offstage

offstage is a coding agent tool that provides a second macOS account for background GUI work.

offstage gives your coding agent a second macOS account, logged in behind yours, so that simulators, Xcode UI tests, and built apps open on that account's desktop instead of yours. Your screen, keyboard, and mouse remain entirely yours while the agent executes commands, runs tests, and interacts with browsers. It works with Claude Code, Codex, and opencode through MCP, as well as via CLI. The setup involves a helper account called computeruse that requires one initial login and uses minimal disk space without running a virtual machine. It is designed for developers using Macs on Apple Silicon with Node 20 or newer.

offstage at a glance

Best for: Software engineer
Runs on: macOS, CLI
Pricing: Free and MIT licensed
Released: October 2026
Category: AI coding tool
Website: offstage.viraat.dev

Key features

Creates a second logged-in macOS account
Isolates agent GUI work from your screen
Sends commands to keep them off your display
Supports Claude Code, Codex, and opencode
Includes a CLI with doctor diagnostics
Shares project folders read-only
Posts input exclusively to its own session

Use it for

Running Xcode UI tests in the background
Letting coding agents interact with desktop simulators
Executing automated browser tasks off your main screen
Building and testing applications without display disruption

Alternatives to offstage

Offscreen — Runs agent tasks in fresh VMs so your desktop stays free for your own work.
OpenCode — Works with 75+ model providers, local models, and existing subscriptions
Array — Runs Claude Code, Codex, and Pi side by side on one canvas.
Agent Archive — Hand off coding sessions between Claude Code, Codex, and Cursor across machines.
Coucou — It provides open-source, real-time agent monitoring and approvals directly from the screen notch.
Unspin — Shows live progress, step names, and ETAs for coding agent shell commands instead of a spinner.
opcode — Turns terminal Claude Code workflows into an intuitive visual interface.
ManyAgents — Runs multiple AI coding agents locally on your Mac with dedicated worktrees and live previews.
Crowsnest — Manages multiple Claude Code and Codex accounts and agent sessions locally.
Simulator Use — It runs tests and reads screens fast with a token-efficient native engine.
Bloblings — Tracks multiple coding agent sessions and subagents locally on your Mac.
cmux — It features vertical tabs, notification rings, and split panes for AI coding.

All offstage alternatives