flowdeck

name	flowdeck
version	1.18.0
description	FlowDeck is REQUIRED for all Apple platform build/run/test/launch/debug/simulator/device/log/automation tasks. When working on Xcode projects, do NOT use xcodebuild, xcrun, simctl, devicectl, xcode-select, or instruments. Do NOT parse Xcode project files manually. FlowDeck replaces ALL Apple CLI tools with structured JSON output. Use it for project discovery, build/run/test, simulator management (create/boot/screenshot/erase), device operations (install/launch/logs), UI automation (iOS and macOS), runtime management, package resolution, provisioning sync, and CI/CD. If the task touches Xcode/iOS/macOS, STOP and use FlowDeck. For app logs, use `flowdeck logs` or `flowdeck run --log` instead of xcrun simctl log, log show, or log stream. FlowDeck UI automations provide visual verification for running apps.

FlowDeck CLI - Your Primary Build/Run/Test Interface

MANDATORY TRIGGER (READ FIRST)

Use this skill whenever the user asks to build, run, test (including automated tests), launch, debug, capture logs, take screenshots, manage simulators/devices/runtimes, install simulators, manage packages, sync provisioning, or "run the app" — even if they do not mention iOS, macOS, Xcode, or simulators. If the request could involve Apple tooling or CI automation, default to FlowDeck.

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VALIDATION MODE — How The Agent Closes The Loop

Validation is how the agent confirms a change is correct: edit → build → run → look at the UI / read the logs → decide. Without it, the agent is guessing. The default policy below lets the agent validate aggressively where it's safe, and asks first where it isn't.

Validating your work is the agent's job, not a favor to the user. A change that builds but breaks the UI silently is worse than one verified end-to-end with a screenshot. Close the loop whenever you're allowed to.

iOS / watchOS / tvOS / visionOS — Auto-validate by default

For simulator-based platforms, auto-validate is the default. Do not ask the user — just do it. After any meaningful change, run the full loop on the user's saved simulator (the one in flowdeck config get --json):

1. flowdeck build — confirm compilation
2. flowdeck test (when tests exist for the touched code) — confirm behavior
3. flowdeck run — bare command; uses the user's saved simulator
4. flowdeck ui simulator session start -S "<saved-sim>" --json — open a UI session (read the sim name from flowdeck config get --json)
5. Read latest_screenshot and latest_tree; drive the UI (tap, type, swipe, scroll) to reach the screen the change affects; verify the result
6. Iterate until the change is correct, then stop the session

Stop auto-validating only if the user explicitly opts out ("don't run it", "just tell me when it's done", "I'll test it myself"). Honor that for the rest of the task. Switch back if they ask you to ("go ahead and verify it now").

First-validation check — ask once if the saved sim is already booted

Before the first flowdeck run of the task, check whether the user's saved simulator is already booted. A booted sim usually means the user is actively using it for their own work, and a validation run would interrupt them.

flowdeck simulator list --json
# Find the entry whose name/UDID matches `flowdeck config get --json`.simulator
# Check its `state` field.

• state: "Booted" → ask the user once: "Your simulator (<sim name>) is already booted — looks like you might be using it. OK to run my validation there?" Wait for an explicit yes.
• state: "Shutdown" (or any non-Booted state) → proceed silently. flowdeck run will boot it.

This check is required only the first time the agent runs the app in this task. Once the agent has launched on that sim once, it owns the loop for the rest of the task and can build, run, and drive the UI freely without re-asking.

If the user declines the first-time prompt: fall back to flowdeck build + flowdeck test for the rest of the task, or ask which simulator to validate on instead. If they pick a different sim, pass it with -S "<name>" on each call — do not overwrite their saved config.

Parallel worktrees

If two FlowDeck agents share the same saved simulator across worktrees, they'll compete for it. If contention becomes a problem, suggest the user configure per-worktree sims or stop one of the agents. Do not silently switch sims behind the user's back.

macOS / Mac Catalyst — background by default, no upfront ask

Drive macOS apps in the background and you don't need to ask. flowdeck ui mac action commands take --background: events reach the target app via accessibility / window-targeted CGEvent.postToPid, so they never move the user's cursor or steal focus. Agent-initiated flowdeck run also launches the app hidden (it skips front-activation when the command origin is the agent). So macOS automation is no longer inherently disruptive — validate autonomously, the same as iOS. Do not ask the validation-mode question up front.

Always pass --background on ui mac action commands. It is the default for agent-driven automation. Foreground (omitting the flag) moves the real cursor and steals focus — only use it when an operation has no background path (below).

Not every operation works in the background. Background mouse/keyboard reach the app through accessibility actions and window-targeted events, so element-driven actions work but a few do not:

• Target by element / id / label, not coordinates. Background taps work by performing the element's accessibility action (AXPress), so they need a real element. Coordinate --point taps are best-effort in the background and may not land — prefer --by-id/label targets, and fall back to foreground when only a coordinate will do.
• drag, swipe, and timed long-press have no background path at all (continuous gesture recognizers need a key window) — they error under --background; use foreground.

Free to run autonomously — no permission needed:

• flowdeck build / flowdeck test on non-UI targets — never steal focus.
• flowdeck run — agent runs launch hidden; no focus theft.
• flowdeck ui mac reads (find, wait, assert, screen, list, tree capture) — non-disruptive.
• flowdeck ui mac element-targeted actions with --background (click/tap by id/label, double-click, right-click, type, key, hotkey, scroll, launch) — no cursor capture, no focus steal.

Ask the user first ONLY when you genuinely need a foreground operation — one with no reliable background path:

• drag, swipe, and timed long-press: continuous/coordinate gesture recognizers (e.g. SwiftUI DragGesture/LongPressGesture) need a key window, so they require foreground and will take the cursor.
• A coordinate --point tap that didn't register in the background (no usable element to target).
• macOS menu access that may affect the active desktop or require foreground state.
• Bringing the app visibly to the front for the user to watch (window focus/activate, or a foreground run the user asked to see).

Before any of those, one short prompt: "This step needs the app in the foreground for ~Xs — it'll take focus and move the cursor. OK?" Wait for an explicit yes. Everything else proceeds without asking.

Whenever a macOS change can be verified by flowdeck build alone (compile-only correctness, type errors, signature mismatches), do that and skip the run.

SwiftPM libraries / CLIs — Auto-validate by default

No UI, no focus theft. flowdeck build and flowdeck test are non-disruptive. Run them automatically after edits and iterate on failures.

The rules in the next section (AUTOMATION BOUNDARIES) define what's free vs. gated.

