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vhs

Record terminal sessions into reproducible GIF, MP4, or WebM media.

Updated Jul 2, 2026
Search Tags:#tui#vhs#screencast#terminal recording#cli demo#tape file
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/HexSleeves/skills --skill vhs-hexsleeves
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: vhs
Source: https://github.com/HexSleeves/skills/tree/main/skills/vhs
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/HexSleeves/skills --skill vhs-hexsleeves

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

VHS turns terminal work into reproducible recordings, so you can share a CLI demo, README animation, or screencast without screen-capture noise or manual editing.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Declarative terminal animation: Build a step-by-step tape that types commands, waits for output, and renders consistent GIF, MP4, or WebM files.
  • README and product demos: Showcase command-line tools, installation flows, feature walkthroughs, and before/after results in a way that is easy to regenerate in git.
  • TUI and live session capture: Record terminal UIs and long-running interactive sessions with holdpty when a real PTY is needed.
  • Cross-platform setup guidance: Handles common Windows shell issues and helps choose reliable settings for font size, theme, speed, dimensions, and looping.

Quick Start

Ask the AI to create a VHS tape for your terminal demo, including the recommended output format, recording settings, command sequence, and any Windows or TUI-specific adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions about vhs

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I create a terminal recording for a CLI demo without manual screen capture?▼

Terminal recordings for CLI demos are created using declarative tape files that define ordered Output and Set lines, timed Sleep steps, and command sequences to render reproducible GIF, MP4, or WebM files without manual screen capture. The tapes type commands, wait for output, and apply consistent settings.

Can I record TUI applications that require a real PTY?▼

TUI applications that require a real PTY can be recorded using the holdpty feature within a tape file. This enables the capture of terminal UIs and long-running interactive sessions by allocating a pseudo-terminal environment specifically for the recording process.

Does terminal recording work on Windows for generating CLI screencasts?▼

Terminal recording works on Windows by using the optional shell selection setting within the tape file to handle common shell issues. The cross-platform setup guidance helps configure reliable settings for font size, theme, speed, and dimensions to generate consistent screencasts.

What is the best way to automate README animations for command-line tools?▼

The best way to automate README animations is writing a declarative tape file that executes a command sequence with timed steps to render output media. This approach showcases installation flows and feature walkthroughs through reproducible media files that are easy to regenerate in git.

What output formats can I render from a terminal screencast tape file?▼

Terminal screencast tape files can be rendered into GIF, MP4, or WebM output formats. The chosen format is specified within the tape file settings alongside recording parameters like dimensions, looping, font size, and theme for the final media output.

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