Copy My Workflow on How To Build MacOS App with AI
I just built an open-source alternative to subscription-based video subtitle tools like Opus, Canva, and Adobe Premiere Pro—and completed the entire application in just 6 hours using Claude Code and Cursor AI.
After getting frustrated with paying monthly fees for simple animated subtitle generation, I decided to build my own solution that's completely free, open-source, and works across all operating systems. This isn't just another video tool—it's a complete Electron-based application that demonstrates how you can rapidly prototype and build production-ready software for your own use cases.
🚀 What Makes This Special:
Complete open-source animated subtitle generator
Built with Electron + TypeScript for cross-platform compatibility
Uses OpenAI Whisper for local AI transcription (no API costs)
Karaoke-style word-by-word highlighting system
Progressive subtitle animations and customizable fonts
Real-time subtitle editing with audio synchronization
Project saving and management system
Export capabilities with quality control (30/60 FPS)
Drag-and-drop video import functionality
⚡ Technical Architecture Deep-Dive:
Frontend: Electron with TypeScript for desktop app
AI Processing: OpenAI Whisper running locally
Video Processing: Web-based video handling (no FFmpeg dependency)
Storage: Local project management system
Export: Multiple quality options with time estimation
Build System: Cross-platform compilation for Windows, Mac, Linux
💰 Cost Breakdown (Spoiler: It's FREE):
No subscription fees like Opus ($20+/month)
No Canva Pro costs
No Adobe Premiere Pro
Completely open-source and self-hosted
Total cost: $0 forever
🛠️ Live Demo Highlights:
6-hour build process breakdown and GitHub commit history
Real-time subtitle editing and merging functionality
Progressive animation effects demonstration
Font customization and color scheme options
Project saving and loading capabilities
Export process with quality settings
Bug fixes and feature improvements in real-time
📚 What You'll Learn:
How to use Claude Code and Cursor AI effectively together
Creating comprehensive PRDs (Product Requirements Documents)
Building desktop applications with Electron + TypeScript
Integrating AI transcription with Whisper locally
Rapid prototyping techniques for personal tools
When to build vs. buy software solutions
Managing AI coding limits across multiple platforms
🔧 Perfect for:
Content creators tired of subscription fees
Developers learning rapid prototyping techniques
Anyone needing custom video subtitle solutions
Teams wanting to understand AI-assisted development
Creators building tools for personal use cases
📈 Development Strategy:
This demonstrates my philosophy: build tools for your own needs first, then consider productization. The 6-hour timeline shows how AI-assisted development can dramatically reduce build time, even when 5 hours were spent debugging. This approach lets you focus on what you do best while having custom tools that perfectly fit your workflow.
🕒 Timestamps:
0:00 - Demo of the Complete Subtitle Generator
1:32 - 6-Hour Build Process Breakdown
2:32 - Advanced Features: Progressive Animations & Editing
4:28 - Customization Options: Fonts, Colors, Backgrounds
5:59 - Project Management and Export Capabilities
6:42 - Claude Code vs Cursor: Development Strategy
8:26 - Hit Rate Limits? How to Switch Between Tools
9:49 - Why Build Personal Tools vs Buying SaaS
11:03 - Creating Effective PRDs for AI Development
12:33 - Research Phase: Don't Reinvent the Wheel
14:03 - Technical Implementation Challenges
16:39 - Choosing the Right Tech Stack
18:31 - Debugging Process and Learning Outcomes
20:21 - When to Build vs. When to Buy
🔗 Get the Github Repo: https://www.grablink.xyz/l/4R84CX
🚀 Need Custom Development Help?
If you want to build similar tools for your business, create custom automation solutions, or need consulting on AI-assisted development workflows, I offer professional development and strategy services.
📞 Book a strategy call: https://cal.com/prosamik/30min
#OpenSource #SubtitleGenerator #ElectronJS #ClaudCode #CursorAI #VideoEditing #AITranscription #BuildInPublic #SaaS #Developer