Online Tools
Use a web downloader when you already have a media URL. If you only have a webpage address, use the extension to identify a permitted media request first.
The current HLS/DASH download pages fetch media through the FlowPick extension request bridge, so the extension must be installed and enabled. The HLS/MPD analyzers can independently inspect manifests that permit browser access, or pasted manifest text. Successful analysis does not remove the download extension requirement.
Choose the right input
| Input | Tool | Expected output |
|---|---|---|
| Direct MP4/WebM or other video file | Video Downloader | The accessible source file; downloading does not convert its codec |
| Direct MP3/M4A or other audio file | Audio Downloader | The accessible audio file |
| HLS M3U8 playlist | M3U8 Downloader | A supported merged stream after track/quality selection |
| DASH MPD manifest | DASH Downloader | Supported selected video and audio tracks merged into an output file |
A reproducible first download
- Open M3U8 Downloader and use the on-page sample link.
- The sample is a four-second VOD playlist containing two two-second TS segments. It has no encryption, login or external CDN dependency.
- Analyze the source, follow any save-location prompt and download it. Play the result: expect a moving test pattern and a steady tone.
- For separate audio/video tracks, try the sample on DASH Downloader. Check that the saved result contains both tracks with Media Information.
A working sample is useful for diagnosing the browser and local processing path. It does not prove that another website permits cross-origin access or that a large file fits the available storage.
Why another URL can fail
| Symptom | What to check | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| HTML response instead of media | The URL may point to a player page | Detect the actual media URL on the original page |
| 401 or 403 | Login context, source policy, expired signatures or Referer rules | Refresh the permitted source and use the extension if supported |
| Cross-origin error | The source may not allow this site's origin | Try the authorized extension workflow on the original page |
| Video with no sound | DASH/HLS may have a separate audio track | Check the manifest and selected tracks |
| DRM reported | Protected content is outside the supported workflow | Use the source provider's official offline option |
| Saving stops | Disk space, browser storage quota, permission or tab suspension | Keep the tab open and check the output location |
Local and cloud are separate choices
Local downloads fetch media from its source and process it on your device. They still require a network connection to the source. A chosen cloud transfer sends the submitted source to FlowPick infrastructure and uses the displayed account quota; it does not receive your personal login cookies or custom authorization headers. It cannot fix DRM or a source that refuses server-side access.
Keep the result safe
Use desktop Chrome or Edge when a directory-writing job requires it. Save temporary results before closing the page, and check both picture and sound. Changing a container does not make an unsupported codec universally playable. See Browser Compatibility and Privacy Policy.
Search & Filter
URL search (fuzzy and regex), type and size filters in the FlowPick popup, and how to combine them to locate resources quickly.
Browser Compatibility
FlowPick feature support across different browsers, including API compatibility matrix, fallback strategies, and browser selection recommendations.