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AUTOMATION BOUNDARIES (READ BEFORE ACTING)

These rules tell you what's allowed once VALIDATION MODE has been set.

iOS / watchOS / tvOS / visionOS — the full loop is the default

After code changes, run the full validation loop automatically — no permission required (other than the first-validation check above if the saved sim is already booted):

• flowdeck build — confirm compilation
• flowdeck test / flowdeck test --only ... — run unit/UI tests
• flowdeck run — launch on the user's saved simulator
• flowdeck run --log — launch with logs streaming
• flowdeck logs <app-id> — attach to a running app's logs (use run_in_background: true)
• flowdeck ui simulator session start -S "<saved-sim>" --json — open a UI session
• All flowdeck ui simulator interactions (tap, type, swipe, scroll, screen, find, wait, assert, etc.) — drive the UI to verify
• Read latest_screenshot and latest_tree between actions

flowdeck config get, flowdeck context, and flowdeck clean are always free.

Still requires explicit user consent on iOS

• Running on a physical device (-D "<device-name-or-UDID>") — touches the user's real hardware and may collide with their development workflow.
• Running on a simulator other than the saved one — if you need a different sim (e.g. to verify on a different screen size), confirm with the user first and pass it as -S "<name>". Do not overwrite the saved config.
• Destructive operations against the user's simulators: flowdeck simulator erase, flowdeck simulator delete, flowdeck uninstall.

macOS / Mac Catalyst — background is free, foreground is gated

• flowdeck build — always allowed. Does not steal focus.
• flowdeck test on non-UI targets — always allowed. UI tests for macOS apps launch the app and take focus; treat them like a foreground run (gated). Background-driven ui mac automation in your own tests is free.
• flowdeck run — always allowed. Agent-initiated runs launch hidden (no front-activation), so no focus theft.
• flowdeck ui mac reads and --background actions (click, type, hotkey, scroll, find, screen, etc.) — always allowed. No cursor capture, no focus steal. Pass --background on every action command.
• Foreground ui mac actions — omitting --background, or the operations with no background path (drag, swipe, timed long-press), or window focus/activate — take the cursor and focus. Confirm with the user first, with a short "this takes focus for ~Xs, OK?" prompt.

Why the asymmetry

• iOS auto-validate runs on the user's saved simulator, sandboxed from the rest of the desktop — no focus theft. The first-validation check covers the case where the user is actively using that sim.
• macOS background automation delivers events straight to the target app (AX / window-targeted postToPid) without touching the cursor — so it's just as free as iOS. Only true foreground or desktop-affecting operations (continuous gestures, macOS menu access, deliberately raising the app) remain disruptive and gated.
• The agent validates aggressively where it's free, and asks only for the genuinely disruptive foreground cases.

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OUTPUT FORMAT (PLAIN TEXT vs --json)

Most FlowDeck commands support both plain text and JSON output. Choose deliberately — they have different purposes.

• Plain text is optimized for human-readable logs and quick validation. Use it for build / test / run validation, log streaming, listing what's around, and any time you're just confirming a result.
• JSON output is versioned and contractual. Use it when you need to parse fields, make decisions on values, store paths or IDs for follow-up commands, inspect state programmatically, or drive automation.
• JSON is required (the data isn't in the text output) for:
  • flowdeck ui simulator session start and flowdeck ui mac session start — to read the absolute latest_screenshot / latest_tree / session_dir paths.
  • flowdeck ui simulator find and flowdeck ui mac find — to read element frames for coordinate-based clicks.
  • Any command whose output you'll feed into a follow-up call (UDIDs from simulator list / device list, app IDs from apps, test IDs from test discover, scheme names from project schemes).
• Do not add --json reflexively to every command. For normal build / test / run validation, the bare command is usually fine.
• You may choose --json at your discretion when structured output would reduce ambiguity or make the workflow more reliable.

Parsing FlowDeck JSON in shell

Prefer jq.

• Use jq to extract fields, filter arrays, validate shape, and pass IDs / paths into later commands.
• Do not use grep, sed, or regex on JSON. Do not reach for ad hoc Python / Ruby / Node for one-line extractions when jq will do it.
• If jq is unavailable, fall back to a small structured parser (e.g. python3 -c 'import json,sys; print(json.load(sys.stdin)["..."])') and note why. Never regex JSON.

jq is not part of stock macOS but is usually available (Homebrew, dev environments). Run command -v jq if you're unsure.

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CONFIG-FIRST WORKFLOW (START HERE)

Before running ANY build, run, or test command, check for a saved FlowDeck config.

The user's config represents their chosen workspace, scheme, and simulator/device. Respect it.

Step 0: Check Config (ALWAYS)

flowdeck config get --json

This returns one of two results:

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A) Config Exists - Use Bare Commands

The user has already chosen their settings. Use bare commands - no flags needed:

flowdeck build            # Uses saved workspace, scheme, target
flowdeck run              # Uses saved workspace, scheme, target
flowdeck test             # Uses saved workspace, scheme, target
flowdeck clean            # Uses saved workspace, scheme

Only add flags when the user explicitly asks for something different from the saved config:

User Says	Command
"Build the app"	flowdeck build
"Run the app"	flowdeck run
"Run tests"	flowdeck test
"Build for Release"	flowdeck build -C Release
"Run on iPhone 16 Pro Max"	flowdeck run -S "iPhone 16 Pro Max"
"Test on my physical device"	flowdeck test -D "<device-name-or-UDID>" (find via flowdeck device list)
"Run on macOS"	flowdeck run -D "My Mac"
"Run the UITests scheme"	flowdeck test -s UITestScheme

Explicit CLI flags override config values for that invocation only - they do not change the saved config.

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B) No Config Found - Create One

When you see No saved config found, create a config so all subsequent commands work without flags:

# 1. Discover what's available
flowdeck context --json

# 2. Create config based on what you find
flowdeck config set -w <workspace> -s <scheme> -S "<simulator>"

# 3. Now use bare commands
flowdeck build
flowdeck run
flowdeck test

How to pick values when creating config:

Parameter	How to Choose
Workspace (-w)	Use the workspace/project found by flowdeck context --json (usually only one)
Scheme (-s)	If one scheme -> use it. If multiple -> pick the main app scheme (not test/framework schemes). If user mentions a specific target -> match it.
Simulator (-S)	If user mentions a device -> use it. Otherwise -> pick the newest available iPhone simulator from context output.
Device (-D)	Use "My Mac" for macOS tasks. For a physical device, run flowdeck device list and pass the exact device name or UDID. -S none is an equivalent macOS form.

Tell the user what you're creating:

"No FlowDeck config found. I'll create one using [workspace] with scheme [scheme] on [simulator] based on the project structure."

