode
  • Recording metadata
  • Professional headers

File Naming

PixelRecorder uses consistent file naming:

{timestamp}_{stream_type}_{index}.{extension}

Examples:

  • 2026-01-13_15-30-00_screen_001.mov
  • 2026-01-13_15-30-00_camera_002.mov
  • 2026-01-13_15-30-00_mic_003.bwf

This keeps related files together when sorted.

File Locations

Default Location

Files save to your Movies folder: ~/Movies/PixelRecorder/

Custom Location

You can choose any folder in Settings.

Organization

Files are automatically organized by recording session.

Compatibility

MOV Compatibility

ApplicationSupport
Final Cut ProNative
DaVinci ResolveFull
Premiere ProFull
QuickTime PlayerFull
VLCFull
WindowsRequires codec

BWF Compatibility

ApplicationSupport
DaVinci ResolveFull
Premiere ProFull
Logic ProFull
Pro ToolsFull
AudacityFull

Technical Details

MOV Specifications

PropertyValue
ContainerQuickTime MOV
Video CodecH.264 or HEVC
Audio CodecAAC or PCM
TimecodeSMPTE LTC

BWF Specifications

PropertyValue
FormatBroadcast Wave Format
AudioPCM Uncompressed
Sample Rate48kHz
Bit Depth24-bit
TimecodeSMPTE LTC