ClaudeUsageBar

Product Introduction

1. Definition: ClaudeUsageBar is a free, open-source macOS menu bar application designed as a real-time Claude AI usage tracker. It falls under the technical category of privacy-focused desktop utilities for AI service monitoring.
2. Core Value Proposition: It exists to prevent unexpected Claude AI usage limit overages by providing instant visual feedback and proactive notifications directly in the macOS menu bar. Its primary function is monitoring Anthropic API usage quotas securely on-device.

Main Features

1. Real-Time Menu Bar Monitoring: Displays current Claude usage percentage persistently in the macOS menu bar. Retrieves data via direct Anthropic API calls using a locally stored session cookie. Supports dual tracking for session (5-hour) and weekly (7-day) Claude limits.
2. Threshold-Based Notifications: Sends native macOS alerts at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 90% usage thresholds using Apple’s UserNotifications framework. Eliminates manual checking by automating quota warnings before hitting Claude’s limits.
3. Local-Only Data Processing: Ensures zero data leakage by storing the Claude session cookie exclusively in macOS Keychain and processing all usage data on-device. Built with Swift for native Apple Silicon (ARM) and Intel compatibility, resulting in a <5MB binary with negligible CPU/memory footprint.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Claude’s web interface provides no real-time usage visibility, leading to unexpected service interruptions when hitting message caps.
2. Target Audience: Heavy Claude AI users (researchers, writers, developers), Pro plan subscribers monitoring weekly Sonnet usage, and privacy-conscious professionals requiring local data processing.
3. Use Cases: Essential for long writing sessions where hitting the 5-hour cap disrupts workflow, high-volume Claude API testing, and budget management for Pro plan subscribers tracking weekly quotas.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike browser extensions or cloud dashboards, it operates offline as a native menu bar app with zero telemetry – contrasting with analytics-heavy alternatives.
2. Key Innovation: Cookie-based authentication without backend servers – a privacy-first architecture. The open-source Swift implementation allows verification of security claims and custom modifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is ClaudeUsageBar safe for my Claude account?
   Yes, ClaudeUsageBar stores your session cookie exclusively in macOS Keychain and never transmits data externally. All usage tracking occurs locally on your Mac.
2. Does ClaudeUsageBar work on macOS Ventura or Sonoma?
   Yes, it requires macOS 12 Monterey or later, including all Ventura and Sonoma versions, with native support for both Intel and Apple Silicon processors.
3. Why can’t ClaudeUsageBar fetch my usage data?
   Ensure you’ve copied the full Cookie header from Claude.ai’s Developer Tools (Network > usage request), not just the sessionKey. Session cookies expire after ~90 days, requiring reauthentication.
4. Can ClaudeUsageBar track Claude Pro weekly usage?
   Yes, it displays both session (5-hour) and weekly (7-day) usage for Pro subscribers, including Sonnet model quotas where applicable.
5. Why does ClaudeUsageBar need Accessibility permissions?
   Accessibility access is only required for the global Cmd+U keyboard shortcut to open the usage popup. Core monitoring functions work without this permission.