QUIC-based remote transport
Uses the Sirius protocol with QUIC as the main transport layer to keep latency low and throughput high for remote sessions.
Noctiluca Server
Noctiluca Server is an open-source remote desktop host for macOS. It works with Noctiluca Navigator to support remote control, screen projection, clipboard sync, file transfer, and multi-display sessions.
Overview
Noctiluca Server is the macOS host component of Noctiluca’s remote desktop system. It is described as a new remote desktop for macOS and is currently labeled Early Access, with a warning that it may behave unexpectedly while development continues.
The server uses the Sirius protocol and is designed to work with Noctiluca Navigator on supported client platforms. The product focuses on low-latency screen projection, hardware-accelerated encoding, multi-display control, clipboard and file-transfer workflows, and optional plugin-based extensibility.
Features
Hardware-accelerated screen encoding
Uses macOS hardware video acceleration to reduce CPU load while sending the screen and supports adaptive quality based on network conditions.
Multi-display remote control
Supports multi-display hosts, including switching between displays and projecting multiple displays simultaneously.
Custom codec and quality controls
Includes customizable codec settings such as YUV 4:4:4, lossless mode, and HiDPI support for users who need more control over image quality.
Session and plugin security controls
Ships with TLS 1.3, certificate pinning through Noctiluca Navigator’s known-hosts behavior, and plugin bundle signature verification.
Open protocol and extensibility
Supports a plugin bundle system and exposes the Sirius protocol specification and related message definitions as public, open-source documentation.
Use Cases
Remote access to a macOS workstation
Install the server on a Mac you want to access remotely, then connect from Navigator to view the screen and send keyboard and mouse input.
Managing multi-monitor setups
Use the multi-display features to switch between monitors or project several displays when a host Mac has more than one screen attached.
High-fidelity remote work
Tune codec settings such as lossless mode, YUV 4:4:4, or HiDPI support when image fidelity matters more than minimal bandwidth.
Cross-device copy and file exchange
Rely on clipboard sync and file transfer through the clipboard channel when moving text, images, files, or other supported clipboard data between host and client.
Extensible remote desktop development
Extend the server with plugin bundles or build against the open Sirius protocol if you are developing custom authentication, input, or transport-related workflows.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Open source under GPLv3, with the Sirius protocol specification also publicly available.
- Uses QUIC transport, hardware-accelerated encoding, and adaptive quality to support responsive remote sessions.
- Supports multiple authentication methods, including UNIX PAM, password-only login, and SSH key authentication.
- Includes multi-display support and clipboard/file-transfer workflows that are documented in the feature status page.
- Adds security-focused features such as TLS 1.3, known-hosts certificate verification, and plugin signature checks.
Cons
- Early Access status means stability is not guaranteed.
- Some features listed in the implementation status are still in progress or planned, including AppStream, HEVC HDR projection, and parts of clipboard and plugin support.
- Windows and Linux Navigator clients are still in development, so the cross-platform client experience is not fully complete.
FAQ
How do I set up Noctiluca Server?
Noctiluca Server is the host-side remote desktop software for macOS. You download the installer package, install it on the Mac you want to control, and then connect to it with Noctiluca Navigator.
Is Noctiluca Server production-ready?
The software is marked as Early Access and the site warns that it may exhibit unstable or unexpected behavior. The implementation-status page should be checked before relying on a specific feature.
Is Noctiluca Server free to use?
Yes. The docs say Noctiluca is a fully open-source project and that all features can be used for free without limitations.
What platforms does it support?
Noctiluca Navigator is available on macOS and iOS/iPadOS, while Windows and Linux versions are still in development. The server side is presented as a macOS product.
What workflows does it support today?
The docs describe support for screen projection, audio recording/streaming, keyboard and mouse input, clipboard sync, file transfer via the clipboard, and plugin bundles, with some items still in progress or planned.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Remote Desktop
- Platform
- macOS server; Navigator clients for macOS and iOS/iPadOS, with Windows and Linux in development
- Pricing
- Free to use; docs state all features are available without limitations
- License
- GPLv3
- Source domain
- noctiluca.app
- Primary workflow
- Remote control of a macOS machine with screen projection, input, clipboard, and file-transfer support
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