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Support

Last updated: September 23, 2026

Review this page for help using DirectCue or reporting an issue.

1. System requirements and permissions

  • DirectCue requires macOS 26 or later.
  • macOS Screen Recording permission is required to capture an Area, Window, or Screen.
  • DirectCue uses Apple's ScreenCaptureKit and does not record system audio or microphone input.

If permission has not been granted, open Screen Recording settings from the Welcome Guide or Settings. If capture still does not work after permission is granted, quit and reopen DirectCue, then check the permission state again.

2. Basic workflow

The basic flow is capture → add instructions → hand it to AI. The Prompt includes the annotated image path. Paste it into Codex, Claude Code, or another environment that can access local files. For browser-based AI tools, attach the image manually when needed.

  1. Choose `Start Capture` from the menu bar or use the configured global shortcut.
  2. Select `Area`, `Window`, or `Screen`. Use the three-second `Freeze` when you need to hold a temporary visual state.
  3. Place instructions with `Fix`, `Line`, `Draw`, `Remove`, `Swap`, and `Move`.
  4. Choose `DONE` to create a local output package.
  5. In Hand Off, copy or drag the Image, Prompt, Markdown, or Bundle you need, then choose `Save & Close` to keep it in History.

DirectCue does not modify the screen or send content to an AI service automatically. You choose what to hand off and where it goes.

3. Output and History

`DONE` creates these files in one output package:

  • `raw.png`: image before annotation
  • `annotated.png`: annotated image
  • `prompt.md`: AI-ready Prompt
  • `instructions.md`: human-readable Markdown
  • `annotations.json`: structured annotation and capture manifest

During onboarding, choose an output folder using the standard macOS folder chooser. Each output package is saved in a timestamped, uniquely identified subfolder at that location and can be opened in Finder. Change the location in `Settings > Output > Choose Output Folder`. Access to the selected folder is retained across app restarts. If the location has not been selected or cannot be accessed, choose a folder again. The App does not automatically fall back to storing output inside its app container.

`DONE` creates a working package; `Save & Close` commits it to History. Returning to edit and discarding without saving deletes that working package. Entries beyond the History limit are removed from the list, but their files remain by default. Enabling `Auto-delete old output folders` also deletes older output folders beyond the selected limit.

Packages completed with `Save & Close` can be reopened from History. Uninstalling the app does not automatically remove saved output folders.

4. Free and DirectCue Pro

Free includes Fix, Line, Draw, Remove, Swap, and Move, with up to three Prompt creations per local calendar day. Usage is consumed only after `DONE` succeeds and creates an output package containing the Prompt. Saved History remains available for viewing and copying after the daily limit, and the allowance returns on the next local calendar day.

DirectCue Pro is a one-time, non-consumable in-app purchase that removes only the daily Prompt-creation limit. It is not a subscription. Free and Pro both offer History retention of 20, 50, or Unlimited, with 20 as the default.

When a purchase is available, review the price and conditions displayed in the DirectCue Pro screen. Restore an eligible purchase using `Restore Purchase` with the same Apple Account used for the purchase. Contact us below if you have a purchase or restore problem.

5. Known limitations

  • Window mode targets a currently visible window that can be brought to the front. It cannot independently capture hidden or covered portions.
  • DirectCue does not provide OCR, AI rewriting, automatic screen changes, or automatic sending to AI services.
  • It does not include accounts, cloud sync, team project management, or dedicated Figma or Slack integrations.
  • Apple Pencil through Sidecar may behave as macOS input, but DirectCue has no dedicated Pencil tuning.
  • Behavior can vary with external displays, sleep/wake, and macOS permission state.

6. Privacy and in-app feedback

Captures, annotations, Prompts, Markdown, clipboard contents, and output files are not sent through optional Usage Analytics or Crash Diagnostics. Both are off by default and can be changed separately in Settings.

Feedback can be sent from `Support` > `Send Feedback` in Settings. DirectCue sends only the message you enter and basic app context. Captures, Prompts, and output files are not attached automatically.

7. Security and permissions

  • The App Store version uses App Sandbox. Output files are saved in the folder the user selects.
  • After the user starts a capture, `DONE` or `Freeze` uses ScreenCaptureKit to take a still image of the selected target. A frozen image is reused for output. DirectCue does not continuously record the screen, record audio, or use the microphone.
  • Window capture does not require Accessibility permission. Capture requires Screen Recording permission, and saving files requires the user to choose an output folder.
  • DirectCue does not automatically send captures, annotations, Prompts, or output files to our servers, AI services, Usage Analytics, or Crash Diagnostics. The user chooses destinations for sharing through copy, drag, or file operations.
  • Optional Crash Diagnostics removes free-text messages and exception values before sending and removes device-specific local file paths from retained technical information.

See the Privacy Policy for details. Use the contact form below to report a security or privacy concern.

8. Contact

You may contact us about:

  • Screen Recording permission or capture problems
  • Annotation, Hand Off, output, or History behavior
  • Free limits, DirectCue Pro, purchase, or restore questions
  • Privacy, diagnostics, or feedback

When possible, include the Mac model, macOS version, DirectCue version, capture mode, steps to reproduce, displayed message, and whether an external display was connected. Remove personal or confidential information from any screenshot you choose to attach.