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Crystal

Free

(Crystal is now Nimbalyst) Run multiple Codex and Claude Code AI sessions in parallel git worktrees. Test, compare approaches & manage AI-assisted development workflows in one desktop app.

FreeFree tier
Type
Open Source
Company
Nimbalyst

About Crystal

Nimbalyst is an open-source visual workspace designed for builders using coding agents like Claude Code and Codex. It provides a unified interface to run multiple agent sessions in parallel, edit files (markdown, code, CSV, diagrams, mockups) directly, review AI changes in real-time, and manage tasks—all without switching between tools. Features include a WYSIWYG markdown editor, Excalidraw and Mermaid diagramming, a Monaco code editor with AI-assisted git commits, a spreadsheet editor for CSV data, and a session manager with searchable history. The workspace is local-first, extensible via plugins, and integrates with existing AI subscriptions or local models. Individual use is free; team collaboration features are in development.

Key Features

Run multiple agent sessions (Claude Code, Codex, OpenCode, CoPilot) in parallel with session manager and searchable history
WYSIWYG markdown editor with red/green diff review for AI changes
Visual diagramming with Excalidraw and Mermaid, editable by hand or with AI
Monaco code editor with syntax highlighting, AI-assisted edits, and inline diff review
AI-powered git management: view diffs, stage changes, and draft commit messages with AI
Mockup editor for UI planning; generate frontend code from mockups
Spreadsheet editor for CSV data with AI-driven transforms and filtering
Database schema design tool with visual ERD and Prisma export
Integrated terminal and full file management
Extension system to build custom visual editors and integrations

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Free for individuals with no feature limits or trial period
  • Open-source (MIT license) with no vendor lock-in
  • Works with existing AI subscriptions or API keys (Anthropic, OpenAI, local models)
  • Visual interface reduces context switching between tools
  • Supports multiple file formats and editing modes (markdown, code, CSV, diagrams)
  • Agent session management allows parallel runs and easy resumption
  • AI-assisted git commits and inline diff review streamline version control
  • Extensible via plugins to add custom editors and integrations
Cons
  • Requires own API key or AI subscription (Claude Code, Codex, etc.) to use AI features
  • Team collaboration features are not yet available (pricing TBD)
  • Only available as a desktop app (macOS, Windows, Linux); no web or mobile version
  • May have a learning curve for users new to agent-based workflows
  • Some features (like mockup-to-code) depend on the AI model's capabilities

Best For

Directing multiple coding agents in parallel on different tasksReviewing and approving AI-generated code changes before mergeDesigning wireframes and mockups that agents can implement as codeCreating and editing technical documentation with AI assistanceDiagramming system architectures, user flows, and database schemas conversationally with agentsManaging AI-assisted development workflows with task tracking and git integrationEditing CSV data visually while agents understand and transform the dataCollaborating with teammates on shared documents (upcoming Teams feature)

FAQ

What's included in the free Individual plan?
Everything you need for personal use: the full Nimbalyst editor, session manager, Claude Code and Codex AI integration, MCP server support, extensions, file link sharing, mockups, diagrams, data models, and git worktrees. No feature limits, no trial period.
Do I need my own API key or subscription for AI features?
Yes. You bring your own AI access and Nimbalyst provides the workspace and tools around it. Your access can be a subscription like Claude Code or Codex, an API key from Anthropic, OpenAI, or other providers, or local models through LM Studio.
What does the Teams plan add?
The Teams plan adds real-time collaboration: edit shared docs, mockups, and diagrams together, manage tasks and trackers as a team with your agents working the same board, and control workspace access with admin tools.
When will Teams pricing and features be announced?
We're finalizing Teams pricing and will announce it soon. Join the waitlist to be the first to know and lock in early-adopter pricing.