# Parabolic

> GUI frontend for yt-dlp, providing a graphical user interface for users who prefer a visual interaction rather than using the command-line interface

**Wikidata**: [Q125809713](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q125809713)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/parabolic

## Summary
Parabolic (also known as Tube Converter) is a free and open-source graphical user interface (GUI) frontend for yt-dlp, a command-line media downloader. Developed by Nick Logozzo, it allows users to download video and audio from the internet without needing to use the command line. The application is cross-platform, running on Linux (via Flatpak/Snap) and Microsoft Windows.

## Key Facts
- **Aliases:** Tube Converter
- **Category:** Free Software, Download Manager, Computer Program
- **Developer:** Nick Logozzo (Founder and Lead Developer of Nickvision Apps)
- **License:** Expat License (MIT)
- **Primary Function:** GUI frontend for yt-dlp
- **Supported Platforms:** Linux (GNOME using libadwaita), Microsoft Windows
- **Distribution:** Flathub (ID: org.nickvision.tubeconverter), AUR (parabolic), Snap Store (tube-converter)
- **Latest Stable Version:** 2025.1.4 (Released January 30, 2025)
- **Source Repository:** github.com/NickvisionApps/Parabolic
- **Official Website:** nickvision.org/parabolic.html

## FAQs
### Q: What is Parabolic used for?
A: Parabolic is used for downloading video and audio files from various websites. It wraps yt-dlp in a user-friendly graphical interface, making it accessible for users who are not comfortable with command-line tools.

### Q: Is Parabolic free to use?
A: Yes, Parabolic is free software distributed under the Expat license. This means users can freely run, study, modify, and distribute the software.

### Q: What operating systems can run Parabolic?
A: Parabolic runs on Linux and Microsoft Windows. On Linux, it is specifically designed for GNOME desktop environments using the libadwaita framework.

### Q: How is Parabolic different from Parabola GNU/Linux-libre?
A: Parabolic is a download manager application, whereas Parabola GNU/Linux-libre is a complete operating system. They are distinct and separate projects.

## Why It Matters
Parabolic lowers the technical barrier to entry for one of the most powerful media download tools available. By providing a polished, native GUI for yt-dlp, it democratizes access to media archiving, research, and offline viewing. The project is significant in the Linux ecosystem for adhering to modern design guidelines (libadwaita/GNOME), offering a consistent and user-friendly experience compared to many older or cross-platform download managers. Its active development cycle—with frequent stable releases throughout 2024 and into 2025—demonstrates a commitment to keeping the tool functional and up-to-date as websites and streaming protocols change.

## Notable For
- **Modern Linux Integration:** Built specifically with libadwaita for the GNOME desktop, distinguishing it from generic cross-platform downloaders.
- **Simplicity:** Focuses on being a pure GUI frontend, removing the complexity of command-line flags required by yt-dlp.
- **Multi-Format Distribution:** Available across multiple channels including Flathub, Snap, and the Arch User Repository (AUR), ensuring wide accessibility.
- **Active Development:** Maintains a rapid release schedule with multiple stable updates tracked throughout 2024 and 2025.

## Body

### Core Functionality
Parabolic serves as a graphical frontend for yt-dlp, a popular command-line program for downloading videos from YouTube and other sites. It translates the complex command-line arguments of yt-dlp into an intuitive visual interface. Users can paste URLs, select video/audio quality, choose file formats, and manage downloads without writing code.

### Development and History
The software is created and maintained by Nick Logozzo, who is identified as the founder and lead developer of Nickvision apps. The project is open-source, hosted on GitHub, and copyrighted but freely licensed.

### Technical Specifications
- **Framework:** Built using libadwaita (specifically for the GNOME platform on Linux).
- **Programming Language:** Q2370 (C#).
- **Platform Support:** Primarily targets Linux (GNOME) but also operates on Microsoft Windows.
- **Package Identifiers:**
  - Flathub ID: `org.nickvision.tubeconverter`
  - Snap Name: `tube-converter`
  - AUR Package: `parabolic`

### Version History
Parabolic follows a date-based versioning scheme (YYYY.M.P). Key recent stable releases include:
- **2023.12.0** (Released December 31, 2023)
- **2024.5.0** (Released May 17, 2024)
- **2024.10.x** (Multiple releases throughout October 2024)
- **2024.11.x** (Released November 12 and 19, 2024)
- **2025.1.4** (Released January 30, 2025 - Most recent preferred version)

All version data is sourced directly from the project's GitHub release page.

### Licensing
The software is distributed under the Expat License (commonly known as the MIT License), a permissive free software license that allows for broad reuse and modification.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/NickvisionApps/Parabolic/releases/tag/2023.12.0)
2. [Release V2024.5.0 · NickvisionApps/Parabolic](https://github.com/NickvisionApps/Parabolic/releases/tag/2024.5.0)
3. [Release V2024.10.0 · NickvisionApps/Parabolic](https://github.com/NickvisionApps/Parabolic/releases/tag/2024.10.0)
4. [Release V2024.10.1 · NickvisionApps/Parabolic](https://github.com/NickvisionApps/Parabolic/releases/tag/2024.10.1)
5. [Release V2024.10.2 · NickvisionApps/Parabolic](https://github.com/NickvisionApps/Parabolic/releases/tag/2024.10.2)
6. [Release V2024.10.3 · NickvisionApps/Parabolic](https://github.com/NickvisionApps/Parabolic/releases/tag/2024.10.3)
7. [Release V2024.11.0 · NickvisionApps/Parabolic](https://github.com/NickvisionApps/Parabolic/releases/tag/2024.11.0)
8. [Release V2024.11.1 · NickvisionApps/Parabolic](https://github.com/NickvisionApps/Parabolic/releases/tag/2024.11.1)
9. [Release V2025.1.4](https://github.com/NickvisionApps/Parabolic/releases/tag/2025.1.4)