Boltbar

Boltbar is a native chat bar for macOS that lets users query GPT and Claude or run agents in project folders.

Boltbar is a small, native chat bar application for macOS designed to run from any app using a global keyboard shortcut. Users can ask questions to GPT and Claude or use an agent mode with Claude Code and Codex to work directly inside project folders. The application supports images, PDFs, and text files as attachments and integrates with OpenAI or Anthropic API keys or existing CLI logins. It features multiple themes, permission controls for agent actions, and optional web search. Boltbar stores chats and attachments locally on the Mac and is built with Swift and AppKit.

Boltbar at a glance

Best for: Software engineer
Runs on: macOS
Pricing: Free and open source with an optional €19 or $19 supporter license.
Released: October 2026
Category: AI productivity tool
Website: juanluis.me

Key features

Native macOS chat bar
Agent mode for Claude Code and Codex
Global keyboard shortcut access
Local chat and file storage
Image, PDF, and text file attachments
Permission controls for agent actions
Multiple visual themes

Use it for

Asking questions to AI models from any application
Running coding agents inside project folders
Analyzing text files, images, and PDFs
Searching the web with model citations

Companions

Tools that articles about Boltbar recommend using with it, each with its job.

Claude — Built to work with Claude.
Composio — Equips AI agents with tools, managed user auth, and sandboxes across 1,500+ apps
Make — Runs and manages Make scenarios from a conversation.
Canva — Templates for almost any design, plus AI editing in one tool
Figma — Brings design files and components into the chat.
Context7 — Up-to-date API documentation for coding questions.

Alternatives to Boltbar

CodexBar — See Codex, Claude, Cursor and 86 other limits in the menu bar
SupaYatta — Tracks Claude Code, Cowork, and Codex sessions in the Mac notch with instant alerts.
FuelBar for Mac and Windows — Monitors multiple AI coding usage limits in one small always-on-top interface.
Muster — Manage multiple AI coding sessions without switching app windows.
Lancetta — It calculates exact quota guidance locally without spending any model tokens.
MacGPT — Access ChatGPT from anywhere on the Mac using a menu bar or global text field.
IntelliBar — Connects to multiple AI models and local models without subscription fees.
Ida — Controls your Mac and apps using voice or text commands with one key.
barn — Monitors multiple AI coding agents on your Mac and jumps to the exact tab when needed.
bytemail — Connects directly to email providers without using intermediary servers.
ChatGPT Overlay Bar — Provides fast and easy menu bar access to ChatGPT on macOS.
TokenBar — It monitors AI quotas across 50 services locally without sharing credentials.

All Boltbar alternatives