Improve your computer performance when using mmhmm

Video software can be demanding on your computer. When you are running mmhmm alongside  Zoom, Google Meet, or other memory-intensive programs, you may notice issues such as slower response time, computer fan noise, or choppy or delayed video. Here are some steps you can take to optimize your computer’s available resources.

Restart your computer

Restarting your machine can free up system resources, especially if it’s been a while since you last restarted.

Mac Windows

On your Mac, Click on the Apple logo on the top left-hand side of your screen, then select Restart.

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If you don’t want app windows that are open to reopen when your Mac restarts, deselect Reopen windows when logging back in.

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Quit unnecessary programs

Mac Windows

There are two ways to find and quit running apps quickly on Mac.

Using the Dock

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Locate the Dock at the bottom of the Mac screen (if icons are not visible, move your mouse over that area to show them). Running applications have a dot under them. 

  1. Right-click on the icon once to activate that application. 
  2. Select Quit.
  3. Repeat until all the applications you aren’t using are closed.

Using the Application Switcher

On your keyboard, hold the command (⌘) key down, then press Tab (⌘-tab) to see the Application Switcher.

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You’ll see a row of icons with all of your computers running applications appear in the middle of the screen. 

  1. While continuing to hold the command key down, tap the Tab key to cycle through them. 
  2. When the icon for an application you want to quit is highlighted, while continuing to hold the command key, press Q (⌘-Q) to quit it. It should disappear from the icon list.
  3. Repeat until all the applications you aren’t using are closed.

 

Use balanced mode

By default, mmhmm records video in 30 frames-per-second (commonly expressed as FPS). Enable balance mode in mmhmm to record video in a 24 FPS format. This provides a more fluid-like video experience for computers that struggle recording in the standard 30 FPS.

Mac Windows
Note: Balanced mode is only available on Macs that have intel CPUs.
Click Performance in the Mac menu bar, then click Balanced mode to enable it.

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Use a physical green screen

The virtual green screen feature in mmhmm requires a lot of computer resources. If you have a physical green screen, consider using it instead. To learn more about green screens and lighting, read this article on green screen best practices.

Enable system extensions

Note: System extensions must be enabled on macOS for mmhmm to work properly.

mmhmm will prompt you to enable system extensions when installing it for the first time. If you missed this step initially, follow the steps below to learn how to enable system extensions for mmhmm manually.

  1. Open the System Preferences app and navigate to the Security & Privacy settings.
  2. Then, click Allow next to the System software from application "mmhmm" was blocked from loading prompt to enable mmhmm  system extensions.

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I don't see the Allow button

If the Allow button does not appear in the Security & Privacy settings, you must delete the mmhmm app and reinstall it from the beginning.

  1. Navigate to the Applications folder in Finder.
  2. Right click the mmhmm app and select Move to Trash

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  3. Reinstall mmhmm using the steps listed in Install and set up mmhmm.

Don’t see the answer to your question? If you’re having technical difficulties or want to suggest a topic for this guide, submit a support ticket or email us at help@mmhmm.app.

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