Frequently Asked Questions · Sayl
Clear and direct answers about using, configuring, and contributing to Sayl.
Is Sayl truly free and without ads?
Yes, Sayl is 100% free and open-source under the Apache-2.0 license. It contains zero ads, no popups, no bundled junkware, and requires no subscriptions or serial keys.
Is Sayl safe? What about the Windows SmartScreen warning?
Yes, Sayl is completely safe and fully open-source on GitHub. Because independent open-source projects without costly EV code-signing certificates trigger Microsoft Defender SmartScreen initially, simply click 'More info' and then 'Run anyway' to launch.
What are the system requirements for Sayl?
Sayl runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11 (64-bit). The engine is built in ultra-efficient Rust, consuming negligible RAM and CPU even during massive multi-gigabyte transfers.
How does Sayl accelerate downloads compared to browsers?
Browsers typically download through a single stream. Sayl splits each file into multiple parallel parts (up to 16 concurrent connections), transferring all chunks simultaneously to maximize network bandwidth.
How do I install the browser extension?
Simply go to Sayl > Settings > Browser Extension > Activate, then click 'Add to browser' in your official browser store (Chrome, Edge, or Brave). Sayl will automatically capture downloads.
Where does Sayl store files and local data?
Completed files are saved to `Downloads\SAYL`. Task records and local journals reside inside `.data` on your disk. No data is ever sent to external cloud servers.
What happens if my connection drops or PC turns off?
Sayl writes byte progress atomically into a `.part` file. When connection restores, it validates server ETag/headers and resumes exactly where it stopped without restarting.
Does Sayl download videos from YouTube and social platforms?
In the current v0.1.0 release, Sayl handles direct HTTP/HTTPS files. Dedicated video extraction with quality selection is scheduled for v0.2.0 via yt-dlp and FFmpeg integration.
What are Plugins and Themes in Sayl?
We are building an open plugin and theme architecture for v0.2.0, enabling support for video providers and custom color palettes without altering the core engine.
How does auto-shutdown on completion work?
Enable it in Settings. Once all active tasks finish successfully, Sayl presents a 30-second warning countdown allowing you to cancel anytime before shutdown occurs.
How do I completely uninstall Sayl?
Sayl leaves no hidden registry residue. Simply delete the application directory and the `.data` folder, and all traces are cleanly removed.
How can I contribute to Sayl or support the project?
Contributions and feedback are warmly welcomed on GitHub! You can also support ongoing development and code-signing costs by sponsoring on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/athar_studio).