V2026.4.0-rc1

[nlogozzo]

2026.4.0-rc1

This is the first release candidate in the 2026.4.0 series. This release is a continuation of the 2026.3.0 series and contains some bug fixes caused by 2026.3.0-beta3, no new features were introduced.

This release also contains a backend change that moves all configuration from json files to an application wide secret-protected database. All configurations from the json files will be imported automatically into the database.

Full Changelog 📃

• Added macOS app for the GNOME version of Parabolic
• Added Windows portable version of Parabolic
• Added the ability to toggle super resolution formats in Parabolic's settings
• Added the ability to specify a preferred frame rate for video downloads in Parabolic's settings
• Added the ability to toggle immediate audio or video downloads separately
• Added the ability to automatically translate embedded metadata and chapters to the app's language on supported sites. This can be turned off in Converter settings
• Added the ability to update deno from within the app
• Added thumbnail image preview to add download dialog and downloads view
• Added failed filter to downloads view
• Added total duration label to playlist items view
• Improved Parabolic's startup time by using NativeAOT compilation
• Improved selection of playlist video formats when resolutions are specified
• Improved selection of playlist audio formats on Windows when bitrates are specified
• Improved cropping of audio thumbnails
• Improved handling of long file names, they will now be truncated if too long
• Removed unsupported cookie browsers on Windows. Manual txt files should be used instead
• Fixed an issue where download progress did not show correctly
• Fixed an issue where the preferred video codec was ignored when a preferred frame rate was also set
• Fixed an issue where the exported M3U playlist file would contain duplicate entries
• Fixed an issue where credentials would not save on Linux
• Fixed an issue where batch files were unusable on Linux and macOS
• Fixed an issue where uploading a cookies file did not work on Windows
• Fixed an issue where time frame downloads would not complete on Windows
• Fixed an issue where certain video formats would process infinitely on Windows
• Updated yt-dlp

** NEW ** macOS App

We have introduced a new macOS app that is built using the GNOME (GTK/libadwaita) version of Parabolic. It bundles all dependencies including yt-dlp, aria2c, ffmpeg and deno - alongside GTK itself.

Issues are expected as I do not have a Mac myself and rely on feedback and information from users in the community to test the app for me. Thank you!

** NEW ** Windows Portable App

We have re-introduced a portable Windows build of Parabolic. This build works a little differently than previous versions in that it's the same exe as the installer version but requires the --portable flag be passed to the .exe file for it to run in portable mode.

For convenience, we have added a .bat file to the portable download that can be ran that does it for you already. Alternatively, once the portable version is extracted to the location of your choice, you can create a shortcut for the .exe and specify the --portable flag in the arguments of the shortcut's properties.

Install 🧑‍💻

Linux

Flathub

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub-beta https://flathub.org/beta-repo/flathub-beta.flatpakrepo
flatpak install flathub-beta org.nickvision.tubeconverter
flatpak run org.nickvision.tubeconverter//beta

Manually (x64)

• Download the org.nickvision.tubeconverter.x64.flatpak file from the assets below
• Run flatpak install org.nickvision.tubeconverter.x64.flatpak from the directory containing the .flatpak file
• Run flatpak run org.nickvision.tubeconverter//master to start the app! (You should also see it in your app grid)

Manually (aarch64)

• Download the org.nickvision.tubeconverter.aarch64.flatpak file from the assets below
• Run flatpak install org.nickvision.tubeconverter.aarch64.flatpak from the directory containing the .flatpak file
• Run flatpak run org.nickvision.tubeconverter//master to start the app! (You should also see it in your app grid)

Windows

Installer (x64)

• Download and run the NickvisionParabolicSetup.exe file from the assets below

Installer (arm64)

• Download and run the NickvisionParabolicSetup-arm64.exe file from the assets below

Portable (x64)

• Download and extract the NickvisionParabolicPortable.zip file from the assets below
• Run the .bat file to launch the portable version of Parabolic

Portable (arm64)

• Download and extract the NickvisionParabolicPortable-arm64.zip file from the assets below
• Run the .bat file to launch the portable version of Parabolic

macOS

Bundle (x64)

• Download Parabolic-macOS-x64.zip file
• Extract it and move the Parabolic.app file to your Applications folder and run it

Bundle (arm64)

• Download Parabolic-macOS-arm64.zip file
• Extract it and move the Parabolic.app file to your Applications folder and run it

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This discussion was created from the release V2026.4.0-rc1.

[ad2004teaster-cmyk]

Hi! I just tried the new version and the recent changes are amazing. They are truly creating a unique identity for the app.

The project is definitely on the right track, I hope to see this new direction applied across the entire app soon. Fantastic work!

[ad2004teaster-cmyk]

I still believe that a small change could significantly improve the user experience of the application. Specifically, it would be great if downloaded files didn't disappear from the Downloads list/view.

Having the completed downloads remain visible in the main interface would allow users to browse and manage their downloaded files directly within Parabolic, without needing to open File Explorer or check a separate history menu every time the app is restarted. It would be very helpful to see the list of downloaded files on the main dashboard whenever the program is opened.

[ad2004teaster-cmyk]

Additionally, I have another small suggestion regarding the Title Bar UI:

Currently, the word "Parabolic" in the title bar feels a bit crowded and overlaps visually with the Menu Bar (File, Edit, View, etc.). I suggest one of the following improvements:

• Simplify the Title Bar: Remove the text "Parabolic" from the title bar and rely solely on the application's icon. This would create a cleaner, more modern look.
• Adjust the Layout: Modify the title bar to follow a layout similar to OBS Studio.

[ottoleipala]

Obs studio is qt6 application and Parabolic is gtk4/libadwaita i don't think there is no way to get it look same...

[ad2004teaster-cmyk]

To clarify, I’m only referring to the Title Bar's layout, not the entire UI style. I just want to separate the app name from the menu items to reduce clutter, regardless of whether it's GTK or Qt.

[ad2004teaster-cmyk]

[ad2004teaster-cmyk]

As you can see, the logo and app name overlap with the Menu Bar. I'm only suggesting a layout fix for this specific crowding.

[ad2004teaster-cmyk]

Also, let’s not forget the Drag & Drop feature, allowing users to insert URLs directly into the app for a much smoother experience...