ELVES
ELVES is a free macOS desktop app for coordinating AI agents in separate Git worktrees.
What ELVES is
ELVES is a free macOS desktop app for coordinating AI agents in separate Git worktrees. Describe a task, then review the resulting diff and choose whether to merge the branch or discard its worktree. It works with Claude Code and OpenAI Codex, and multiple sessions can run concurrently in tabbed workspaces called floors. Its persistent memory uses SQLite and FTS5 search, and can automatically bring relevant memories into an agent’s context before a task. ELVES also includes MCP server management and can import MCP servers from Claude. Tasks can include up to 10 attached files, with a combined limit of 500KB. The maker says projects, memory, and sessions are stored locally, without cloud services, accounts, or telemetry. The app is released under the MIT License. The macOS app is not notarized; the maker provides instructions for opening it despite Gatekeeper warnings. The free and open-source plan requires macOS 13 or later, Node.js 18 or later, and the Claude Code CLI or Codex CLI.
Good
- Supports Claude Code and OpenAI Codex.
- Runs multiple sessions in separate floors.
- SQLite memory can add relevant context automatically.
- Projects, memory, and sessions stay local, according to the maker.
- MIT License.
Watch out
- Requires macOS 13 or later and Node.js 18 or later.
- Requires Claude Code CLI or Codex CLI.
- The macOS app is not notarized.
Who it suits
ELVES is aimed at developers who want AI agents to work on tasks in isolated Git worktrees. It may suit people who want local session storage and can meet its macOS, Node.js, and CLI requirements.
Verdict
ELVES combines worktree-based task review, concurrent sessions, persistent memory, and MCP management in a free macOS app. Check its prerequisites and notarization status before installing.
Plans and prices
From ELVES's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | macOS 13+ · Node.js 18+ · requires Claude Code CLI or Codex CLI · Free and open source |
The facts
Each one read from ELVES's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- AI runtimes
- ELVES works with Claude Code and OpenAI Codex.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The app includes MCP server management and supports importing MCP servers from Claude.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The landing page describes the app as built for developers who want AI to work with them.checked 4 Oct 2026
- License
- ELVES is released under the MIT License.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Notarization
- The macOS app is not notarized, and the maker provides instructions for opening it despite Gatekeeper warnings.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Parallel work
- Multiple concurrent sessions can run in separate tabbed workspaces called floors.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Persistent memory
- SQLite-backed memory uses FTS5 search and can automatically add relevant memories to an agent’s context before a task.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The maker says projects, memory, and sessions are stored locally, with no cloud, accounts, or telemetry.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- ELVES is a desktop app for orchestrating AI agents in isolated Git worktrees with embedded terminals.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Task attachments
- A task can include up to 10 attached files totaling 500KB.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Workflow
- Users describe a task, review the resulting diff, then merge the branch or discard the worktree.checked 4 Oct 2026
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