How to ask ChatGPT or Claude from anywhere on your Mac

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Switching to a browser tab every time you have a quick question breaks your focus. Here's how to ask ChatGPT or Claude without leaving what you're doing.

The official desktop apps

ChatGPT and Claude both have Mac apps, each with its own window and its own shortcut. They work with your ChatGPT or Claude subscription. If you use both, that's two apps and two shortcuts to remember, and each one only talks to its own company's models.

Claude and GPT in one panel with Helix

Helix has an Ask AI tool in its ring. Hold ⌥Space, point at Ask AI and let go, and a small panel opens over whatever you're working on. Type a question and the answer streams in.

  • Pick Claude or GPT from the panel, and switch between them mid-conversation.
  • Ask follow-ups, add an image, and copy the answer with one click.
  • Answers can search the web and show their sources.
  • Your recent conversations are saved on your Mac to come back to.

It uses your own API key from Anthropic or OpenAI, so you pay them only for what you use, usually cents per question, instead of a monthly plan. If you're choosing between a launcher with AI and Helix, see the best Raycast alternatives.

Questions

Do I need a ChatGPT Plus or Claude Pro subscription?

No, and a subscription doesn't work here. Helix uses your own API key from OpenAI or Anthropic, and they bill you for what you use, usually cents per question.

Which models can I use?

Claude Opus 5.5 and Claude Haiku 5.5 from Anthropic, and GPT-6 Astra, GPT-6.1 Sol and GPT-6 Luna from OpenAI. You can switch models in the middle of a conversation.

Can it search the web or read images?

Yes. Answers can search the web and list their sources, which you can turn off in Settings. You can also add an image to a question.

Where are my conversations stored?

Your history is kept only on your Mac, and your API keys are kept in your Mac's Keychain. Questions go straight to the company whose model you picked.

Helix is a one-time purchase for macOS 14 or later, with 16 tools in one ring. See how it works.

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