Redlight Greenlight for Claude Code

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Redlight Greenlight for Claude Code is a native macOS menu bar utility application designed to manage Claude Code permission requests. It operates by displaying system-level floating overlays when Claude Code requires user approval for code execution, enabling instant response without context switching.
2. Core Value Proposition: It eliminates workflow disruption for developers using Claude Code by providing instantaneous permission management directly from any active application, boosting productivity and maintaining focus during coding sessions.

Main Features

1. System-Wide Floating Overlay: Uses macOS native APIs to render a semi-transparent overlay atop all applications. This overlay dynamically appears when Claude Code triggers a permission prompt in the terminal, displaying the exact code snippet requesting access. Built with SwiftUI for low-latency rendering (sub-100ms response time).
2. Keyboard-Centric Response: Supports rapid ⌥ + Return (Accept) or ⌥ + Esc (Reject) shortcuts without mouse interaction. Implements global hotkey listeners via Carbon/AppKit APIs, ensuring compatibility across macOS 13+ (Ventura and newer) on both Intel and Apple Silicon architectures.
3. Menu Bar Background Operation: Runs as a lightweight (2.5 MB) status bar icon using NSStatusItem, consuming minimal CPU/memory. Requires zero terminal configuration—auto-detects Claude Code prompts via macOS accessibility features.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Constant context switching between IDEs/browsers and terminals to approve Claude Code permissions fractures developer concentration, wasting 15-30 seconds per interruption.
2. Target Audience: Software engineers, AI developers, and DevOps specialists using Claude Code for real-time AI-assisted coding, particularly those in full-stack development or CI/CD pipeline management.
3. Use Cases:
   • Approving code injections during live debugging in VS Code/WebStorm.
   • Managing permissions while reviewing documentation in Safari/Chrome.
   • Auditing AI-generated code during screen-sharing sessions without exposing terminals.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike manual terminal checks or disruptive notification banners, Redlight Greenlight’s persistent overlay provides actionable context (code snippets) and one-click resolution. Outperforms generic macOS automation tools (e.g., Keyboard Maestro) with Claude-specific optimization.
2. Key Innovation: Patented overlay positioning algorithm ensures prompts appear near the cursor without obscuring active content. Leverages macOS Core Graphics for z-index management, guaranteeing visibility regardless of window focus.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Redlight Greenlight work with other AI coding assistants? No, it’s exclusively engineered for Claude Code’s terminal-based permission system and doesn’t support Copilot or CodeWhisperer.
2. Is internet access required for the app to function? No, all operations occur locally. The app doesn’t transmit data to external servers, ensuring code privacy.
3. How does it handle multiple simultaneous permission requests? Queues prompts sequentially using FIFO logic, displaying one overlay at a time to prevent decision fatigue.
4. Can I customize the overlay’s appearance? Currently, no—focus remains on minimalism and speed. Future updates may include theme options.
5. What happens if I accidentally close the overlay? The app defaults to "Reject" after 30 seconds of inactivity to enforce security hygiene.