Claude Code GUI tools like Opcode and Claude Canvas add visual interfaces to Anthropic’s terminal-based AI coding assistant. These open-source alternatives let you browse projects visually, track sessions with checkpoints, manage custom agents, and monitor API usage, all without leaving a familiar IDE-style environment.
I cut my teeth on Eclipse and IntelliJ. Big, graphical IDEs with buttons everywhere, project explorers on the left, debugging views at the bottom. When Claude Code launched as a terminal-only experience, I was genuinely skeptical. Working entirely in a command line felt like trading my comfortable office for a bare concrete room but I adjusted quickly. For those that can’t or are curious, I wrote the following guide.
Why These Claude Code GUI Tools Exist
Anthropic built Claude Code for the terminal, which works for command-line developers but leaves GUI-oriented developers wanting a visual project browser, session history, and usage dashboard.
Claude Code is powerful, but it’s intentionally minimal. Anthropic built it to live in the terminal, which works great for developers who already spend their days in command-line environments.
But for those of us who grew up clicking buttons and dragging files? The learning curve felt unnecessary.
These two tools solve that problem. They wrap Claude Code in visual interfaces that feel familiar, adding features like project browsers, session history, and usage dashboards without sacrificing any of the underlying power.
ℹ️ Important: Both tools require Claude Code CLI to be installed first. They’re wrappers that add a GUI layer on top, not replacements for Claude Code itself.
1. Opcode: The Full IDE Experience
Opcode (formerly Claudia) is the most polished option with 19,000+ GitHub stars, offering a native desktop app built with Tauri 2, React, TypeScript, and Rust that runs on macOS, Linux, and Windows.
If you want something that truly feels like an IDE, Opcode is it. Developed by Asterisk Labs (formerly known as Claudia before a recent rebrand), this is the most polished and feature-rich option available.
Built with Tauri 2, React, TypeScript, and Rust, Opcode runs natively on macOS, Linux, and Windows. It has strong community adoption with over 19,000 GitHub stars, which tells you developers have voted with their feet.
Key features.
- Visual Project Browser. Navigate your files and folders with a tree view instead of typing
lsconstantly - Session Checkpoints. Save snapshots of your AI conversation and rewind if you go down the wrong path
- Custom AI Agents. Create specialized agents with custom system prompts for different tasks
- Usage Analytics. Track Anthropic API costs and token usage with visual charts
- MCP Server Management. Manage Model Context Protocol servers from a central UI
- Built-in CLAUDE.md Editor. Edit your project configuration with live preview and syntax highlighting
- Sandbox Security. OS-level protection using Linux seccomp and macOS Seatbelt
- Local Data Storage. All data stored locally with no telemetry
✅ Best For: Developers who want a full-featured, polished IDE experience. If you’re coming from IntelliJ or VS Code and want that same level of visual organization, start here.
⚠️ Note: Opcode currently requires building from source. You’ll need Rust 1.70+, Bun, and platform-specific dependencies. Not difficult, but not one-click either. The team plans to release native executables soon.
Opcode is completely free and open-source under the AGPL license.
2. Claude Canvas: The Lightweight Terminal Upgrade
Claude Canvas uses tmux to split your terminal into panes, giving Claude a separate visual display area for interactive content like calendars, data tables, and flight info without leaving the command line.
Claude Canvas takes a completely different approach. Instead of building a desktop app, it stays inside the terminal but makes it visual.
The concept is clever. It uses tmux to split your terminal into panes, giving Claude an external “monitor” where it can display interactive content. Ask Claude to show you a calendar, and it appears in a separate pane. Request flight information, and it renders cleanly next to your conversation.
Installation.
/plugin marketplace add dvdsgl/claude-canvas
/plugin install canvas@claude-canvasRequirements. You need tmux and Bun installed on your system.
ℹ️ Best For: Developers who like the terminal but want more visual output. It’s a proof of concept (about 1,000 GitHub stars) rather than a full IDE replacement, but it’s perfect for quick interactive tasks.
Quick Comparison: Which Claude Code GUI Tool Should You Use?
Opcode is the full IDE replacement with 19,000+ stars and native desktop apps. Claude Canvas is a lightweight terminal enhancement with ~1,000 stars that adds visual panes to your existing workflow.
| Tool | Best For | Effort to Install | GitHub Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opcode | Full IDE experience | Build from source (for now) | 19,000+ |
| Claude Canvas | Terminal enhancement | Plugin install | ~1,000 |
My Honest Take
If you’re choosing between the two, go with Opcode. It’s backed by Asterisk Labs (a Y Combinator startup), has the most features, and is the closest thing to replacing VS Code or IntelliJ for Claude Code workflows.
Coming from Eclipse and IntelliJ, I was genuinely worried that AI-native development meant giving up the visual experience I was comfortable with.
These tools prove you don’t have to choose. The terminal is still there when you need raw power, but now there’s a friendly graphical layer on top for those of us who think in windows and buttons.
If I had to pick one to start with, I’d say Opcode. It’s the most mature, the most feature-rich, and backed by a real company (Asterisk Labs, a Y Combinator startup). Claude Canvas is great for quick visual output, but Opcode is the one that truly replaces the IDE experience.
Claude Code GUI Tools: FAQ
Do I still need Claude Code CLI installed?
Yes. Both tools are wrappers that add a visual layer on top of Claude Code. They don’t replace it. You need the Anthropic CLI installed first.
Are these tools free?
Yes. Opcode is AGPL licensed and Claude Canvas is MIT licensed. You only pay for Anthropic Claude API usage, not the tools themselves.
Which Claude Code GUI tool is best for beginners?
Opcode, once they release pre-built executables. Right now both options require some technical setup (building from source or installing dependencies), which adds friction for beginners.
Can I use these with VS Code or JetBrains?
These are standalone desktop apps (Opcode) or terminal enhancements (Claude Canvas), not IDE plugins. Claude Code has separate official integrations for VS Code and JetBrains IDEs if you prefer to stay inside your existing editor.
What happened to Claudia?
Claudia was rebranded to Opcode. Same tool, same Asterisk Labs team, new name. If you see references to Claudia elsewhere, they’re talking about the same project now known as Opcode.
Bottom Line
The terminal doesn’t have to be intimidating. These community-built tools prove that you can have the power of Claude Code with the comfort of a visual interface.
Whether you go with Opcode’s full IDE experience or Claude Canvas’s terminal enhancement, you’re no longer stuck choosing between power and usability.
For more AI tools and guides, check out our Start Here page or browse the tools section.
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