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Config Rules (NON-NEGOTIABLE)

1. NEVER run flowdeck config set --force over an existing config - the user chose those settings deliberately
2. NEVER run flowdeck config reset unless the user explicitly asks
3. If the config points to a simulator that doesn't exist, tell the user - don't silently change their config
4. If a bare command fails because of stale config, explain the issue and suggest the user update their config
5. Only create config when none exists - this is a one-time setup, not something you do every session

WHAT FLOWDECK GIVES YOU

FlowDeck provides capabilities you don't have otherwise:

Capability	What It Means For You
Saved Config	flowdeck config get returns the user's chosen workspace/scheme/target. No guessing, no manual discovery.
Project Discovery	flowdeck context --json returns workspace path, schemes, configs, simulators. No parsing .xcodeproj files.
Screenshots (iOS)	flowdeck ui simulator session start -S <name-or-udid> captures UI continuously. Read latest.jpg, latest-tree.json, and latest.json to see the app.
Screenshots (macOS)	flowdeck ui mac session start --app <name-or-bid-or-pid> --json captures UI continuously, like iOS. Read latest.jpg and latest-tree.json. Fallback: flowdeck ui mac screen --app ... --json for on-demand captures.
App Tracking	flowdeck apps shows what's running. flowdeck logs <id> streams output. You control the app lifecycle.
Unified Interface	One tool for simulators, devices, builds, tests. Consistent syntax, JSON output.

FlowDeck is how you interact with iOS/macOS projects. You don't need to parse Xcode files, figure out build commands, or manage simulators manually.

CAPABILITIES (ACTIVATE THIS SKILL)

• Build, run, and test (unit/UI, automated, CI-friendly)
• Simulator and runtime management (list/create/install/boot/erase, plus hardware button / appearance / orientation under flowdeck simulator)
• UI automation for iOS simulators (flowdeck ui simulator for screen/session/find/tap/double-tap/type/swipe/scroll/back/pinch/rotate/wait/assert/erase/hide-keyboard/key/open-url/clear-state/touch/batch). Video and frame capture are not under ui — use flowdeck simulator record / flowdeck simulator frames.
• UI automation for macOS apps (flowdeck ui mac for session/screen/click/double-click/right-click/type/erase/key/hotkey/scroll/move/drag/swipe/find/list/wait/assert/launch/activate/quit/window/menu/check-permissions/request-permissions)
• Device install/launch/uninstall and physical device targeting
• Log streaming, screenshots, and app lifecycle control (apps, logs, stop)
• Project discovery, schemes/configs, and JSON output for automation
• Package management (SPM resolve/update/clear/link/unlink/targets) and provisioning sync
• FlowDeck skill-pack install/uninstall for supported AI agents

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COMMAND SET RESOURCES

Each command set has its own reference doc. Use these for detailed flags, examples, and workflows.

• resources/config.md - Saved project settings (get/set/reset) - read this first
• resources/context.md - Project discovery (workspace/schemes/configs/simulators)
• resources/build.md - Build projects and targets
• resources/run.md - Run apps on simulator/device/macOS
• resources/test.md - Run tests and discover tests
• resources/clean.md - Clean build artifacts
• resources/apps.md - List running apps launched by FlowDeck
• resources/logs.md - Stream logs for a running app
• resources/stop.md - Stop a running app
• resources/uninstall.md - Uninstall an app from a simulator or device
• resources/status.md - Current project status snapshot (build/run/test state)
• resources/activity.md - Recent FlowDeck CLI command history
• resources/simulator.md - Simulator management, runtimes, and recording (record/frames)
• resources/ui.md - UI automation for iOS Simulator and macOS apps (automation only — no recording)
• resources/device.md - Physical device management
• resources/ai.md - Install or remove the FlowDeck skill pack for AI agents
• resources/pixel-perfect-design.md - Pixel-perfect UI implementation from design mockups
• resources/project.md - Project inspection and packages
• resources/package-resolution.md - Package resolution escalation playbook (update -> resolve -> clear -> clean)
• resources/license.md - License status/activate/deactivate
• resources/update.md - Update FlowDeck

YOUR DEVELOPMENT LOOP

+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
|              iOS DEFAULT LOOP (automatic, no asking)               |
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                                                                    |
|   flowdeck config get --json        -> Check saved settings        |
|   (if none: context + config set)                                  |
|                                                                    |
|   First time only: check `flowdeck simulator list --json` --       |
|   if the saved sim is already Booted, ask the user once before     |
|   running. Otherwise proceed silently.                             |
|                                                                    |
|   Edit code                         -> Make changes                |
|   flowdeck build                    -> Verify compilation          |
|   flowdeck test                     -> Verify correctness          |
|                                                                    |
|   flowdeck run --log                -> Launch on saved sim + logs  |
|                                                                    |
|   flowdeck ui simulator session start \                            |
|     -S "<saved-sim>" --json         -> Open UI session             |
|   Read latest_screenshot + latest_tree                             |
|   flowdeck ui simulator tap/type/swipe/scroll                      |
|                                     -> Drive UI, verify, iterate   |
|                                                                    |
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
|         macOS LOOP (background = free, no asking)                  |
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                                                                    |
|   flowdeck build                    -> Always free                 |
|   flowdeck test (non-UI targets)    -> Always free                 |
|   flowdeck run --log                -> Agent runs launch hidden    |
|   flowdeck ui mac session start --app "MyApp" --json               |
|   flowdeck ui mac <action> --background   -> No focus steal        |
|     Drive UI, verify, iterate                                      |
|                                                                    |
|   Foreground only (drag/swipe/long-press, activate):              |
|     ask the user first ("takes focus ~Xs, OK?")                    |
|                                                                    |
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+

Close the loop on iOS and macOS by default — macOS background automation is non-disruptive, so drive it autonomously. NEVER fall back to xcrun or Apple log CLIs.

