THREADRIG / CLAUDE CODE DESKTOP
ThreadRig vs Claude Code Desktop: parallel agents on Mac
Claude Code Desktop is a graphical home for Claude. ThreadRig is a Mac workspace for Claude Code, Codex and Gemini together.
Free app · Apple silicon · macOS 14+ · Your own CLI accounts
Facts checked .
Where Claude Code Desktop fits
The Code tab in Claude Desktop includes Claude Code without a separate CLI installation and requires an eligible paid subscription. If you want Claude’s integrated desktop experience, it is a direct starting point. See Anthropic’s desktop getting-started guide.
What both can do
Both offer parallel sessions, Git worktree isolation, a browser, file editing and diff review. Claude Code Desktop also supports cloud and SSH sessions. See its official feature reference.
Why choose ThreadRig?
- Mix engines by task. Run Claude Code, Codex and Gemini in the same project, each through its own CLI.
- Coordinate the work. One conversation can open parallel threads in their own worktrees and bring reviewed changes back together.
- Keep context nearby. Browser, editor, task board and diff review share the workspace.
- Choose where it runs. Use your Mac or your own configured server. ThreadRig is free; your provider accounts cover AI usage.
What ThreadRig doesn’t do
ThreadRig does not provide hosted cloud sandboxes or include an AI subscription. You install and authenticate its supported CLIs separately. If you only need Claude and prefer its bundled desktop setup, Claude Code Desktop may be the simpler choice.
Switch in 5 minutes
With Git and a supported CLI already installed, setup is short. First-time CLI installation or sign-in may take longer.
Download ThreadRig
Open the DMG and drag ThreadRig into Applications.
Open your repository
Press ⌘N and choose your local project folder.
Sign in to your CLIs
Use each CLI’s own sign-in flow, then start a thread. Ask it to split independent work into parallel threads and review the changes before merging.
A few useful answers
What does ThreadRig cost?
The Mac app is free. AI subscriptions and API usage are paid through your own provider accounts; they are not included.
Where does my code go?
Your project runs on your Mac, or on your own server if you configure one. Your CLIs send prompts and relevant code to their AI providers under your accounts. See the privacy policy for ThreadRig’s storage and network requests.
Which CLIs can I use?
Claude Code, Codex CLI and Gemini CLI. Install and sign in to at least one; you can use different engines for different threads.
Try it with your next task
One repository. Parallel threads. Review the result in one Mac workspace.
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