Best for
- Converting .cast recordings to searchable .txt format
- Preparing recordings for Claude Code Read/Grep tools
- Batch converting multiple recordings
Source profileQuality 91/100
terrylica/cc-skills/plugins/asciinema-tools/skills/asciinema-converter/SKILL.md
asciinema-converter
Convert .cast recordings to .txt for analysis. TRIGGERS - convert cast, cast to txt, strip ANSI, batch convert.
- Source repository stars
- 62
- Declared platforms
- 0
- Static risk flags
- 0
- Last source update
- 2026-08-24
- Source checked
- 2026-08-25
Decision brief
What it does: where it fits
Convert asciinema .cast recordings to clean .txt files for Claude Code analysis. Achieves 950:1 compression (3.8GB - 4MB) by stripping ANSI codes and JSON structure.
Not for
- Tasks that require unconfirmed production actions or broad system permissions.
- Environments where the pinned source and install steps cannot be inspected.
Compatibility matrix
Platform support, with evidence labels
| Platform | Status | Evidence | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Codex | Not declared | No explicit evidence | Portability before use |
| Claude Code | Not declared | No explicit evidence | Portability before use |
| Cursor | Not declared | No explicit evidence | Portability before use |
| Gemini CLI | Not declared | No explicit evidence | Portability before use |
Installation
Inspect first. Install second.
The source command is displayed only when detected. A safe inspection prompt is always available so your agent can explain every action before execution.
Source-detected install commandSource
npx skills add https://github.com/terrylica/cc-skills --skill "plugins/asciinema-tools/skills/asciinema-converter"Safe inspection promptEditorial
Inspect the Agent Skill "asciinema-converter" from https://github.com/terrylica/cc-skills/blob/a5f847b22ee5afa35677e446973a903d098cd1d4/plugins/asciinema-tools/skills/asciinema-converter/SKILL.md at commit a5f847b22ee5afa35677e446973a903d098cd1d4. List every install step, command, network request, credential, file read/write, external action, and rollback step. Explain whether it fits my task. Do not install or execute anything until I approve.
Workflow
What the source asks the agent to do
- 01
Workflow Overview
IMPORTANT: All phases are MANDATORY. Do NOT skip any phase. AskUserQuestion MUST be used at each decision point.
IMPORTANT: All phases are MANDATORY. Do NOT skip any phase. AskUserQuestion MUST be used at each decision point.Full implementation details: Workflow PhasesActivated via --batch flag. Converts all .cast files in a directory with organized output. - 02
When to Use This Skill
Converting .cast recordings to searchable .txt format
Converting .cast recordings to searchable .txt formatPreparing recordings for Claude Code Read/Grep toolsBatch converting multiple recordings - 03
Why Convert?
Key benefit: Claude Code's Read and Grep tools work directly on .txt output.
Key benefit: Claude Code's Read and Grep tools work directly on .txt output. - 04
Requirements
Review the “Requirements” section in the pinned source before continuing.
Review and apply the “Requirements” source section. - 05
Single File Mode (Phases 0-6)
Full implementation details: Workflow Phases
Full implementation details: Workflow Phases
Permission review
Static risk signals and limitations
No configured static risk pattern was detected
This is not proof of safety. Runtime behavior, indirect dependencies, and hidden external systems are outside the static scan.
Evidence record
Why each signal appears
EvidenceSourceComputedTestedEditorial
| Signal | Value | Evidence type | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality score | 91/100 | Computed | Documentation, specificity, maintenance, and trust rules |
| Repository stars | 62 | Source | Repository attention, not individual Skill quality |
| Compatibility | 0 platforms | Source | Declared in the catalog source record |
| Usage guide | automated source guide | Editorial | Generated or reviewed according to the visible evidence level |
Pinned source
Provenance and original SKILL.md
- Repository
- terrylica/cc-skills
- Skill path
- plugins/asciinema-tools/skills/asciinema-converter/SKILL.md
- Commit
- a5f847b22ee5afa35677e446973a903d098cd1d4
- License
- MIT
- Collected
- 2026-08-25
- Default branch
- main
View the original SKILL.md
asciinema-converter
Convert asciinema .cast recordings to clean .txt files for Claude Code analysis. Achieves 950:1 compression (3.8GB -> 4MB) by stripping ANSI codes and JSON structure.
Platform: macOS, Linux (requires asciinema CLI v2.4+)
Self-Evolving Skill: This skill improves through use. If instructions are wrong, parameters drifted, or a workaround was needed — fix this file immediately, don't defer. Only update for real, reproducible issues.
