crystl: Centralize multiple programming agents, projects, and approvals in a single Mac Terminal

Product Positioning and Development Background

crystl was created by Chris Bolton, a developer and agency owner at diviner.agency, out of a need to manage terminals and AI sessions while working on multiple client projects simultaneously. It is a native macOS application that refers to projects as “gems” and terminal sessions within projects as “shards”; it uses Metal under the hood to accelerate rendering. The source code is not publicly available, so it is not appropriate to label the software itself as open source simply because it supports open models.About the Developer,FAQ

This is ideal for developers who switch between multiple code repositories daily and run Claude Code or Codex simultaneously, as well as for small studios that need to monitor the progress of different tasks. It manages the agent’s working environment but does not replace the agent itself; if you are not yet familiar with Git branches, the command line, and code reviews, it’s best to start by establishing a basic workflow using a single project and a single agent.

What specific problems can it solve?

Multiple sessions can be opened within the same project. When using isolated shards, each agent has its own Git worktree and branches, reducing conflicts when editing the same file in real time. Floating cards centrally display approvals and issues; the activity panel helps identify agents who are currently working or awaiting input; and the history search is used to trace executed commands and conversations. Branch isolation only separates code states; logical conflicts and tests must still be addressed during merging.crystl Official Website,Isolated Session

The shared WORKBENCH.md file allows both humans and agents to use the same task list, and the instruction file is also stored in the project directory. Version 2.284.0, released on November 8, 2026, splits the lengthy application instructions into eight skills. When the agent starts up, it reads only a brief description and loads the full text only when necessary, reducing the burden of fixed instructions in each context loop. Skill content can be viewed and edited in the settings.Release Notes

Recommended Getting Started Process

1. Log in to the official website to download and install the Mac version. Click the folder icon in the project bar, select an existing repository, and the app will create a gem and open the first shard.

2. Install and log in to the CLI agent you are using independently, then start it within the shard. Check the project’s CLAUDE.md or AGENTS.md file to clearly document the test commands, scope of modifications, and submission requirements.

3. Start by assigning a minor fix to a proxy to verify that approval cards, output, and history are functioning properly. Create an isolated shard only when you need to develop another independent feature at the same time; do not allow the two strongly dependent features to branch off haphazardly.

4. Record tasks on the workbench, review differences between branches, run tests, and then merge the results. When using this for the first time, ensure each item is approved individually, and carefully review the hooks and configuration files written by the application. Once these steps are complete, try setting up scheduled tasks or remote access.Getting Started Guide

Fees, Platforms, and Restrictions

The free Apprentice plan includes isolated parallel processing, approval cards, history, a workspace, SSH remote development, and up to three scheduled tasks. The Guild plan costs $170 per year; the FAQ separately lists a monthly fee of $18. It adds agent orchestration, automated pipelines, unlimited schedules, layout saving, and support for up to three devices. An application subscription does not equate to a model plan; agent subscriptions or API usage must be considered separately.Package Price,FAQ

The desktop app currently supports macOS only; SSH is used to connect to remote machines, but this does not mean the desktop app can be installed on Windows or Linux. The iPhone companion app is free when connected to the same network as a Mac; encrypted relaying over public networks is a feature of Guild. Not all CLIs offer the same level of integration: for example, Antigravity’s approval process remains within its own terminal, while Kimi’s history and recovery capabilities are limited. The official list of supported regions is incomplete; users should verify app store availability, proxy services, and regional model policies separately.iPhone Companion Apps,FAQ

How to Choose Among Similar Tools

If your main challenge is figuring out “which of my multiple agents are waiting for me” or “what changes were just made,” Crystl’s centralized notifications and history features are a good fit. If you’re primarily focused on the development workflow from branch creation to merge, you might want to try Conductor as well; if you’re more interested in integrating agents and reviews within a general-purpose terminal, you might want to compare Warp. Start by testing them on the same small, real-world task, then decide whether to pay for them.