Getting Started with CutServe

CutServe turns raw match footage into a polished condensed game automatically. You shoot the video, tell the app where players serve from, and it does the rest, detecting every rally, organizing your clips, and letting you fine-tune everything before you export. This guide walks you through the whole process from download to your first reel.

Step 1: Download and Install

Head to cutserve.app/download and download the latest version for your platform.

Getting Started

  1. Download CutServe for your platform from the Download page
  2. Mac: Open the DMG and drag CutServe to your Applications folder
  3. Windows: Run the installer and follow the prompts
  4. Launch CutServe and create your first project

CutServe automatically checks for updates. When a new version is available, it downloads in the background and prompts you to restart; no manual downloads needed.

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Windows first launch: If SmartScreen says the app is unrecognized, click More info, then Run anyway.

System Requirements

  • macOS 12 or later (Apple Silicon), or Windows 10 or later
  • At least 4 GB of free disk space recommended for video processing

Step 2: Create Your Account

CutServe requires a free account to track your projects and export usage across sessions.

  1. On first launch, you'll land on the sign-in screen
  2. Click Sign up to create a new account with your email and a password
  3. Check your inbox for a confirmation email and click the link inside
  4. Return to CutServe and sign in

Your account works on the web at cutserve.app as well as inside the desktop app, and the same login gets you both.

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Free plan: Every account starts on the free plan, which includes 3 exports total. You can tag stats, edit clips, and use every editor feature without limits. Exports are the only thing metered.

Step 3: Import Your First Video

From the dashboard, click + New Project.

A file picker will open filtered to MP4 files. Select your match recording and click Open.

CutServe will:

  • Create a new project named after your video file
  • Open it directly into Zone Setup, where you'll mark the four serving positions
ℹ️
File format: CutServe currently supports .mp4 files only. If your footage is in another format (MOV, MTS, AVI), convert it to MP4 first using a free tool like HandBrake before importing.
📝
File location: Your original video file stays exactly where it is. CutServe never moves or modifies your source footage.

What Happens Next

Once you've imported a video, the flow is:

StageWhat you do
Zone SetupDraw four trapezoids around the serving positions
AI ProcessingCutServe analyzes the footage (runs automatically)
EditingReview clips, trim timing, tag stats
ExportRender the final reel or open Broadcast Studio

Each stage is covered in its own guide in the sidebar.