> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://cutaway-docs.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Set up the AI helpers

> Optional. Connect Claude or Codex so Cutaway can make smarter edits and suggest titles.

> [!NOTE]
>
> **You don't need this.** Cutaway works fully without AI. Skip this page if you just want to record and edit.

## What the AI helpers do

With an AI helper connected, Cutaway can:

* make a smarter [first cut](https://cutaway-docs.mintlify.site/edit/first-cut.md), choosing what to keep,
* answer requests in plain words with [Ask AI](https://cutaway-docs.mintlify.site/ai/ask-ai.md), like "make the intro shorter",
* suggest better [thumbnails and titles](https://cutaway-docs.mintlify.site/share/thumbnail-and-title.md).

## How it works

Cutaway doesn't have its own AI. Instead, it uses an AI app you already have on your Mac and are signed in to:

* **Claude Code** (from Anthropic), or
* **Codex** (from OpenAI).

There's no extra account or key to set up in Cutaway.

## Set it up

**1. Install Claude Code or Codex**

Follow the install steps on the Claude Code or Codex website. You need one, not both.

**2. Sign in**

In Cutaway, open **Settings** (press **Command + ,**), then go to **Processing**. Under **AI on this Mac**, press **Sign in to Claude Code…** or **Sign in to Codex…**. A Terminal window opens. Follow the steps there.

**3. Choose which AI to use**

In the same place, pick your AI app under **AI app**.

## Your privacy

Before Cutaway sends anything to an AI, it shows you a window that says exactly what will be sent. You decide, for each project.

* **What's sent**: the text of what you said, a description of your edits, and a few still pictures from your video.
* **Never sent**: your video and sound files. They always stay on your Mac.

If you say no, or you're not signed in, Cutaway simply uses its built-in rules instead.

> [!TIP]
>
> You can see and change these choices any time in **Settings → Processing → What leaves this Mac**.

## Let your AI tool drive Cutaway

Already use Claude Code or Codex for other work? You can also ask it to make videos in Cutaway for you. See [Use Cutaway from Claude or Codex](https://cutaway-docs.mintlify.site/ai/make-videos-from-claude-or-codex.md).


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.