Camera Window

A clear view of any camera on your Mac.

Camera Window is a lightweight live preview for cameras and video sources that macOS recognizes. Video and optional monitored audio stay on your Mac—there is no account or network service.

Getting started

  1. Connect or enable the camera you want to preview.
  2. Open Camera Window and allow Camera access when macOS asks.
  3. Use the Devices menu to choose a camera and, if wanted, an audio device.

Camera permission is required to show video. Microphone permission is used only for optional local audio monitoring.

Supported video sources

Camera Window works with video sources recognized by macOS, including built-in and USB cameras, capture cards, virtual cameras, Continuity Camera, and Desk View. Availability depends on the device, its software, and what macOS reports to the app.

Choose a format

Open Devices → Format to leave selection on Automatic or choose a format offered by the current camera. Camera Window remembers the selection separately for each device.

Window and image controls

  • Floating Window keeps the preview above other windows. Full Screen fills the display.
  • Mirror Video flips the preview horizontally.
  • Take Snapshot saves the current frame as a PNG to a location you choose. It is also available while the preview is full screen; use Command-S.

Audio monitoring

Audio monitoring is optional and plays only through your Mac’s selected audio output. Use the Audio menu to mute or adjust the level. To prevent loud feedback or echo, use headphones, lower the volume, or mute monitoring when the camera’s microphone can hear the Mac’s speakers.

Minimum requirement

Camera Window requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.

If something is not working

Confirm that macOS can see the camera, then check Camera Window’s Camera and, if you want audio monitoring, Microphone access in System Settings → Privacy & Security. After changing a permission or connecting a camera, quit and reopen Camera Window.

Still stuck? Contact support and include your Camera Window version, macOS version, camera or capture-device model, and what happened. Please do not send private snapshots or sensitive video or audio.

Read the Camera Window Privacy Policy.