Notch-style live surface
When idle, the macOS overlay matches the notch cutout; on Windows, it appears as a borderless, always-on-top pill centered at the top of the main display.
Notchcode
Notchcode is a desktop monitor for Claude Code and OpenAI Codex that shows active sessions in a MacBook-notch-style overlay on macOS and a top-center pill on Windows. It focuses on local session tracking, terminal jump-back, and on-device monitoring.
Overview
Notchcode is an ambient monitor for Claude Code and OpenAI Codex that lives in a MacBook notch-style overlay on macOS and a top-center status pill on Windows. It is designed to show active agent sessions without requiring users to switch away from their current workspace.
The project supports macOS 13+ and Windows 10 (1809+) / Windows 11. According to the README, it watches local session files and hook events, offers additive auto hook setup for Claude Code and Codex, and keeps everything on-device with no analytics, telemetry, or network calls beyond loopback.
Features
Live session monitoring
Tracks multiple Claude Code sessions in real time through hooks, with a file-watcher fallback so sessions still appear if hooks are unavailable.
Claude Code and Codex support
Monitors OpenAI Codex CLI sessions in the same pipeline and shows mixed Claude Code and Codex sessions side by side with CC/CD badges.
Jump-to-terminal action
Lets you tap the notch to focus the relevant terminal when Claude is waiting on a permission prompt.
Session drill-down
Shows conversation history as a live-tailed session drill-down when you tap into an active session.
Usage and lifecycle tracking
Tracks local token usage with a weekly budget and a quiet warning before you hit the limit, then ends sessions gracefully and detects crashed sessions automatically.
Use Cases
Track active agent sessions
Useful for people who keep Claude Code or Codex sessions running in parallel and want a persistent, glanceable view of what is active without opening another app.
Return to the right terminal quickly
Helps when Claude pauses for permission or input, since one tap can focus the terminal that needs attention.
Watch local usage and pacing
Supports users who want to monitor token usage locally and get a warning before a weekly budget is exceeded.
Separate mixed Claude and Codex sessions
Fits workflows where both Claude Code and Codex are used in the same day and need to be distinguished clearly in the interface.
Keep agent monitoring on-device
Works for users who want a local-only monitor that uses on-device data, hook events, and a fallback file watcher instead of cloud reporting.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Supports both Claude Code and OpenAI Codex from one interface.
- Provides live monitoring with hooks plus a file-watcher fallback, which keeps sessions visible even if hooks are not installed.
- Includes platform-specific installation paths for macOS and Windows.
- Keeps activity local according to the README, with no analytics or telemetry and no network calls beyond loopback.
- Offers practical workflow controls such as terminal focus, session history drill-down, and session end handling.
Cons
- The README does not provide full details for every setup path, especially for advanced workflows or team deployment.
- The project notes roadmap items such as search, export, customizable auto-expand rules, and multi-monitor selection, so those capabilities are not yet presented as complete.
FAQ
Which platforms does Notchcode support?
It supports macOS 13+ and Windows 10 (1809+) / Windows 11, according to the README.
Which agent tools does it monitor?
The README says it works with Claude Code and/or Codex CLI, and v1.1.0 added Codex CLI support.
How is Notchcode installed?
On macOS, the project says you can download a signed and notarized DMG from Releases or build from source with Xcode 16+. On Windows, you can download the installer from Releases or build with the Tauri app in `windows/app`.
Does Notchcode send data to external services?
The README says it watches local session files and hook events, and that everything stays on your machine with no analytics, telemetry, or network calls beyond loopback.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Developer Tool
- Platforms
- macOS 13+; Windows 10 (1809+) / Windows 11
- Supported agents
- Claude Code; OpenAI Codex CLI
- License
- MIT
- Source domain
- github.com
- Launch info
- v1.0.0 launched June 2026; v1.1.0 added Codex CLI support
Notchcode Alternativen
ByteAsk
ByteAsk is a terminal-first AI coding agent for C and C++ that edits repositories and verifies changes with the real compiler, debugger, sanitizers, and tests before showing a diff. It offers a free tier plus paid plans, with editor connectors and zero-retention handling described in the source.
CreateOS Sandbox
CreateOS Sandbox is an isolated compute environment for running code and agent workloads inside Firecracker micro-VMs. It is designed for workflows that need machine-level isolation, private networking between sandboxes, and programmatic control through SDK, CLI, or MCP.
hob
hob is an independent workspace for coding agents that keeps agent sessions, terminals, history, and follow-up work organized around the tools and providers you already use. It is aimed at developers who want local control over routing, history, and workspace structure rather than a bundled model stack.
Manta AI
Manta AI is an autonomous web app testing tool for teams that want to map application behavior, catch regressions, and generate tests without writing scripts or maintaining selectors. It works from a URL and supports plain-English test flows, run results with screenshots, and scheduled or deployment-triggered checks.
SonOf
SonOf connects to your repo and PM tool, audits the codebase and surrounding product context, and turns approved work into shipped tickets with senior engineering review. It is aimed at founders and engineering leaders who need backlog help without hiring a full team immediately.
Ghost
Ghost ist ein terminalbasierter KI-Assistent für Chats, Code-Generierung und Aufgaben direkt in der Kommandozeile. Mit kostenlosen Modellen, Linux, macOS und Windows. Open Source.