Multitui

Multitui is a macOS application that transforms command-line tools into secure, self-contained desktop applications. It wraps terminal user interface (TUI) programs in native macOS app bundles with comprehensive security features, allowing you to run tools like AI coding assistants, file editors, and system monitors without risking your development environment. Each app gets its own dock icon, Spotlight integration, and proper window management while maintaining complete isolation from your main system.

The tool uses macOS's built-in sandbox-exec technology to enforce strict filesystem permissions, defaulting to deny-all for writes and deletes while allowing targeted access to specific paths. It includes network filtering to control internet access and a secrets filter powered by gitleaks that scans outbound traffic for credentials before they leave your machine. Multitui also provides Finder integration with toolbar buttons, context menus, and document handling capabilities, making TUIs feel like native macOS applications.

Multitui is ideal for developers who work with potentially untrusted command-line tools, particularly AI coding assistants that need access to project files but shouldn't have free reign over the entire system. It allows security-conscious users to run tools like Claude Code, lazygit, or SQLite interfaces in isolated environments while maintaining their existing workflow. The app eliminates the need for containers or virtual machines for basic security isolation, providing a lightweight alternative for macOS power users.