agterm

agterm is a native macOS terminal emulator with a full control API for scripts and AI coding agents.

agterm is a native macOS terminal built on Ghostty's GPU-accelerated rendering engine, designed for multi-session workflows and running AI coding agents. It organizes sessions into named workspaces grouped in a vertical sidebar, allowing you to split panes, use floating overlays, and navigate with fuzzy palettes. A bundled local control API and CLI tool, agtermctl, drive layouts, type into panes, and read session text back programmatically. An installable skill also lets coding agents like Claude Code or Codex build layouts and manage windows autonomously. Features include agent status glyphs, live session persistence across app restarts, remote session attachment via SSH, dashboards, scratch terminals, and over 500 bundled themes. It is intended for developers juggling multiple projects and concurrent coding agents who need deep scriptability and keyboard-first navigation.

agterm at a glance

Best for: Software engineer
Runs on: macOS
Pricing: Free
Released: June 2026
Category: AI coding tool
Website: agterm.com

Key features

Named workspaces and sessions
Local control API and agtermctl CLI
Agent status glyphs for sidebar rows
Live session persistence across app restarts
Remote session attachment over SSH
Split panes and floating overlays
Scratch terminal and quick terminal
Live-preview theme picker with 512 themes

Use it for

Running multiple AI coding agents concurrently
Managing multi-project workflows across named workspaces
Automating terminal layouts and tasks with scripts
Monitoring session output with live dashboards

Alternatives to agterm

NodeTerm — It keeps terminal processes and agent sessions alive across machine reboots.
Gtree — Runs multiple AI coding agents together and flags file overlaps.
Gvmux — It wraps libghostty with a vertical tab layout and live Claude Code tracking.
cmux — It features vertical tabs, notification rings, and split panes for AI coding.
AG-UI — Standardizes agent-user interactions and generative UI for applications.
jevgrep — Reduces coding agent costs by providing targeted, relevant repository context.
Kaku — It works immediately out of the box with zero configuration required.
Genkit — Provides unified APIs and local developer tools for AI application workflows.
Unterm — External AI agent control via MCP and built-in Agent Cockpit for managing multiple agents.
Oracle — Provides a single entry point for multiple pro AI agents and session management.
Shell GPT — Executes generated shell commands and code snippets directly within the terminal.
Muster — Manage multiple AI coding sessions without switching app windows.

All agterm alternatives