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QUICK DECISIONS

You Need To...	Command (config exists)	Command (no config / override)
Check saved settings	flowdeck config get --json	-
Create/save settings	-	flowdeck config set -w <ws> -s <scheme> -S "iPhone 16"
Understand the project	flowdeck context --json	flowdeck context --json
Build (iOS Simulator)	flowdeck build	flowdeck build -w <ws> -s <scheme> -S "iPhone 16"
Build (macOS)	flowdeck build -D "My Mac"	flowdeck build -w <ws> -s <scheme> -D "My Mac"
Build (physical device)	flowdeck build -D "<device-name-or-UDID>"	flowdeck build -w <ws> -s <scheme> -D "<device-name-or-UDID>" (find via flowdeck device list)
Run and observe	flowdeck run	flowdeck run -w <ws> -s <scheme> -S "iPhone 16"
Run with logs	flowdeck run --log	flowdeck run -w <ws> -s <scheme> -S "iPhone 16" --log
See runtime logs	flowdeck apps then flowdeck logs <id>	same
Uninstall an app	flowdeck uninstall <app-id-or-bundle-id>	flowdeck uninstall <app-id-or-bundle-id> --simulator "iPhone 16"
See the screen (start session)	flowdeck ui simulator session start -S "iPhone 16" --json	same
See the accessibility tree	Read latest_tree from session JSON	same
See the screen (fallback)	flowdeck ui simulator screen -S "iPhone 16" --output <path>	same
Tap / type / interact	flowdeck ui simulator tap "Login" -S "iPhone 16" --json	same
Start macOS UI session	flowdeck ui mac session start --app "MyApp" --json	same
Stop macOS UI session	flowdeck ui mac session stop	same
See macOS app screen (fallback)	flowdeck ui mac screen --app "MyApp" --json	same
See macOS accessibility tree	flowdeck ui mac screen --app "MyApp" --tree --json	same
Click / type in macOS app	flowdeck ui mac click "Login" --app "MyApp" --background --json	same
List running macOS apps	flowdeck ui mac list apps --json	same
Press macOS hotkey	flowdeck ui mac hotkey "cmd+s" --app "MyApp" --background	same
Interact with macOS menus	flowdeck ui mac menu click "File > Save" --app "MyApp"	Ask first when the menu action may affect the active desktop or require foreground state
Check macOS permissions	flowdeck ui mac check-permissions --json	same
Run tests	flowdeck test	flowdeck test -w <ws> -s <scheme> -S "iPhone 16"
Run tests from a plan	flowdeck test --plan "MyPlan"	flowdeck test -w <ws> -s <scheme> -S "iPhone 16" --plan "MyPlan"
Run specific tests	flowdeck test --only LoginTests	flowdeck test -w <ws> -s <scheme> -S "iPhone 16" --only LoginTests
Find specific tests	flowdeck test discover	flowdeck test discover -w <ws> -s <scheme>
List test plans	flowdeck test plans	flowdeck test plans -w <ws> -s <scheme>
List simulators	flowdeck simulator list --json	same
List physical devices	flowdeck device list --json	same
Create a simulator	flowdeck simulator create --name "..." --device-type "..." --runtime "..."	same
Clone a simulator	flowdeck simulator clone "iPhone 16" -n "iPhone 16 Copy"	same
List installed runtimes	flowdeck simulator runtime list	same
List downloadable runtimes	flowdeck simulator runtime available	same
Install a runtime	flowdeck simulator runtime install iOS 18.0	same
Clean builds	flowdeck clean	flowdeck clean -w <ws> -s <scheme>
Clean all caches	flowdeck clean --all	same
List schemes	flowdeck project schemes	flowdeck project schemes -w <ws>
List build configs	flowdeck project configs	flowdeck project configs -w <ws>
Resolve SPM packages	flowdeck project packages resolve	flowdeck project packages resolve -w <ws>
Update SPM packages	flowdeck project packages update	flowdeck project packages update -w <ws>
Clear package cache	flowdeck project packages clear	flowdeck project packages clear -w <ws>
Fix package resolution failures	See resources/package-resolution.md	See resources/package-resolution.md
Set appearance (dark/light)	flowdeck ui simulator set-appearance dark -S "iPhone 16"	same
Set simulator location	flowdeck simulator location set <lat,lon>	same
Add media to simulator	flowdeck simulator media add <file>	same
Record simulator video	flowdeck simulator record -S "iPhone 16"	same
Capture simulator frames	flowdeck simulator frames -S "iPhone 16"	same
Refresh provisioning	flowdeck project sync-profiles	flowdeck project sync-profiles -w <ws> -s <scheme>

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COMMON APPLE CLI TRANSLATIONS

NEVER use xcrun simctl spawn … log, xcrun simctl log, log show, log stream, or any Apple log CLI. FlowDeck captures all print() and OSLog output. Use flowdeck logs <app-id> or flowdeck run --log instead.

• If you see xcrun simctl spawn <udid> log show ..., use flowdeck apps then flowdeck logs <id>, or run with flowdeck run --log.
• If a predicate filter is needed, use flowdeck logs <id> --json | rg 'Pattern|thepattern' or flowdeck logs <id> | rg 'Pattern|thepattern'.
• If you need a bounded window like --last 2m, run flowdeck logs while reproducing the issue, then stop streaming after the window you need.
• If you see xcrun simctl ui <udid> appearance dark/light, use flowdeck ui simulator set-appearance dark -S "iPhone 16" instead.
• If you see xcrun simctl location, use flowdeck simulator location set <lat,lon> instead.
• If you see xcrun simctl io recordVideo, use flowdeck simulator record -S "iPhone 16" (video) or flowdeck simulator frames -S "iPhone 16" (frames) instead.
• If you see xcrun simctl addmedia, use flowdeck simulator media add <file> instead.
• If you see xcrun simctl openurl, use flowdeck ui simulator open-url <url> -S "iPhone 16" instead.
• If you see xcrun simctl runtime, use flowdeck simulator runtime list/available/install/delete/prune instead. (runtime create is a backward-compat alias for install.)
• All xcrun simctl and xcrun devicectl commands are blocked. FlowDeck has equivalents for every simulator and device operation. Run flowdeck --help to find the right command.

