Session-aware notifications
BlackFlare watches Claude Code and Codex sessions in the terminal, VS Code, and JetBrains, and sends a notification when a turn finishes or waits for input.
BlackFlare
ClaimBlackFlare is a macOS menu bar app for Claude Code and Codex that keeps sessions awake, sends finish or input-needed alerts, shows usage, and forwards notifications to Telegram or Slack.
What BlackFlare does
BlackFlare is a macOS menu bar app for Claude Code and Codex that helps long-running agent sessions finish without interruption. It keeps your Mac awake while a session is active, then restores normal sleep behavior when the work is done.
It also notifies you when a session finishes or needs input, whether you are using the CLI, VS Code, or JetBrains. From the menu bar, you can adjust default model and permission settings, track usage, and forward alerts to Telegram or Slack if you want updates away from your desk.
Features
Keep-awake during active runs
The app can hold a power assertion while a session is running, which keeps the Mac from idling to sleep during long tasks. Sleep returns to normal automatically when the session ends.
Telegram and Slack forwarding
Notifications can stay on the Mac or be forwarded to Telegram or Slack. An "only when away" mode reduces duplicate alerts when you are already at your desk.
Default switching from the menu bar
From the menu bar, you can set your default model, permission mode, effort level, and thinking mode for the next session. BlackFlare applies those settings by editing each tool's own config file.
Usage tracking and thresholds
Usage tracking shows Claude and Codex plan usage in the menu and menu bar icon, with separate bars per model and alerts when a threshold is crossed.
Private, local operation
The app runs on-device and asks for read-only Keychain access to your Claude token so it can display exact usage.
Common ways people use BlackFlare
Running long CLI sessions
Start a long refactor, test run, or other agent task and let BlackFlare keep the Mac awake so the session does not stall midway through sleep.
IDE-based agent workflows
Work in VS Code or JetBrains and get a banner when Claude Code or Codex finishes or needs input, so you can step back in at the right time.
Remote and team notifications
Forward alerts to Telegram or Slack when you are away from your desk, and use the away-only mode to avoid duplicate notifications while you are nearby.
Fast session setup
Set model, permission, effort, and thinking defaults from the menu bar before starting a session, instead of editing config files or remembering flags.
Usage monitoring
Watch Claude and Codex usage side by side in the menu bar and set a threshold alert before you cross your plan limits.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Keeps the Mac awake only while a Claude Code or Codex session is running, then lets sleep resume automatically.
- Sends notifications when a session finishes or needs input, across the terminal, VS Code, and JetBrains.
- Supports Telegram and Slack forwarding for mobile or team updates.
- Lets you change model, permission mode, effort, and thinking mode from the menu bar without editing config by hand.
- Shows usage in the menu and menu bar icon with separate tracking for Claude and Codex.
Cons
- Desktop notifications are only free for the first 7 days; continued desktop alerts require the one-time license.
- The app requires macOS 13 or later and is limited to Mac.
- Usage details depend on read-only Keychain access to the Claude token, which some users may prefer not to grant.
FAQ
Does BlackFlare work with both the CLI and IDEs?
Yes. BlackFlare watches Claude Code and Codex sessions whether they run in the terminal or inside VS Code and JetBrains IDEs.
Can it notify me on my phone or in team channels?
BlackFlare can send native notifications on your Mac and forward the same alerts to Telegram or Slack. It also supports an "only when away" mode so you are not notified twice while sitting at your desk.
Where does my Claude token go?
BlackFlare reads your Claude token from the macOS Keychain in read-only mode to show usage. The token is not written or sent anywhere except Anthropic.
Will it keep my Mac awake all the time?
BlackFlare keeps your Mac awake only while a Claude Code or Codex session is running. When the session ends, normal sleep behavior resumes automatically.
What do I need to run it?
BlackFlare requires a Mac running macOS 13 or later. The app is a universal build for both Apple silicon and Intel Macs.
Quick Facts
- Category
- macOS menu bar app
- Primary tools
- Claude Code and Codex
- Platform
- macOS 13 or later
- Distribution
- Free download; one-time paid license for premium features
- Pricing note
- Desktop notifications are free for the first 7 days
- Domain
- blackflare.dev
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