When to Use This Skill
Use this skill when:
- Converting .cast recordings to searchable .txt format
- Preparing recordings for Claude Code Read/Grep tools
- Batch converting multiple recordings
- Reducing storage size of session archives
- Extracting clean text from ANSI-coded terminal output
Why Convert?
| Format | Size (22h session) | Claude Code Compatible | Searchable |
|---|---|---|---|
| .cast | 3.8GB | No (NDJSON + ANSI) | Via jq |
| .txt | ~4MB | Yes (clean text) | Grep/Read |
Key benefit: Claude Code's Read and Grep tools work directly on .txt output.
Requirements
| Component | Required | Installation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| asciinema | Yes | brew install asciinema | v2.4+ for convert cmd |
Workflow Overview
IMPORTANT: All phases are MANDATORY. Do NOT skip any phase. AskUserQuestion MUST be used at each decision point.
Single File Mode (Phases 0-6)
| Phase | Purpose | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Preflight check | Verify asciinema CLI v2.4+ |
| 1 | File discovery & selection | AskUserQuestion: file to convert |
| 2 | Output options | AskUserQuestion: conversion opts |
| 3 | Output location | AskUserQuestion: save destination |
| 4 | Execute conversion | asciinema convert -f txt |
| 5 | Timestamp index | Optional [HH:MM:SS] index |
| 6 | Next steps | AskUserQuestion: what's next |
Full implementation details: Workflow Phases
Batch Mode (Phases 7-10)
Activated via --batch flag. Converts all .cast files in a directory with organized output.
| Phase | Purpose | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Source selection | AskUserQuestion (skip if --source) |
| 8 | Output organization | AskUserQuestion (skip if --output-dir) |
| 9 | Execute batch | Convert all with progress reporting |
| 10 | Batch next steps | AskUserQuestion: what's next |
Full implementation details: Batch Workflow
iTerm2 Filename Format
iTerm2 auto-logged files follow this format:
{creationTimeString}.{profileName}.{termid}.{iterm2.pid}.{autoLogId}.cast
Example: 20260118_232025.Claude Code.w0t1p1.70C05103-2F29-4B42-8067-BE475DB6126A.68721.4013739999.cast
| Component | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| creationTimeString | YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS | 20260118_232025 |
| profileName | iTerm2 profile (may have dots) | Claude Code |
| termid | Window/tab/pane identifier | w0t1p1 |
| iterm2.pid | iTerm2 process UUID | 70C05103-2F29-4B42-8067-BE475DB6126A |
| autoLogId | Session auto-log identifier | 68721.4013739999 |
CLI Quick Reference
# Basic conversion
asciinema convert -f txt recording.cast recording.txt
# Check asciinema version
asciinema --version
# Verify convert command exists
asciinema convert --help
Reference Documentation
Internal References
- Workflow Phases - Single file mode phases 0-6 with full scripts
- Batch Workflow - Batch mode phases 7-10 with full scripts
- Task Templates - TodoWrite templates for single and batch modes
- Post-Change Checklist - Verification after modifications
- Anti-Patterns - Common mistakes to avoid
- Batch Processing - Patterns for bulk conversion
- Integration Guide - Chaining with analyze/summarize
External References
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| convert command not found | asciinema too old | Upgrade: brew upgrade asciinema (need v2.4+) |
| asciinema not installed | Missing CLI | brew install asciinema |
| Empty output file | Corrupted .cast input | Verify .cast file has valid NDJSON structure |
| Conversion failed | Invalid cast format | Check header line is valid JSON with jq |
| numfmt not found | macOS missing coreutils | Use raw byte count or brew install coreutils |
| stat syntax error | Linux vs macOS difference | Script handles both; check stat version |
| Batch skipping all files | All .txt already exist | Use --skip-existing=false to reconvert |
| Permission denied on output | Directory not writable | Check output directory permissions |
Post-Execution Reflection
After this skill completes, check before closing:
- Did the command succeed? — If not, fix the instruction or error table that caused the failure.
- Did parameters or output change? — If the underlying tool's interface drifted, update Usage examples and Parameters table to match.
- Was a workaround needed? — If you had to improvise (different flags, extra steps), update this SKILL.md so the next invocation doesn't need the same workaround.
Only update if the issue is real and reproducible — not speculative.
Frequently asked questions
What to verify before installation and use
What does the asciinema-converter source document cover?
Convert asciinema .cast recordings to clean .txt files for Claude Code analysis. Achieves 950:1 compression (3.8GB - 4MB) by stripping ANSI codes and JSON structure.
How do I install asciinema-converter?
The source record exposes this install command: npx skills add https://github.com/terrylica/cc-skills --skill "plugins/asciinema-tools/skills/asciinema-converter". Inspect the command and pinned source before running it.
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