Task queue with live prioritization
Add tasks to a queue, assign each task to a specific agent, and reorder priorities without stopping work in progress.
Axel
Axel is a native macOS task manager for queuing work and sending it to AI agents like Claude, Codex, OpenCode, and Antigravity.
Overview
Axel is a native macOS task manager for people who run coding agents from a queue instead of one prompt at a time. It lets you add tasks, choose which agent should handle each one, and reorder priorities while work is already running.
The product is built around a shared inbox for permissions and a project file called `AXEL.md`, so tasks, approvals, skills, and workspace layout stay organized in one place. The site says Axel works with Claude, Codex, OpenCode, and Antigravity, and also calls out support for tmux or iTerm2 sessions, worktrees, keyboard shortcuts, and macOS notifications.
Core features
Multiple agent support
Dispatch tasks to Claude, Codex, OpenCode, or Antigravity from the same queue instead of switching tools manually.
Central permission inbox
Approve or deny file edits, shell commands, and API calls from a single inbox with context such as file paths, diffs, and command arguments.
Portable skills
Store reusable skill files in `~/.config/axel/skills` and have Axel symlink them into each agent’s expected location at launch.
Project-specific workspace setup
Use `AXEL.md` to define project layout, panes, skills, and grid positions with YAML frontmatter and markdown.
Branch sessions and persistence
Start a git worktree and tmux session for a branch, then reattach later or use iTerm2 for persistent sessions.
Common use cases
Managing parallel agent work
Queue a set of coding tasks, assign each one to a different agent, and reprioritize the list as new work comes in.
Approving agent actions
Review edit requests, command prompts, and API-call permissions from one inbox instead of handling them in separate tools.
Standardizing repeatable project workflows
Use `AXEL.md` and reusable skill files to keep project instructions, layout, and agent-specific behavior consistent across runs.
Persistent branch sessions
Spin up a branch-specific worktree with a tmux session, then reattach later if you close the terminal.
Keyboard-driven local agent management
Run on a Mac with keyboard shortcuts and notifications for a workflow that stays mostly in the background.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Combines task queueing, agent selection, and live reordering in one macOS app.
- Centralizes edit, command, and API permissions in a single inbox.
- Supports multiple agents rather than limiting users to a single model provider.
- Includes project-level workflow files, reusable skills, and session persistence for repeatable setups.
- Provides context-rich approval requests and macOS notifications when an agent is blocked.
Cons
- The pricing page fetched from the site did not expose usable plan or trial details.
- The source does not document deep setup requirements or team administration features in detail.
FAQ
What is Axel?
Axel is a native macOS task manager built for queueing work and dispatching it to supported agents such as Claude, Codex, OpenCode, and Antigravity.
Which platforms does Axel support?
The source shows a Mac download and describes Axel as a native macOS app. It also mentions support for iOS and visionOS in the product page copy, but the primary product workflow is presented for Mac.
How does Axel fit into an agent workflow?
Axel lets you add tasks to a queue, reorder them while work is running, and dispatch each task to a chosen agent from the same interface.
How are permissions handled?
Axel includes an inbox for approvals where agents can request permission to edit files, run commands, or make API calls. You can approve, deny, or set auto-approve rules.
What does Axel cost?
The product page says pricing information is not available on the pricing URL that was fetched, so the source does not confirm plan names, free tiers, or trial details.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Developer Tool
- Platform
- macOS
- Primary workflow
- Queue tasks and dispatch them to AI agents
- Supported agents
- Claude, Codex, OpenCode, Antigravity
- Project file
- AXEL.md
- Domain
- axel.build
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