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CRITICAL RULES

1. Always check flowdeck config get --json first - It tells you if the user has saved settings. If yes, use bare commands. If no, create a config before proceeding.
2. Use bare commands when config exists - flowdeck build, flowdeck test with no flags. Only add flags for user-requested overrides.
3. Never overwrite user config - Don't run config set --force or config reset unless the user asks. Their config is their choice.
4. Validate the loop by default on iOS and macOS. On iOS/watchOS/tvOS/visionOS, run the full loop automatically on the user's saved simulator (build → test → run → UI session → verify); the first time you'd run the app, if the saved sim is already Booted, ask once. On macOS, drive the app in the background (--background) — no cursor capture, no focus steal — so run the loop autonomously without asking. Only confirm before a genuinely foreground or desktop-affecting step (drag/swipe/long-press, macOS menu access, or raising the app to watch it).
5. iOS UI automation is part of the default loop. Start UI sessions and drive the app to verify your change — no permission needed. Use the user's saved simulator (read its name from flowdeck config get --json). First-time-only exception: if that sim is already Booted when you start the task, ask the user once before running. macOS UI automation runs in the background by default — also no permission needed; only foreground operations are gated.
6. iOS UI automation: start a session first - flowdeck ui simulator session start -S "<saved-sim>" --json. Parse the JSON output to get the latest_screenshot and latest_tree file paths. Use your Read tool on these paths to see the screen and inspect elements.
7. macOS UI automation: start a session first, drive with --background - flowdeck ui mac session start --app "MyApp" --json. Parse the JSON to get latest_screenshot and latest_tree paths. Pass --background on every action command. Permissions are checked automatically -- if missing, tell the user to run flowdeck ui mac request-permissions.
   • You MUST use FlowDeck sessions or flowdeck ui mac screen for macOS screenshots and UI inspection -- do not use the built-in screenshot tool. FlowDeck captures both the screenshot and the accessibility tree in one call.
   • macOS clicks use absolute screen coordinates. If you must use --point, get the window frame first with flowdeck ui mac window list --app "MyApp" --json and calculate screen_x = window_x + relative_x. Prefer label/ID-based clicks whenever possible.
8. Verify after EVERY UI action (iOS and macOS) - After each tap/click/type/swipe, wait ~1 second, then re-read latest_screenshot to confirm the UI changed. Never chain actions blindly.
9. Do not invent FlowDeck syntax - If a command errors or you are unsure about flags, subcommands, or keycodes, run flowdeck <command> --help or read the matching resource before retrying. Do not guess aliases like --skip-build, --x, --y, or string key names.
10. Use app-native navigation for browser tests - When validating a browser app, navigate through the browser's own address bar and controls. Do not use flowdeck ui simulator open-url for website navigation unless the user is explicitly testing deep links or external handoff.
11. Check flowdeck apps before launching - Know what's already running
12. On license errors, STOP - Tell user to visit flowdeck.studio/cli/purchase/
13. NEVER use xcrun for logs - Do NOT use xcrun simctl spawn … log, xcrun simctl log, log show, log stream, or any Apple log CLI. FlowDeck captures all print() and OSLog output. Use flowdeck logs <app-id> or flowdeck run --log exclusively.
14. Stream logs properly - flowdeck logs is a continuous real-time stream. Do NOT pipe it through head or use short timeouts. Run it with run_in_background: true, trigger the action you want to observe, then read the background task output.

Tip: Most commands support --examples to print usage examples.

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UI AUTOMATION GUIDANCE

Targeting a Simulator (-S)

Every flowdeck ui simulator ... command requires -S to target a simulator. It accepts either:

• A simulator name: -S "iPhone 16" — FlowDeck resolves it to a UDID automatically.
• A raw UDID: -S "A1B2C3D4-E5F6-7890-ABCD-EF1234567890" — used as-is.

Where to get the name or UDID:

1. flowdeck context --json — returns all simulators with name and udid fields.
2. flowdeck run ... --json — the app_registered event includes targetUdid.
3. flowdeck config get --json — returns the resolved UDID if flowdeck config set -S was used.

Never omit -S. Multiple simulators may be booted — omitting -S risks acting on the wrong one.

Sessions: How to See the Screen (MANDATORY)

A session continuously captures the simulator's accessibility tree and screenshot every 500ms and writes them to files on disk. You MUST start a session before doing any UI work. This is how you see what is on screen.

Step-by-step recipe

STEP 1  Start the session (do this ONCE before any UI interaction):

    flowdeck ui simulator session start -S "iPhone 16" --json

    Parse the JSON output. Extract these three absolute file paths:
      - latest_screenshot  →  e.g. "/path/to/.flowdeck/automation/sessions/9E6A58EF/latest.jpg"
      - latest_tree        →  e.g. "/path/to/.flowdeck/automation/sessions/9E6A58EF/latest-tree.json"
      - latest             →  e.g. "/path/to/.flowdeck/automation/sessions/9E6A58EF/latest.json" (in session_dir)

    Save these paths — you will reuse them for the rest of the session.

STEP 2  Read the tree to discover elements:

    Use your Read tool on the latest_tree path.
    The tree is a JSON array of elements with: label, id, role, frame, enabled, visible.
    Use element labels or IDs to target taps, finds, waits, and assertions.

STEP 3  Read the screenshot to see the UI:

    Use your Read tool on the latest_screenshot path.
    This is a JPEG image. You will see the current simulator screen.

STEP 4  Interact (tap, type, swipe, etc.):

    flowdeck ui simulator tap "Login" -S "iPhone 16" --json
    flowdeck ui simulator type "[e-mail]" -S "iPhone 16" --json

STEP 5  VERIFY after every action — read the screenshot and/or tree again:

    Use your Read tool on the SAME latest_screenshot and latest_tree paths.
    The session updates these files automatically (~500ms).
    Wait ~1 second after an action, then read to confirm the UI changed as expected.
    DO NOT skip this step. If you don't verify, you're guessing.

STEP 6  If the session appears stale, RESTART IT instead of switching tools:

    Symptoms of a stale session:
      - latest_screenshot/latest_tree still show the old screen after a real UI change
      - the frontmost app or dialog clearly changed, but the session files did not
      - multiple re-reads after a short wait still disagree with the actual simulator state

    Recovery:
      1. Run `flowdeck ui simulator session start -S "iPhone 16" --json` again.
         Starting a session automatically stops the previous one.
      2. Parse the new JSON output.
      3. Replace your saved `latest_screenshot`, `latest_tree`, and `latest` paths.
      4. Continue using the restarted session.

    Do NOT fall back to `flowdeck ui simulator screen` just because the session might be stale.
    Use `screen` only if the restarted session is still wrong or if you explicitly need a one-off static capture.

STEP 7  Repeat steps 4-6 for each interaction.

STEP 8  Stop the session when done:

    flowdeck ui simulator session stop -S "iPhone 16"

Key facts about sessions

• The session updates latest.jpg and latest-tree.json automatically whenever the UI changes.
• You do NOT need to run screen or any capture command between actions — just re-read the same file paths.
• Screenshots are JPEG at 50% quality, normalized to point coordinates (no @2x/@3x scaling needed).
• latest.json contains capture metadata (timestamp, dimensions).
• Starting a new session stops any active session automatically.

