Claude Usage Monitor: Floating CRT Widget for Windows
What This Tool Does
A developer has created a Claude API usage monitor for Windows that addresses specific pain points with existing monitoring tools. The tool provides real-time visibility into API consumption without requiring users to click through tray icons or menus.
Key Features
- Always-visible widget: A floating amber phosphor CRT-style widget sits next to the taskbar clock, showing SESSION (5H) and WEEKLY (7D) usage bars in real time
- Alternative display option: A compact taskbar-embedded version is available if the floating widget isn't preferred
- Smart behavior: Automatically pauses API polling when the screen is locked or screensaver activates, and hides itself during fullscreen applications (like games)
- Clean wake-up: When returning from locked/fullscreen states, the widget refreshes immediately
- Settings panel: Includes a General tab for themes, poll interval, and launch on startup configuration
- Advanced metrics: A "Nerds Only" tab provides full rate limit breakdowns, burn rate, token counts, cost in USD, and per-model breakdowns
- Customization: Seven color themes available if the default amber phosphor aesthetic isn't preferred
Development Details
The tool was built using Claude Code (the developer notes the irony) and is currently Windows-only. The source code and download are available on GitHub.
Who It's For
Developers who use Claude's API and want real-time, unobtrusive monitoring without interrupting their workflow.
📖 Read the full source: r/ClaudeAI
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