What it does
ArcReel is a video production workspace you run yourself. It turns a novel, a finished script or product material into characters, scenes, storyboards, video clips and a final film.
Its makers say it keeps characters looking the same across shots by reusing reference images. You can approve key steps, redo single pieces and roll back to earlier versions.
You connect your own text, image, video and voice AI services, and it shows costs before and after generating. Videos can also be exported as drafts for the editing app Jianying (the Chinese version of CapCut).
Who it's for
Creators and small teams making short dramas, narrated videos or ads with AI.
Can I use it without coding?
With some setup. It starts with Docker, then everything is set up in a web page. New to this? Start here.
Can I run it?
- Cost
- Free, but needs an AI accountThe software is free, but it uses an online AI service (like OpenAI or Anthropic), which usually charges for use.
- Runs on
- Server
- Computer
- An ordinary computer is fine
- Privacy
- Sends what you give it to an online service
- API key
- Needed. An API key is a password-like code from an online AI service. What's that?
Try it
- Install Docker and start ArcReel with Docker Compose.
- Open the web page and sign in as admin.
- In Settings, connect your text, image and video AI services, then create a project.
Using Claude Code, Cursor or another AI coding assistant? Paste the prompt and it will walk you through the setup.New to this?
Before you install
- Only download from the official GitHub page. Copies with similar names exist for many popular projects.
- License (AGPL-3.0): Free to use; if you run a changed version as an online service, you must share your source code.
- Keep your API key private. Never paste it into websites or share it, and set a spending limit with the AI service.
- What you type or upload is sent to an online service. Avoid sharing private or sensitive information.
- More on staying safe