Questions people ask first

Do I need a Claude plan?

Yes, to use the Claude panel. It runs your own copy of Claude Code, which needs a Pro, Max, Team or Enterprise plan, or an Anthropic Console account. The free Claude plan does not include Claude Code. You sign in once, with Anthropic’s own screens; CodaKeys never sees your sign-in.

Without Claude Code you can still use CodaKeys as a DAW: record, play and edit.

What does it cost?

CodaKeys is free while it is in beta. Your Claude plan is separate and billed by Anthropic. Some add-ons use your own keys with other services, such as ElevenLabs for generated sounds and sung vocals. Those cost money on your account with them. CodaKeys shows what a generation will cost and waits for your yes first.

Which Macs does it run on?

A Mac with Apple silicon, running macOS 13 or later. CodaKeys itself opens on macOS 12, but Claude Code needs 13. It is a Mac app.

Does my music leave my Mac?

Your projects, recordings and settings stay on your Mac. The app sends us nothing unless you turn on crash and performance reports or update checks, and those never include your audio, notes or project names.

When you ask Claude something, your prompt and the parts of the song it reads go from your Mac to Anthropic, under your Claude account. Add-ons you connect, like ElevenLabs, get what that feature needs, under your key. The Privacy Policy has the full list.

Who owns what I make?

You do. The Beta Terms say you own the music and projects you make with CodaKeys, and that you may sell them. AI output can be wrong or sound like existing music, so listen before you release it. That part is on you.

Is what Claude makes editable? Can I undo it?

What Claude writes is ordinary MIDI, audio and mixer settings. You can play it, edit it or delete it like anything you made yourself.

⌘Z undoes Claude’s changes on the same list as yours, one step at a time. Undo lasts while the song stays open. For a save-point that lasts, ask Claude for a checkpoint. Money spent and things installed are not undone, so Claude asks first.

Can I use my plug-ins?

Yes. CodaKeys plays Audio Unit and VST3 plug-ins, yours and the free ones it can install for you. Each plug-in runs in a helper of its own, so one that crashes restarts with its last settings instead of taking your song down.

How do updates work?

CodaKeys asks whether to check for updates once. Help › Check for Updates... checks any time. You can also open your download link again: it always gives you the current build. Your projects, settings and keys stay.

Is there a Windows version?

No. CodaKeys is a Mac app.

How do I get in?

The beta is by invitation. Ask on the home page and you get an email with your own download link once you are approved.

How do I report a bug?

Write to hello@codakeys.com with the version you installed and what happened. This is a beta: it can crash, so keep backups of anything you care about.