Usage4Claude

Product Introduction

1. Usage4Claude is a native macOS menu bar application designed for real-time monitoring of Claude AI usage quotas within the 5-hour subscription window. It provides persistent visibility of API consumption through color-coded visual indicators and precise countdown timers directly accessible from the system status bar.
2. The core value lies in eliminating manual checks through automated API monitoring with smart refresh optimization, offering professionals using Claude AI for development or content creation an efficient way to manage their operational limits. It combines enterprise-grade security with macOS-native performance through Keychain encryption and App Sandbox protections.

Main Features

1. Real-time quota monitoring displays remaining usage percentage and reset timer through a circular progress indicator that automatically changes color (green/orange/red) based on consumption thresholds, with three display modes (percentage-only/icon-only/combined) accessible via menu bar.
2. Smart refresh frequency employs four-level adaptive intervals (1/3/5/10 minutes) that dynamically adjust based on usage patterns, reducing API calls by 10x during idle periods while maintaining 1-minute resolution during active Claude sessions through usage detection algorithms.
3. Enterprise-grade security architecture utilizes macOS Keychain with AES-256 encryption and Secure Enclave hardware protection for credential storage, coupled with App Sandbox restrictions that prevent network access beyond Claude API endpoints and block filesystem access.

Problems Solved

1. Addresses the inability to track Claude API consumption in real-time through official interfaces, preventing unexpected service interruptions during critical workflows by providing minute-level quota visibility.
2. Serves Claude AI power users including developers integrating Claude APIs, content teams using AI-assisted writing workflows, and researchers conducting extended dialog sessions who require precise usage management.
3. Enables continuous monitoring during code debugging sessions with Claude Code, manages content generation marathons for writers, and supports academic researchers tracking usage across multiple experimental iterations within quota limits.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiates from web-based monitors through native SwiftUI implementation offering superior performance (20MB memory footprint) and macOS system integration including Menu Bar persistence, Keychain security, and automatic dark mode support.
2. Introduces context-aware refresh optimization that analyzes usage patterns to reduce API calls while maintaining monitoring accuracy, a feature absent in competitors' fixed-interval solutions.
3. Combines enterprise security protocols with consumer accessibility through visual GUI configuration, multilingual support (4 languages), and one-click authentication setup via embedded browser developer tools guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How does the app handle session key expiration? Session keys are automatically detected through API response analysis, triggering in-app alerts that guide users to re-authenticate via the Settings panel using updated credentials from browser developer tools.
2. What system resources does the application consume? Operational metrics show consistent sub-0.1% CPU usage during active monitoring, 20MB memory allocation, and network traffic limited to 2KB per API call at configured intervals, making it lightweight for continuous background operation.
3. Why does the app require Keychain access? Sensitive credentials are stored using Apple's encrypted Keychain service with hardware-backed AES-256 encryption, ensuring authentication data remains isolated from other applications and protected against memory injection attacks.