vhs-recording

name	vhs-recording
description	Generates terminal recordings using VHS tape scripts and produces GIF outputs. Use when creating demo GIFs or documenting CLI workflows for tutorials.
alwaysApply	false
category	media-generation
tags	["vhs","terminal","recording","gif","demo","tutorial"]
tools	[]
complexity	medium
model_hint	standard
estimated_tokens	600
progressive_loading	true
modules	["modules/tape-syntax.md","modules/execution.md"]

VHS Recording Skill

Generate professional terminal recordings from VHS tape files.

When To Use

• Recording terminal sessions with VHS tape scripts
• Creating terminal demo recordings for documentation

When NOT To Use

• Browser-based workflows - use scry:browser-recording instead
• Non-terminal demos or GUI applications

Overview

VHS converts declarative tape files into animated GIFs of terminal sessions. Tape files define commands, timing, and terminal appearance.

Required TodoWrite Items

- Locate and validate tape file
- Check VHS installation status
- Execute VHS recording
- Verify output GIF creation

Module Reference

• See modules/tape-syntax.md for VHS tape file directives
• See modules/execution.md for recording workflow details

Workflow

Phase 1: Validate Tape File

1. Confirm tape file exists at specified path
2. Read tape file contents
3. Verify required directives:
   • Output directive specifies GIF destination
   • At least one action command (Type, Enter, etc.)

Phase 2: Check VHS Installation

which vhs && vhs --version

If not installed:

# Linux/WSL
go install github.com/charmbracelet/vhs@latest

# macOS
brew install charmbracelet/tap/vhs

# Also requires ttyd and ffmpeg

Phase 3: Execute Recording

vhs <tape-file.tape>

VHS will:

1. Parse tape file directives
2. Launch virtual terminal (ttyd)
3. Execute commands with timing
4. Capture frames
5. Encode to GIF using ffmpeg

Phase 4: Verify Output

1. Check GIF file exists at Output path
2. Verify file size is non-zero
3. Report success with output location

Exit Criteria

• GIF file created at specified Output path
• File size indicates successful recording (typically >50KB)
• No error messages from VHS execution

Troubleshooting