Desktop App¶
The desktop app wraps Kaisho in a native window with a menu bar tray timer and automatic updates. It bundles the Python backend as a sidecar process -- no separate installation needed.
Installation¶
Download the latest release from GitHub Releases:
| Platform | Format |
|---|---|
| macOS (Apple Silicon) | .dmg |
| Windows | .exe installer |
| Linux | .AppImage |
Menu Bar Tray¶
The tray icon sits in the menu bar (macOS) or system tray (Windows/Linux). It shows the timer state:
| State | Icon |
|---|---|
| Idle | Default icon |
| Timer running | Active indicator |
| Running long (>8h) | Warning indicator |
| Backend offline | Offline indicator |
Left-click opens a popover panel with:
- Active timer with elapsed time and stop button
- Quick-start buttons for recent customers
- Quick capture (inbox item, note, task)
- Recent clock entries with resume buttons
Right-click shows a context menu.
Tray Mode¶
By default on macOS, closing the main window hides it while the tray stays active. On Windows and Linux, this is opt-in.
Configure in Settings > General > Tray Mode:
- On: closing the window hides it; tray stays active
- Off: closing the window quits the app
Global Shortcuts¶
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Cmd+Shift+T | Toggle tray panel |
| Cmd+Shift+S | Start/stop timer |
Auto-Update¶
The app checks for updates on startup. When a new version is available, a banner appears with an install button. Updates download and install in the background.
The updater uses signed releases from GitHub. Update prompts only appear for versions newer than the installed one.
Sidecar¶
The Python backend runs as a sidecar process managed by Tauri. It starts automatically when the app launches and stops when the app quits. The sidecar binary is cached based on a content hash to avoid stale builds.
Platform Notes¶
macOS: Template tray icons adapt to light/dark menu bar. The dock icon uses the Kaisho bracket-palm design with proper padding.
Windows: Colored 32x32 tray icons (white on dark background). NSIS installer with per-user or system-wide installation. Properly signed .exe for Windows Defender.
Linux: AppImage format. Colored tray icons. Tray panel opens above the bottom taskbar.