Notchcode icon

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.

Notchcode

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

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.

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