Backgrind
Backgrind overlays AI coding agents in a persistent floating window for uninterrupted workflows.
FreemiumCoding & Dev
Visit website Free to browse · updated 2026-06-21
What is Backgrind?
The application wraps existing command-line interfaces without requiring new logins or histories, allowing users to assign tasks and switch contexts freely. It includes options for click-through transparency and hotkey controls to summon or hide the interface instantly. Multiple agents can operate simultaneously across different workspaces with support for build or planning modes. A hosted agent option eliminates setup needs while maintaining large context windows for complex projects. Security features like ignore files protect sensitive data from transmission. Live mode extends control to mobile devices through encrypted connections for remote monitoring and commands. Vibe mode simplifies interactions by hiding code details and auto-accepting changes for a hands-off experience that can be toggled as needed.
Key features
Always-on-top floating window over editor, browser or fullscreen games
Supports Claude Code, Cursor and hosted Grindy agent backends
Click-through glance mode with transparency and pass-through input
Flash and chime notifications only when agent needs input or finishes
Multi-agent support with per-folder workspaces and backends
Live mode for real-time mobile/iPad remote control with E2E encryption
Vibe mode for hands-off coding that hides source and auto-accepts edits
AI models Backgrind uses
Claude Code
Your own Claude CLI, wrapped
Cursor
Your own cursor-agent CLI
Grindy
Hosted model powered by OpenCode, no install required
Codex
Coming soon
What you can use Backgrind for
Hands-off coding during other activities
Launch tasks in the floating overlay then switch to gaming, browsing or video watching while the agent works, receiving only flash and chime alerts for needed input or completion.
Remote agent control on the go
Use Live mode to mirror the desktop session to a phone or iPad with end-to-end encryption, allowing real-time command sending and prompt approvals from anywhere.
Multi-agent workspace management
Run several agents simultaneously across different folders and backends, each with its own workspace configuration for parallel development tasks.
How to use Backgrind
- 1Download and install Backgrind for macOS or Windows
- 2Sign in with your preferred backend credentials
- 3Open a folder workspace and select an agent
- 4Launch the floating window and assign a coding task
- 5Switch to other apps or enable Live mode for mobile access
Backgrind pricing
Pricing model: Freemium. Plan details are indicative — check the site for current prices.
Basic
Free
- Try for free
- Click-through
Medium
PopularCustom
- Metered usage
Pro
Custom
- Metered to the cent
Plus
Custom
- Live Mode included
Editor's verdict
Pros
- +Thin frontend over existing CLI with no new login or history
- +1M-token context window for long tasks
- +No API keys or config files needed for hosted Grindy agent
Cons
- –Desktop app limited to macOS and Windows
- –Hosted agent uses metered per-use pricing
Our take: Backgrind is a solid coding & dev choice. It's valued for thin frontend over existing cli with no new login or history and 1m-token context window for long tasks. The main trade-off is desktop app limited to macos and windows. A good pick if you want capable AI without a high upfront cost.
Frequently asked questions
Backgrind is available for macOS and Windows.
Summary
Backgrind is a solid coding & dev choice. It's valued for thin frontend over existing cli with no new login or history and 1m-token context window for long tasks. The main trade-off is desktop app limited to macos and windows. A good pick if you want capable AI without a high upfront cost.
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