System-wide chat bar
Press Option-Space from any Mac app to open a compact native chat bar, send a question, and return to the app you were using.
Boltbar
Boltbar is a native macOS chat bar for GPT and Claude that opens over any app with Option-Space. It also provides a Claude Code and Codex agent mode for working in selected project folders with configurable permissions.
A keyboard-first AI bar for macOS
Boltbar is a native macOS chat bar for asking GPT or Claude questions from any application. Press Option-Space to open it, send a prompt, and continue working without switching to a separate chat window. It supports model selection, thinking-effort controls, previous chats, message search, attachments, and optional web search with citations.
Its agent mode connects to the Claude Code or Codex CLI already used on the Mac. A chosen project folder supplies the working context, while permission modes determine whether the agent can only read, must ask before actions, can edit without asking, or can run commands freely. Boltbar shows agent actions, follows CLAUDE.md or AGENTS.md project instructions, and can copy a command to continue the session in a terminal.
Features
GPT and Claude access
Use OpenAI or Anthropic API keys, or existing Codex and Claude Code logins. Model switching, thinking effort, previous chats, and message search are available from the keyboard.
Agent mode
Send requests to the Claude Code or Codex CLI in a selected project folder. Each action appears above the reply, with permission modes that control whether the agent reads, asks, edits, or acts freely.
Attachments and web search
Paste, drop, or choose images, PDFs, and text files for follow-up questions. PDFs require an API key; images and text files work with a CLI login.
Search and appearance controls
Hover over the plus control to enable web search when needed; results include citations. Supported settings also include four themes and custom accent colors.
Native macOS app
The native Swift and AppKit app is signed and notarized, about 12 MB installed and under 4 MB to download. Updates are signed and installed when chosen.
Use cases
Quick questions while working
Open the bar over an editor, browser, or other Mac application to ask for an explanation, draft, or technical answer without losing the current context or switching windows.
Guided coding tasks
Choose a project folder and use Claude Code or Codex to inspect files, run read-only commands, diagnose a failing test, or make requested changes with approval controls.
Working with reference files
Attach an image, PDF, or text file and ask follow-up questions while keeping the attachment with the message. API-key requirements vary by file type and login method.
Research with sources
Enable cited web search when a prompt needs current online information, while keeping the request in the same keyboard-driven bar.
Handing work back to the terminal
Use the terminal command copied from an agent chat to continue the same Claude Code or Codex session outside Boltbar.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Works from any Mac app through a global keyboard shortcut.
- Supports both direct provider API keys and existing Claude Code or Codex CLI logins.
- Provides graduated agent permissions and visible action lines before or during project work.
- Stores keys in the macOS Keychain and keeps chats and attachments locally, with no analytics stated.
- Free, MIT licensed, and usable without buying the optional supporter license.
Cons
- macOS 13 Ventura or later is required; there is no Windows or Linux version stated.
- Agent mode requires the Claude Code or Codex CLI and a corresponding signed-in account, while some attachment and search capabilities require an API key.
- The Full agent permission can allow any command anywhere on the Mac, so it requires deliberate use.
FAQ
What does Boltbar require and how is it installed?
Boltbar requires macOS 13 Ventura or later and either an OpenAI or Anthropic API key or a signed-in Codex or Claude Code login. It can be installed with Homebrew, or from a signed and notarized DMG or ZIP release.
How do I use Boltbar's main chat bar?
Press Option-Space in any app to open the chat bar. Press Return to send, Shift-Return to add a line, and Escape to hide it. With the field empty, the arrow keys can switch models and thinking effort, and the right arrow opens previous chats.
How does agent mode work?
Agent mode uses the Claude Code or Codex CLI already installed and signed in on the Mac. Choose a project folder, then select a permission level such as Look, Ask, Edit, or Full. The agent displays actions and can request approval before commands or changes.
What happens to my data?
Boltbar stores API keys in the macOS Keychain and keeps chats and attachments on the Mac. It communicates with the selected AI provider and GitHub for update checks; the site says it has no analytics. Agent-mode CLI sessions send content they read to their provider as they do in a terminal.
Is Boltbar free?
Boltbar is free, MIT licensed, and works without payment. A one-off supporter license is available for €19 or $19; it turns off the occasional reminder. The license key can be entered in Settings → License and recovered using the payment email and Stripe invoice or receipt number.
Quick Facts
- Category
- AI Chat; Productivity; Developer Tool
- Platform
- macOS 13 Ventura or later
- Architecture
- Native Swift and AppKit app
- Access
- OpenAI or Anthropic API keys, or Codex and Claude Code logins
- Agent context
- A selected project folder with Look, Ask, Edit, and Full permission modes
- Licensing
- Free and MIT licensed; optional one-off supporter license