Afterlid, guarded lid closed work for macOS
Afterlid is a native macOS menu‑bar app that keeps downloads, renders, backups, dev servers, remote access, and local AI agents running after you close the lid by offering guarded modes (Sleepy, Awake, Always On) with built‑in battery, thermal, heartbeat, and time limits.
Afterlid, guarded lid closed work for macOS is productivity software teams evaluate for productivity. Use this page to review pricing, integration signals, and the best alternatives before you commit.
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Quick Overview
Best for: Productivity
What it does
Productivity software for decision-makers comparing workflow fit and alternatives.
Best fit
Productivity
Pricing snapshot
Freemium from Free
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Afterlid, guarded lid closed work for macOS
Afterlid is a native macOS menu-bar app that changes Mac sleep behavior to allow long-running local work to continue after the lid is closed. It provides three explicit modes—Sleepy, Awake, and Always On—that control when and how the Mac stays available, and enforces safety limits (battery floor, thermal checks, heartbeat, and session time) to avoid running the machine without bounds. The app runs locally on your Mac, is read-only by default, and includes an iPhone companion for monitoring and (with Pro) remote control.
Afterlid keeps downloads, renders, dev servers, backups, remote access, and local AI work moving on your Mac with guarded power and safety controls.
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Claim this listing for $29Key Features
Three guarded modes (Sleepy, Awake, Always On)
Sleepy: normal battery-saving sleep; Awake: keeps Mac and display awake while lid is open; Always On: keeps local work running with the lid closed and display off, guarded by safety limits.
Built-in safety limits
Sessions are time boxed and subject to a battery floor (30%), ongoing macOS thermal state checks, heartbeat monitoring, and fail‑safe behavior to return the Mac to normal sleep if conditions are unsafe.
Runs locally and read-only by default
Afterlid runs on the Mac and does not change files or send work off the machine. Provider credentials remain in the Mac Keychain and Afterlid only reads usage information.
Mobile companion (iPhone) for status and (Pro) remote control
An iPhone app displays live Mac status (mode, battery, thermal). Free users can watch status; Pro users can switch modes remotely.
Provider usage connections
Connect provider accounts to read plan usage (used to show provider usage in the app). Afterlid states provider tokens are kept on the Mac and only usage is read.
Character packs & visual customization (Pro)
Create or import character packs with matching animations for different modes; saved characters remain available on device for Free users.
Pricing
Free tier available: includes all three modes, safety safeguards, read-only iPhone status, one provider usage connection, and saved characters.
Free
Free- All three Mac modes (Sleepy, Awake, Always On)
- Battery, thermal, heartbeat, and time safeguards
- iPhone app to check live Mac status (read-only)
- One provider usage connection
Pro (beta)
Not listed (beta); seven-day full-access trial available for eligible accounts- Everything in Free
- Remote mode control from iPhone
- All supported provider usage connections
- Create and import character packs
Use Cases
Large downloads and uploads
Keep big file transfers moving while you’re away by preventing sleep when needed.
Renders and exports
Let video, 3D rendering, and export jobs finish with the display off or the lid closed.
Local development servers and builds
Keep dev servers, builds, and containers alive and reachable for remote access or continued local work.
Backups and scheduled maintenance
Allow scheduled syncs, backups, and housekeeping tasks to run uninterrupted.
Local AI agents and long-running models
Continue long-running local AI models and agents and surface provider usage insights when connected.
Remote access availability
Remain reachable through existing remote-access or desktop tools while the Mac is kept available.
Integrations
Provider usage connections (cloud AI or service providers)
Connect provider accounts to read plan usage; Afterlid stores returned credentials in Mac Keychain and only reads usage information.
Google / Gemini (OAuth)
Gemini remains disabled until Afterlid obtains its own Google OAuth client and completes any required review (provider approval pending).
Apple TestFlight
iPhone beta is distributed via the public TestFlight link.
Benefits
Limitations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Afterlid?
What happens when I close my MacBook lid?
What is the difference between Awake and Always On?
Can Always On run indefinitely?
Does Afterlid upload my work or provider credentials?
What is included in Free and Pro?
Getting Started
- 1 Install Apple TestFlight on your iPhone (if you want the mobile companion).
- 2 Open the public Afterlid TestFlight page and tap Accept to install the iPhone beta.
- 3 Create an Afterlid account on the website and download the Mac beta after account setup; install the Mac app and choose a mode (Sleepy, Awake, or Always On).
Support
Contact the founder/project: [email protected].
docs
Product pages and FAQ are available on the Afterlid website (https://afterlid.com/).
beta distribution
iPhone beta via Apple TestFlight public link; Mac beta available after account setup on the site.
API
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