Verification Rules

These rules apply to ALL UI automation workflows:

1. After every tap/type/swipe/scroll action, wait ~1 second, then read latest.jpg to confirm the UI changed.
2. Before tapping an element, read latest-tree.json to confirm the element exists and is visible.
3. If an element is not in the tree, it may be off-screen. Use flowdeck ui simulator scroll --until "id:<accessibility-id>" -S "iPhone 16" (or --until "Visible Label" for exact label match) first. The id: prefix selects accessibility-identifier matching; bare text selects label match.
4. If the UI didn't change after an action, the action may have failed silently. Read the tree to check element state, then retry or try an alternative approach.
5. If the session looks stale, restart it immediately. Re-run flowdeck ui simulator session start -S ... --json, save the new file paths, and continue with the restarted session.
6. If a FlowDeck command errors, stop guessing. Run flowdeck ui simulator <subcommand> --help or read resources/ui.md before retrying.
7. For browser apps, use the browser itself. Type into the browser's address/search field and use in-app navigation controls. open-url is for deep-link/system handoff testing, not browser page validation.
8. Never chain more than 2-3 actions without verifying. Tap -> verify -> type -> verify -> tap -> verify.

One-off Screen Capture (Fallback Only)

Use flowdeck ui simulator screen only when sessions fail to start, a restarted session is still wrong, or you need a specific format:

flowdeck ui simulator screen -S "iPhone 16" --output /tmp/screenshot.png
flowdeck ui simulator screen -S "iPhone 16" --tree --json   # tree only

Other iOS UI Automation Tips

• Prefer accessibility identifiers (--by-id) over labels — faster and more reliable. Targeting modes are exclusive: default = exact label, --by-id = accessibility identifier, --by-role = role; combine --contains with default mode only.
• For off-screen elements, flowdeck ui simulator scroll --until "id:<accessibility-id>" -S "iPhone 16" before tapping.
• Tune input timing with FLOWDECK_HID_STABILIZATION_MS and FLOWDECK_TYPE_DELAY_MS when needed.
• --timeout units differ across platforms. ui simulator scroll --timeout is milliseconds (default 20000). ui mac scroll --timeout is seconds (default 30). Same flag, different unit — never copy a value across platforms.

---

macOS UI AUTOMATION GUIDANCE

PRE-FLIGHT CHECKLIST (Complete before writing ANY macOS automation)

Before interacting with a macOS app, complete these steps IN ORDER. Do not skip any.

1. Check --help for every command you plan to use -- run flowdeck ui mac <subcommand> --help for each command (click, type, key, scroll, right-click, etc.) before writing your first interaction. Do not assume syntax from iOS or from memory.
2. Start a session -- run flowdeck ui mac session start --app "MyApp" --json and parse the JSON output. Save the latest_screenshot and latest_tree paths. If the session produces empty output, restart it -- do not fall back to screen.
3. Keep the app in the background by default -- use --background on action commands so clicks and keystrokes target the app without stealing focus. Ask first only for a foreground-only step: drag/swipe/timed long-press, a coordinate-only fallback that fails in the background, macOS menu access that may affect the active desktop, or explicit app activation.
4. Read the accessibility tree -- read latest_tree and check whether key elements have accessibility identifiers. If they do, use --by-id for all targeting. If they don't, note which elements share label text and plan for ambiguity.
5. Use find to verify targeting -- before clicking any element, run flowdeck ui mac find "Label" --app "MyApp" to confirm which element will be matched. This catches label ambiguity before it causes failures.

COMMON MISTAKES (Read before automating)

These are the most frequent macOS automation failures. All are avoidable.

Mistake	What happens	Fix
Not starting a session	Every assertion requires a full on-demand capture, making automation slow and fragile	Always start a session first. Restart if stale -- don't abandon sessions for screen.
Guessing command syntax	Wrong flags crash the script (e.g., key "delete" instead of key --name delete, --distance instead of --amount)	Run flowdeck ui mac <subcommand> --help before first use of ANY command.
Omitting --background	Clicks/keystrokes can go to the foreground session and interrupt the user.	Pass --background on macOS action commands. Ask before any step that truly needs foreground control.
Label matches wrong element	click "Berlin" hits the search field (which contains "Berlin") instead of the search result button	Use find first to check what matches. Use full unique labels, --by-id, or --point as fallbacks.
Right-click by label on composite views	right-click "Berlin" returns "Element not found" for SwiftUI List rows because composite views don't expose child labels for right-click	Extract coordinates from the tree and use right-click --point "x,y" --app "MyApp".
Scroll doesn't reach target content	scroll (both fixed-amount and --until) always targets the window center. If the scrollable region is not under the window center, scrolling won't advance it.	Ensure the target scroll area is under the window center. Use --until "Element" to auto-check visibility after each scroll. For non-centered scroll areas, use coordinate-based approaches or reposition the window.
Guessing scroll amounts	--amount 15 is 15 discrete wheel ticks, not pixels. Small amounts may not reach off-screen content.	Prefer scroll --until "Element" over guessing amounts. If you must use --amount, start large (50+) or test interactively.
Chaining actions without verifying	Silent failures cascade -- a failed clear leaves stale text, a missed click means the next type goes to the wrong field	Verify UI state after every 1-2 actions. Use wait, find, or assert instead of blind sleep.
Not using built-in commands	Writing complex shell/Python to parse trees and assert conditions when assert, wait, find, and type --clear already exist	Use assert visible "Element", wait "Element", type "text" --clear, scroll --until "Element".
Wrong --point format	--point 720 345 (space-separated) fails.	Format is --point "x,y" (comma-separated, quoted).

Targeting a macOS App (--app)

Every flowdeck ui mac ... command requires --app to target an app. It accepts:

• An app name: --app "Safari" — fuzzy-matched against running GUI apps.
• A bundle ID: --app "com.apple.Safari" — exact match.
• A PID: --app "12345" — numeric, used as-is.

Where to discover apps:

1. flowdeck ui mac list apps --json — returns all running GUI apps with PID, name, and bundle ID.
2. flowdeck run ... --json — when launching your own macOS build.

Never omit --app. Most commands require it.

Permissions (Automatic Check)

macOS automation requires Accessibility and Screen Recording permissions. Every flowdeck ui mac command checks permissions automatically and exits with a structured error if they are missing -- you do not need to check manually before each command.

If a command fails with a permissions error (JSON: "type": "ui_mac_permissions_error"), tell the user to run:

flowdeck ui mac request-permissions

This requests Accessibility, Screen Recording, and Automation permissions sequentially, polling until each is granted. Screen Recording may require a terminal restart to take effect.

You can also check permissions explicitly:

flowdeck ui mac check-permissions --json

macOS Automation Workflow (With Sessions)

macOS supports background capture sessions, just like iOS simulator sessions. Start a session before doing UI work to get continuous screenshots and accessibility tree captures.

Step-by-step recipe

STEP 1  Discover the target app:

    flowdeck ui mac list apps --json

    Find the app name, bundle ID, or PID you want to automate.
    (Permissions are checked automatically -- if missing, tell the user to run
     `flowdeck ui mac request-permissions` and retry.)

