Key takeaways
- Native macOS app for visual context engineering with AI coding workflows
- MCP server integration enables use with Claude Desktop, Cursor, and Claude Code
- Apply Mode automatically creates, modifies, or deletes files from AI responses
FAQ
What is Repo Prompt?
Repo Prompt is a macOS app that helps developers build precise AI prompts by visually selecting code context, then applies model-generated edits with reviewable diffs.
How much does Repo Prompt cost?
Repo Prompt has a free tier (32k tokens), Pro at $14.99/month or $149/year, and a lifetime license at $219.
Does Repo Prompt work with Claude and GPT?
Yes, Repo Prompt supports multiple AI providers including OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, DeepSeek, and OpenRouter via API keys.
Executive Summary
Repo Prompt is a native macOS application designed for "context engineering"—the practice of building precise, efficient prompts for AI coding assistants. Rather than copying and pasting code manually or relying on AI to find relevant files, Repo Prompt provides a visual interface for selecting exactly what context to include, then applies AI-generated changes back to the codebase with reviewable diffs.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Company | Independent |
| Founded | 2024 |
| Funding | Bootstrapped |
| Employees | 1 (solo developer) |
| Headquarters | United States |
Product Overview
Repo Prompt addresses the "context engineering" problem in AI-assisted development: getting the right code into your prompts while minimizing token usage. Large codebases can overwhelm AI context windows, leading to incomplete or inaccurate responses. Repo Prompt provides a visual file tree interface for precisely selecting files, folders, and code sections.
The application began as a personal tool built by a developer frustrated with copy-pasting code into AI chats. It has since evolved into a comprehensive context engineering toolbox with MCP server integration, allowing it to work seamlessly with Claude Desktop, Cursor, and Claude Code.
Key Capabilities
| Capability | Description |
|---|---|
| Visual File Selection | Browse and select specific files with instant previews |
| Context Builder | AI-powered automatic identification of relevant files |
| Code Maps | Reduced-token overviews of code structure |
| Apply Mode | Automatically apply AI edits with reviewable diffs |
| MCP Server | Integration with Claude Desktop and Cursor |
| Multi-Model Chat | Built-in chat with OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and more |
Product Surfaces
| Surface | Description | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| macOS App | Native Swift application | GA |
| MCP Server | For Claude Desktop/Cursor/Claude Code | GA |
| Windows/Linux | Not available | Roadmap |
Technical Architecture
Repo Prompt is built natively in Swift for macOS, providing native performance and system integration. The application runs entirely locally—no code is transmitted to external servers except when explicitly sent to AI providers.
The MCP (Model Context Protocol) server component allows external AI tools to query Repo Prompt's context selections, enabling workflows like starting a conversation in Claude Desktop and continuing in Cursor with the same context.
Key Technical Details
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Deployment | Local macOS application |
| Model(s) | OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, DeepSeek, Azure, OpenRouter |
| Integrations | Claude Desktop, Cursor, Claude Code via MCP |
| Open Source | No (proprietary) |
Strengths
- Native macOS performance — Built in Swift for responsiveness and low resource usage, unlike Electron-based alternatives
- Visual context precision — File tree interface eliminates guesswork about what's included in prompts
- MCP server integration — Works as a backend for Claude Desktop and Cursor, not just standalone
- Token efficiency — Code Maps and selective context significantly reduce token usage compared to dumping entire repos
- Apply Mode reliability — Sophisticated diff parsing handles model formatting errors gracefully
Cautions
- macOS only — No Windows or Linux support, limiting team adoption
- Solo developer risk — Single maintainer means slower development and support
- Learning curve — Visual context engineering workflow differs from inline IDE assistants
- Paid for serious use — Free tier limited to 32k tokens; Pro required for larger projects
- Not an IDE — Designed to complement other tools, not replace them
Pricing & Licensing
| Tier | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Mac-native interface, 32k token limit |
| Pro Monthly | $14.99/mo | No token limits, all features |
| Pro Annual | $149/yr | 2 months free vs monthly |
| Lifetime | $219 | All Pro features forever |
Licensing model: Freemium with subscription/lifetime options
Hidden costs: Users pay for their own API keys separately. Heavy usage with frontier models can cost $50-200+/month.
Competitive Positioning
Direct Competitors
| Competitor | Differentiation |
|---|---|
| Repomix | Repo Prompt has visual UI and Apply Mode; Repomix is CLI-only |
| Cursor | Cursor is an IDE; Repo Prompt is a context tool that works with Cursor |
| 16x Prompt | 16x is cross-platform; Repo Prompt has deeper MCP integration |
When to Choose Repo Prompt Over Alternatives
- Choose Repo Prompt when: You're on macOS and want precise visual context control with MCP integration
- Choose Repomix when: You need CLI-based context packaging across platforms
- Choose Cursor when: You want an all-in-one AI IDE
- Choose Claude Desktop/Claude Code when: You prefer simpler workflows without visual context engineering
Ideal Customer Profile
Best fit:
- macOS developers working with large codebases
- Users of Claude Desktop or Cursor wanting better context control
- Developers who value token efficiency and precision
- Teams that can standardize on macOS
Poor fit:
- Windows/Linux users (no support)
- Developers wanting all-in-one IDE solutions
- Teams needing collaboration features
- Users who prefer simple, automatic context detection
Viability Assessment
| Factor | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Financial Health | Moderate (bootstrapped, revenue-generating) |
| Market Position | Niche leader |
| Innovation Pace | Steady |
| Community/Ecosystem | Small but dedicated |
| Long-term Outlook | Neutral |
Repo Prompt occupies a focused niche as a context engineering tool for macOS power users. Its bootstrapped status means sustainable economics but limited growth resources. The solo developer model is both a strength (focused vision) and risk (bus factor).
Bottom Line
Repo Prompt is an excellent tool for developers who take context engineering seriously. The visual file selection, MCP integration, and Apply Mode create a workflow that's more precise and efficient than copy-pasting or relying on AI auto-detection.
Recommended for: macOS developers working with large codebases who want precise control over AI context and token-efficient workflows.
Not recommended for: Cross-platform teams, users wanting all-in-one solutions, or developers who prefer automatic context handling.
Outlook: Repo Prompt has found a sustainable niche but faces platform limitations. Windows/Linux support would significantly expand its market, but the solo developer model makes this challenging. For macOS users in its target market, it remains one of the best context engineering tools available.
Research by Ry Walker Research • methodology