Desktop App
Claude Code in a native desktop experience with visual diffs, multiple sessions, and more
Overview
The Claude Code Desktop App provides a native GUI environment for Claude Code, offering features like visual diffs, multiple concurrent sessions, scheduled tasks, and a more accessible interface.
Download
Available for macOS, Windows, and Linux
System Requirements
macOS 12+, Windows 10+, or Ubuntu 20.04+ with 4GB RAM minimum
Installation Methods
Multiple ways to install the Claude Code Desktop App on your system.
macOS
Homebrew - Install via Homebrew cask
brew install --cask claude-codeDirect Download - Download the .dmg installer from the official site
# Visit https://claude.ai/downloadWindows
WinGet - Install via Windows Package Manager
winget install Anthropic.ClaudeCodeDirect Download - Download the .exe installer from the official site
# Visit https://claude.ai/downloadLinux
Shell Install - Install via the official install script
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bashDirect Download - Download the .deb or .AppImage from the official site
# Visit https://claude.ai/downloadKey Features
Visual Diffs
See code changes with rich side-by-side visual diffs before accepting
Multiple Sessions
Run multiple Claude Code sessions simultaneously in separate tabs
Task Scheduling
Schedule recurring tasks like code reviews, dependency updates, and report generation
File Explorer
Browse your project files with an integrated file explorer
Session History
Access complete history of past sessions with search and filtering
Customizable Themes
Choose from light, dark, and custom themes for your preferred look
Desktop-Exclusive Capabilities
Features available only in the Desktop App that enhance the visual development experience.
Visual Diff Review
Review every code change in a rich side-by-side diff viewer. Accept, reject, or edit individual hunks before they are applied to your files.
Tabbed Session Management
Open multiple Claude Code sessions in separate tabs. Work on a feature in one tab while debugging in another, each with independent context.
Built-in Task Scheduler
Schedule tasks like daily dependency updates, weekly code reviews, or nightly test runs directly from the UI without external cron jobs.
Drag-and-Drop File Context
Drag files or folders from your OS file manager directly into the chat to add them as context. No need to type file paths.
Integrated File Explorer
Browse your project tree in a sidebar panel. Click any file to view it or add it to context without leaving the app.
Session History Browser
Search, filter, and revisit past sessions with full conversation history. Resume any previous session with one click.
CLI vs Desktop App
Both the CLI and Desktop App run the same Claude Code engine. Choose based on your workflow preferences.
| Feature | CLI | Desktop App |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Terminal-based text UI | Native GUI with panels and tabs |
| Code Diffs | Inline text diffs in terminal | Rich side-by-side visual diffs |
| Multiple Sessions | Multiple terminal windows/tmux | Built-in tabbed sessions |
| Task Scheduling | Cron jobs or external tools | Built-in scheduler with UI |
| File Browsing | ls, tree, or external tools | Integrated file explorer panel |
| Session History | claude --resume to list sessions | Searchable history with filters |
| Scripting & Piping | Full shell piping and scripting | Not available |
| Headless / CI Mode | Supported (--print flag) | Not available |
| Resource Usage | Minimal (terminal only) | More RAM for GUI rendering |
TL;DR: Use the CLI for scripting, CI/CD pipelines, and headless automation. Use the Desktop App for day-to-day development where visual feedback and session management matter.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Speed up your workflow with these essential keyboard shortcuts.
Getting Started
Download and install the Desktop App for your platform
Sign in with your Anthropic account
Open a project folder or create a new workspace
Start coding with Claude in the visual interface