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ProblemA few years ago I got my first ultra-wide monitor. It was a 49" Samsung monitor. I work as a software engineer, and in my line of work I need to screen share a lot. This almost immediately became a problem due to the size of the monitor. I would either need to get a second display just for screen sharing, share one window at a time (which required me to constantly stop/start sharing to select the new window), or share my entire screen making it difficult for other participants in the call to see what I'm doing due to the size of my display.I wanted a solution to this. At the time, I was on Windows. So, I wrote a very basic application and released it for free on GitHub. This was called "FrameCast". It had a lot of issues, including usability issues. But at the time, it got the job done. After a while I moved away from the ultra wide monitor, so I stopped using the application.Fast forward to 2026 when I again purchased a new Ultra Wide monitor. This time, using macOS. I ran into the same problem again, and when I loaded up my old FrameCast application, it no longer functioned properly on macOS.This led me to creating Raybeam.What is RaybeamRaybeam is a native macOS menu bar application that aims to make screen sharing more accessible for users.It features: A draggable, resizable region of your screen that can be shared in video conferencing applications.
The ability to filter out specific applications from being included in the shared region (this is useful for keeping things like Messages or Discord out of the shared feed, even when they are visible on your screen)
I believe this is one of the key features that sets this application apart from other similar applications.
The ability to notate the shared region with hand drawn notation.
Customizable hot-keys for quickly changing what region of the screen is being shared, toggling the live feed and quickly toggling "draw" mode.
CompareI'm only aware of one similar application to this, which is AnyFrame. Having purchased and tested AnyFrame, it seems to be very laggy when dragging the overlay around, doesn't offer anything similar to Raybeams "hidden apps" feature, and has a much higher barrier to entry with a $70 lifetime license. None of these are issues with Raybeam.PricingI've tried to remain fair with the pricing on this application. I see far too many applications being released with subscription based pricing models that I don't personally believe are reasonable considering the application that's being offered. I didn't want to do that with Raybeam.This application is priced at $9.99 for a lifetime license on the Apple App Store.
Show HN: Raybeam – A better way to screen share on macOS
A better way to screen share on macOS. Specifically targets the problem of screen sharing with ultra-wide monitors, offering features like hidden apps and notation that differentiate it from competitors like AnyFrame, which is described as laggy and more expensive.
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AI Executive Synthesis
A better way to screen share on macOS. Specifically targets the problem of screen sharing with ultra-wide monitors, offering features like hidden apps and notation that differentiate it from competitors like AnyFrame, which is described as laggy and more expensive.
Raybeam addresses a specific, yet common, pain point for software engineers and professionals using ultra-wide monitors: inefficient screen sharing during video conferences. The core innovation lies in its granular control over shared regions, application filtering, and real-time annotation, directly enhancing communication clarity and privacy. This product capitalizes on the growing adoption of large displays and the persistent need for effective remote collaboration tools. Its competitive positioning against AnyFrame, highlighting performance, unique features, and a lifetime pricing model, indicates a clear understanding of user value and market differentiation. The market trend supports specialized utility applications that solve specific workflow frustrations, particularly within the macOS ecosystem, where users often pay for quality-of-life improvements.
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Deep-Dive FAQs
What is Raybeam – A better way to screen share on macOS?
Raybeam – A better way to screen share on macOS is analyzed by our AI as: A better way to screen share on macOS. Specifically targets the problem of screen sharing with ultra-wide monitors, offering features like hidden apps and notation that differentiate it from competitors like AnyFrame, which is described as laggy and more expensive.. It focuses on Raybeam addresses a specific, yet common, pain point for software engineers and professionals using ultra-wide monitors: inefficient screen sharing...
Where did Raybeam – A better way to screen share on macOS originate?
Data for Raybeam – A better way to screen share on macOS was aggregated directly from the Hacker News community ecosystem, representing raw developer and early-adopter sentiment.
When was Raybeam – A better way to screen share on macOS publicly launched?
The initial public indexing or launch date for Raybeam – A better way to screen share on macOS within our tracked developer communities was recorded on May 16, 2026.
How popular is Raybeam – A better way to screen share on macOS?
Raybeam – A better way to screen share on macOS has achieved measurable traction, logging over 2 traction score and facilitating 0 recorded discussions or engagements.
Which technical categories define Raybeam – A better way to screen share on macOS?
Based on metadata extraction, Raybeam – A better way to screen share on macOS is categorized under topics such as: macOS menu bar application, screen share, video conferencing applications, draggable, resizable region.
What are some commercial alternatives to Raybeam – A better way to screen share on macOS?
Our semantic intelligence engine identifies potential commercial alternatives in the SaaS space, such as >=PlayingFild, which offers overlapping value propositions.
How does the creator describe Raybeam – A better way to screen share on macOS?
The original author or development team describes the product as follows: "ProblemA few years ago I got my first ultra-wide monitor. It was a 49" Samsung monitor. I work as a software engineer, and in my line of work I need to screen share a lot. This almost immediately b..."
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Discovery Source
Hacker News Aggregated via automated community intelligence tracking.
Tech Stack Dependencies
No direct open-source NPM package mentions detected in the product documentation.
Media Tractions & Mentions
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