Project and session management
Organizes sessions by working directory, distinguishes git worktrees, preserves full history, and lets users resume sessions with one click, including sessions started in the muse terminal TUI.
Helicon
Helicon is a free, MIT-licensed desktop, web, and editor interface for the Muse Code CLI. It helps developers manage projects and sessions, review diffs and approvals, and inspect usage while using their existing muse login and Muse Code access.
Muse Code interface for desktop, web, and editors
Helicon is a free, MIT-licensed desktop and web interface for the Muse Code command-line tool. It gives sessions a graphical workspace organized around projects, with history, diffs, approvals, and usage information available without replacing the Muse Code models, tools, or subscription.
The application runs locally through a daemon that starts a Muse Code serve host for each workspace and stores state in local SQLite. A Tauri desktop build is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, while the web build connects to a daemon you run. Helicon also provides an editor side panel for VS Code, Cursor, Windsurf, and Antigravity. It is an unofficial community project and requires a working muse login and Muse Code access.
Core features
Inline diffs and file changes
Displays each edit inline in the conversation at the turn where it occurred, with changed-file information available in the editor extension.
Approval queue
Presents command and edit requests as individual approval prompts. Requests remain visible and are not bypassed or batched.
Usage and cost views
Shows estimated thread costs at published API rates, broken down by thread, day, and model, alongside the plan meter reported by Muse Code. These figures are usage readings, not Helicon invoices.
Local daemon workflow
Runs one Muse Code serve host per workspace through the Muse Code Session Protocol and streams events such as approvals and diffs through a local daemon.
Desktop, web, and editor interfaces
Offers a Tauri desktop app for Windows, macOS, and Linux, a browser interface connected to a daemon, and an editor side panel for VS Code, Cursor, Windsurf, and Antigravity.
Practical use cases
Managing several coding projects
Use the desktop application to keep multiple repositories or worktrees organized by directory, inspect earlier conversations, and resume the right session without searching terminal scrollback.
Remote or browser-based access
Work in a browser against a daemon running on your own machine or server when a separate desktop window is not the preferred interface. The browser uses the same React interface and Muse Code sessions.
Controlled agent-assisted changes
Use the approval queue and inline diffs to review proposed shell commands and file edits as they arrive, allowing or rejecting each request before it runs.
Editor-centered development
Open the Helicon panel in an editor to keep threads beside the active project, search prior conversations, review changed files, and start a thread without switching to a standalone app.
Tracking longer-running agent work
Use the event stream and session history to follow parallel agent activity and return to completed or active work with the surrounding project context preserved.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free and MIT licensed, with no Helicon paid tier, account, API key, or second bill.
- Supports native Windows use without requiring WSL, while also supporting WSL2 path translation.
- Combines project and session history, inline diffs, approvals, and cost views in one interface.
- Offers desktop, browser, and editor workflows while continuing to use the existing Muse Code CLI and login.
- Keeps application state local and states that code, prompts, threads, and files do not leave the machine.
Cons
- Helicon depends on the muse CLI, a working muse login, and Muse Code access; it does not replace the underlying subscription or service.
- The project is unofficial, and some builds have distribution caveats: Windows is not code-signed, macOS is not notarized, and the Linux package has no ARM build.
- State is local rather than account-synchronized; the web interface requires a daemon that you run.
FAQ
Is Helicon free, and do I need a Muse Code subscription?
Helicon is free and MIT licensed, with no paid tier, trial, seats, or account. You still need a Muse Code subscription or eligible pay-as-you-go billing because Helicon drives the muse CLI.
What is required to set up Helicon?
Install and sign in to the muse CLI with muse login, then install Helicon. The Windows app, macOS DMG, and Linux AppImage are available; the web app connects to a daemon you run. The desktop app bundles Node.js, while running from source requires Node 22 or newer.
Does Helicon work on Windows and WSL2?
Yes. Helicon has a Windows installer and runs Muse Code natively on Windows. Muse Code inside WSL2 is also supported with two-way path translation; the Windows installer is not code-signed yet, so SmartScreen may display a warning.
Can Helicon be used inside an editor?
Yes. Helicon provides an extension for VS Code, Cursor, Windsurf, and Antigravity. It opens a side panel for the active folder and uses the editor's local Node runtime to run Helicon's local server and muse serve.
Is Helicon an official Meta product?
Helicon is an unofficial community project. It is MIT licensed and not made, sponsored, or endorsed by Meta. It is a client for the Muse Code CLI and is unrelated to the Muse assistant app for Mac.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Developer tool
- Primary use
- Graphical interface for the Muse Code CLI
- Platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux, web, VS Code, Cursor, Windsurf, and Antigravity
- License
- MIT
- Helicon pricing
- Free; no paid tier, account, or API key
- Authentication
- Existing muse login; Muse Code subscription or eligible pay-as-you-go billing required
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