PixelClaw
Claim this toolA tiny pixel crab that lives on your macOS Dock, interacts with clicks, and chases dropped apples.
From $4/mo (free plan available)Visit WebsiteFreemiumVisit Website
Tracked since2026
The Bottom Line
- Price
- From $4/mo (free plan available). Compare plans
Key facts
- A tiny pixel crab desktop pet for macOS.
- Interacts with user clicks and chases dropped apples.
- Open-source, built with Swift, and easy to install.
Pros
- Adds a fun, interactive element to the macOS desktop
- Lightweight and non-intrusive
- Open-source and customizable for developers
- Easy installation via Homebrew
Cons
- Limited functionality beyond basic pet interactions
- Requires macOS Accessibility permissions
- Specific to macOS, not available on other operating systems
What is PixelClaw?
PixelClaw is a whimsical desktop pet application for macOS that places a small, animated pixel crab directly on your Dock. It's designed for users looking for a fun, interactive, and non-intrusive virtual companion for their desktop. The crab sleeps, wakes up when clicked, and can be made to chase virtual apples dropped onto the screen.
This open-source project is built with Swift and is easily installable via Homebrew or direct download. It caters to macOS users who enjoy personalized desktop experiences and developers interested in exploring macOS app development with Swift. The application provides a lighthearted break from work, offering simple, engaging interactions without complex features or distractions.
Available on: macOS
Key Features
- Animated pixel crab on macOS Dock
- Sleep and wake functionality
- Chases virtual apples dropped by user
- Hops in place when clicked while awake
- Requires macOS 12 or later
- Uses Accessibility access for Dock interaction
Pricing Plans
Free TrialPricing checked Oct 8, 2026
| Plan | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 USD per month |
+5 moreShow less
|
| Team | $4 USD per user/month |
+11 moreShow less
|
| Enterprise | $21 USD per user/month |
+7 moreShow less
|
Is PixelClaw worth the price?
Fair value
This pricing structure is quite generous, especially the 'Free' tier which offers significant value for a simple desktop pet.
The 'Team' tier at $4 per user/month seems a bit misaligned for a single-user desktop app, as the features are geared towards collaborative development. This pricing is best suited for a developer tool, not a desktop companion app.
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PixelClaw FAQ
How do I drop an apple for the PixelClaw crab to chase?
You can drop an apple for your PixelClaw pet by pressing Option+F on your keyboard. The crab will then chase after it.
What should I do if PixelClaw isn't lining up correctly with my Dock?
If your PixelClaw pet isn't aligning properly with your Dock, you should check your macOS System Settings. Navigate to Privacy & Security, then Accessibility, and ensure that PixelClaw has the necessary permissions enabled.
Can I build PixelClaw from source, and what are the requirements?
Yes, you can build PixelClaw from source. You will need macOS 12 or later and a Swift 5.9+ toolchain or Xcode with Swift Package Manager support. The project includes a Makefile for various build commands like
make app or make dmg.What kind of interactions can I have with the PixelClaw crab?
You can interact with PixelClaw in a few ways: click it while it's awake to make it hop in place, click it while it's sleeping to wake it up, and press Option+F to drop an apple for it to chase. You can also click an apple to toss it again.
Source: github.com