Codex Bar (CodexBar): Track Codex and Claude Code Usage From the Mac Menu Bar

By Satish · Last updated: November 1, 2026 · Based on the project’s own GitHub page (steipete/CodexBar), read this month. This is a description of the app from its documentation, not a hands-on test. Note: people also type this as “codex b.a.r”; the app’s real name is CodexBar.

Contents

• What Codex Bar is
• Why it is useful
• How to install it
• The CLI and Linux
• Safety and privacy checks
• What to do if you are not on a Mac
• FAQ

What Codex Bar (CodexBar) is

CodexBar is a small open-source app that lives in the macOS menu bar. According to its GitHub README it tracks usage and limit windows for Codex and Claude Code, plus a long list of other AI coding providers, and shows reset timers so you know when your allowance comes back. It requires macOS 14 or newer and is released under the MIT license.

Why it is useful

Codex usage limits work in time windows, and OpenAI notes they differ by plan and can change. Instead of guessing, a menu-bar meter lets you see roughly how much you have left before you start a big task. If you are deciding between plans, see our Codex review for how plans and pricing are structured.

How to install Codex Bar

1. With Homebrew: run brew install --cask codexbar in Terminal.
2. Or from GitHub: open the project’s Releases page and download the latest macOS build.
3. Launch the app. It adds an icon to your menu bar.
4. Follow its prompts to connect the providers you use (for example Codex). Read what each permission means before approving it.

The CLI and Linux

The README says a CLI is bundled with the project, and that the CLI is also available on Linux, while the menu-bar app itself is macOS only. Check the project page for current instructions.

Safety and privacy checks

• Install only from the official GitHub repository or Homebrew, not from random mirrors.
• Usage trackers need to read sign-in or usage information from your tools. Review the README’s explanation of what it reads and where data stays.
• Since it is open source, you can inspect the code, but do that yourself or ask a developer you trust before relying on it.

If you are not on a Mac

The menu-bar app needs macOS. On Windows, check usage in your ChatGPT account’s Codex usage page, and on Linux use the bundled CLI.

Related guides: How good is Codex? 2026 review · How to add and use a project in Codex · Add a project to Codex in VS Code

Source, as read in November 2026: CodexBar on GitHub.

Codex Bar: frequently asked questions

What is Codex Bar?

Codex Bar, properly CodexBar, is an open-source macOS menu-bar app that shows Codex and Claude Code usage limits and reset times.

Is CodexBar free?

Yes. It is MIT-licensed open source software.

Is CodexBar made by OpenAI?

No. It is an independent project by Peter Steinberger, not an official OpenAI product.

Does CodexBar work on Windows?

The menu-bar app is for macOS 14+. A bundled CLI is also available on Linux.

How do I install CodexBar?

Run brew install --cask codexbar or download it from GitHub Releases.