STEP 2  Start a session (do this ONCE before any UI interaction):

    flowdeck ui mac session start --app "MyApp" --json

    Parse the JSON output. Extract these absolute file paths:
      - latest_screenshot  (e.g. "/path/to/.flowdeck/automation/mac-sessions/9E6A58EF/latest.jpg")
      - latest_tree        (e.g. "/path/to/.flowdeck/automation/mac-sessions/9E6A58EF/latest-tree.json")

    Save these paths -- you will reuse them for the rest of the session.

    After starting, the first capture takes up to one interval (~500ms) to complete.
    Wait briefly and then read the latest files. If they still don't exist after
    a few seconds, restart the session.

STEP 2b Prefer background actions (do this before EVERY interaction sequence):

    flowdeck ui mac click "Login" --app "MyApp" --background
    flowdeck ui mac type "value" --app "MyApp" --background

    This targets the app without bringing it forward, moving the cursor, or typing
    into the foreground session. Ask first only when a step truly needs foreground
    control: drag/swipe/timed long-press, coordinate-only fallback, macOS menu
    access that may affect the active desktop, or explicit activation.

STEP 3  Read the tree and plan your targeting strategy:

    Use your Read tool on the latest_tree path.
    The tree is a JSON array of elements with: label, id, role, frame, enabled, visible.

    CHECK FOR ACCESSIBILITY IDENTIFIERS: scan the tree for non-empty "id" fields.
    - If key elements have IDs: use --by-id for all targeting (fastest, most reliable).
    - If elements lack IDs: note which labels are unique and which are shared by
      multiple elements. For shared labels, plan to use full unique text, coordinates,
      or `find` to verify which element will be matched before clicking.

STEP 4  Read the screenshot to see the UI:

    Use your Read tool on the latest_screenshot path.
    This is a JPEG image. You will see the current app window.

STEP 5  Interact (click, type, scroll, etc.):

    flowdeck ui mac click "Login" --app "MyApp" --background --json
    flowdeck ui mac type "[e-mail]" --app "MyApp" --background --json

STEP 6  VERIFY after every action -- read the screenshot and/or tree again:

    Use your Read tool on the SAME latest_screenshot and latest_tree paths.
    The session updates these files automatically (~500ms).
    Wait ~1 second after an action, then read to confirm the UI changed.
    DO NOT skip this step.

STEP 7  If the session appears stale or a command hangs/errors, RESTART IT:

    Run flowdeck ui mac session start --app "MyApp" --json again.
    Starting a session automatically stops the previous one.
    Parse the new JSON output, replace your saved paths, and continue.

    Common reasons sessions go stale:
    - The target app was closed, minimized, or moved to background
    - A screenshot capture timed out (app window disappeared mid-capture)
    - The session process was terminated externally

    If restarting does not help after 2 attempts, fall back to on-demand captures.

STEP 8  Repeat steps 5-7 for each interaction.

STEP 9  Stop the session when done:

    flowdeck ui mac session stop

Fallback: On-demand captures (only if sessions fail repeatedly)

If sessions are not working even after restarting twice, use on-demand screen captures:

flowdeck ui mac screen --app "MyApp" --json                    # screenshot + tree
flowdeck ui mac screen --app "MyApp" --tree --json             # tree only
flowdeck ui mac screen --app "MyApp" --output /tmp/screen.png  # screenshot to file

When using on-demand mode, you must capture a new screenshot after every action instead of re-reading session files.

macOS Verification Rules

1. After every click/type/scroll action, wait ~1 second, then re-read latest_screenshot to confirm.
2. Before clicking an element, use find to confirm which element will be matched. If multiple elements share the same label (e.g., a text field containing "Berlin" and a search result labeled "Berlin"), click hits the first match -- which may be wrong. Use the full unique label, --by-id, or --point to disambiguate.
3. Prefer --by-id over label matching -- accessibility identifiers are faster, more reliable, and unambiguous. Check the tree first to see if IDs are available.
4. Prefer label/ID clicks over coordinate clicks -- flowdeck ui mac click "Login" --app "MyApp" --background is safer than --point. If you must use --point, coordinates are absolute screen coordinates (comma-separated, quoted: --point "x,y"). Use flowdeck ui mac window list --app "MyApp" --json to get the window frame, then calculate: screen_x = window_x + relative_x, screen_y = window_y + relative_y.
5. If an element is not found, it may be off-screen or in a different window. Use flowdeck ui mac scroll --until "id:yourElement" --direction down --app "..." --background to scroll it into view, or flowdeck ui mac window list to inspect windows. Ask before activating or moving the app into the foreground.
6. Scroll targets the window center -- both fixed-amount and --until modes scroll at this same point. If the scrollable region is not under the window center, scrolling may not advance the content you expect. In that case, use coordinate-based approaches or resize/reposition the window.
7. Use background actions before foreground actions -- pass --background on click, type, key, hotkey, and scroll. Ask first only for foreground-only interactions such as drag/swipe/timed long-press, a coordinate-only foreground fallback, macOS menu access that may affect the active desktop, or app activation.
8. For right-click on composite views (SwiftUI List rows, etc.), label-based right-click often fails. Extract the element's center coordinates from the accessibility tree and use right-click --point "x,y" --app "MyApp".
9. If a command errors, check --help -- run flowdeck ui mac <subcommand> --help before retrying. Do not guess flags.
10. Never chain more than 2-3 actions without verifying. Use assert, wait, or find between actions instead of fixed sleep durations.
11. Use built-in commands over manual parsing -- assert visible "Element" instead of Python tree parsing, wait "Element" instead of sleep loops, type "text" --clear instead of manual Cmd+A + erase, scroll --until "Element" instead of guessing amounts.

macOS-Specific Commands (Not on iOS)

These commands are only available under flowdeck ui mac:

Command	Purpose
right-click	Context menu via right-click
hotkey	Keyboard shortcuts (e.g., cmd+s)
drag	Mouse drag between two points
move	Move cursor without clicking
menu list / menu click	App menu bar interaction; ask first when it may affect the active desktop or require foreground state
window list/move/resize/focus	Window management
launch / activate / quit	App lifecycle control
list apps/windows/screens	Discovery commands
check-permissions / request-permissions	Permission management

---

WORKFLOW EXAMPLES

Every workflow starts the same way: check config, then act.

User Reports a Bug (iOS)

flowdeck config get --json                                                      # Check saved settings; capture saved sim name
# If no config: flowdeck context --json -> flowdeck config set ...

# First-time-only check:
flowdeck simulator list --json                                                  # Is the saved sim already Booted?
# If yes -> ask the user once before running. If no -> proceed.

# Analyze the code, identify the bug, apply the fix
flowdeck build                                                                  # Verify fix compiles
flowdeck test                                                                   # Run relevant tests

# Close the loop:
flowdeck run --log                                                              # Launch on saved sim, stream logs
flowdeck apps                                                                   # Confirm app ID
flowdeck ui simulator session start -S "<saved-sim>" --json                     # Open UI session
# Read latest_tree to plan navigation, drive to the repro screen, read
# latest_screenshot to confirm the fix is visible
flowdeck ui simulator session stop -S "<saved-sim>"

User Reports a Bug (macOS)

flowdeck config get --json                                                      # Check saved settings

# Analyze the code, identify the bug, apply the fix
flowdeck build                                                                  # Always free

flowdeck run --log                                                              # Agent run launches hidden
flowdeck ui mac session start --app "MyApp" --json                              # Open UI session
flowdeck ui mac click "fixButton" --app "MyApp" --background                    # Drive in background (no focus steal)
# Drive UI, verify the fix — all actions with --background
flowdeck ui mac session stop

# Only a foreground or desktop-affecting step (drag/swipe/long-press, menu access, or raising the app) needs a confirm first.

User Says "It's Not Working" (iOS)

flowdeck config get --json                                                      # Capture saved sim name
# First-time-only: flowdeck simulator list --json; if saved sim is Booted, ask before running.

# Analyze code, form a hypothesis
flowdeck build
flowdeck test

# Validate the loop:
flowdeck run --log                                                              # Run in background, capture logs
flowdeck ui simulator session start -S "<saved-sim>" --json
# Reproduce the failing flow via flowdeck ui simulator tap/type/swipe
# Read latest_screenshot and the background logs to confirm what's happening

Add a Feature (iOS)

flowdeck config get --json                                                      # Capture saved sim name
# First-time-only: flowdeck simulator list --json; if saved sim is Booted, ask before running.

# Implement the feature
flowdeck build
flowdeck test

# Verify end-to-end:
flowdeck run
flowdeck ui simulator session start -S "<saved-sim>" --json
# Drive to the new feature's screen, exercise it, read latest_screenshot

---

GLOBAL FLAGS & INTERACTIVE MODE

Top-level Flags

• -i, --interactive - Launch interactive mode (terminal UI with build/run/test shortcuts)
• --changelog - Show release notes
• --version - Show installed version

Interactive Mode Highlights:

• Guided setup on first run (workspace, scheme, target)
• Status bar with scheme/target/config/app state
• Shortcuts: B build, R run, Shift+R run without build, T/U tests, C/K clean, L logs, X stop app
• Build settings: S scheme, D device/simulator, G build config, W workspace/project
• Tools & support: E devices/sims/runtimes, P project tools, F FlowDeck settings, H support, ? help overlay, V version, Q quit
• Export config: use Project Tools (P) → Export Project Config

Legacy Aliases (Hidden from Help)

These still work for compatibility but prefer full commands: log (logs), sim (simulator), dev (device), up (update)

Environment Variables

• FLOWDECK_LICENSE_KEY - License key for CI/CD (avoids machine activation)
• DEVELOPER_DIR - Override Xcode installation path
• FLOWDECK_NO_UPDATE_CHECK=1 - Disable update checks

---

DEBUGGING WORKFLOW (Primary Use Case)

iOS: build → test → run → observe (default)

For iOS debugging, the full loop runs automatically. The only ask is the first-time check on a Booted saved sim.

flowdeck config get --json                                          # Check saved settings; capture saved sim name
# First-time-only: flowdeck simulator list --json; if saved sim is Booted, ask before running.

# Analyze the code, form a hypothesis, make the fix
flowdeck build                                                      # Verify compilation
flowdeck test                                                       # Run relevant tests
flowdeck run --log                                                  # Launch on saved sim + stream logs
# Use flowdeck apps + flowdeck logs <id> if you need to attach without relaunching
flowdeck ui simulator session start -S "<saved-sim>" --json
# Read latest_screenshot + latest_tree, drive UI, verify behavior

macOS: build → test → run → drive in background

For macOS debugging, build and non-UI tests are free; background runs and UI automation are free too:

flowdeck config get --json
flowdeck build                                          # Always free
flowdeck test                                           # Free for non-UI test targets

flowdeck run --log                                      # Agent run launches hidden (no focus steal)
flowdeck ui mac session start --app "MyApp" --json
flowdeck ui mac click "saveButton" --app "MyApp" --background   # Drive in background
# Drive UI, verify — all actions with --background

# Only a foreground or desktop-affecting step (drag/swipe/long-press, menu access, or raising the app) needs a confirm first.

Launch reference (any platform)

Step 1: Launch the App

# iOS Simulator — uses the user's saved simulator (bare command)
flowdeck run -w App.xcworkspace -s MyApp

# macOS — agent runs launch hidden (no focus steal)
flowdeck run -w App.xcworkspace -s MyApp -D "My Mac"

# Physical iOS device (requires explicit user request)
# Replace <device> with a name or UDID from `flowdeck device list`.
flowdeck run -w App.xcworkspace -s MyApp -D "<device>"

This builds, installs, and launches the app. Note the App ID returned.

Step 2: Attach to Logs

# See running apps and their IDs
flowdeck apps

# Attach to logs for a specific app
flowdeck logs <app-id>

Why separate run and logs?

• You can attach/detach from logs without restarting the app
• You can attach to apps that are already running
• The app continues running even if log streaming stops
• You can restart log streaming at any time

Step 3: Observe Runtime Behavior

With logs streaming, drive the app yourself using flowdeck ui simulator (iOS) or flowdeck ui mac ... --background (macOS — no focus steal) to reproduce the failing flow. Only a foreground-only or desktop-affecting repro step (drag/swipe/long-press, macOS menu access, or raising the app) needs a confirm first.

Watch for:

• Error messages
• Unexpected state changes
• Missing log output (indicates code not executing)
• Crashes or exceptions

Step 4: Observe the UI via Session

iOS UI sessions are part of the default loop — start one whenever you need to see the screen:

flowdeck ui simulator session start -S "<saved-sim>" --json

macOS UI sessions run in the background (no approval needed); pass --background on actions:

flowdeck ui mac session start --app "MyApp" --json

The JSON output tells you where to read. Example:

{
  "success": true,
  "udid": "A1B2C3D4-...",
  "latest_screenshot": "/Users/you/project/.flowdeck/automation/sessions/9E6A58EF/latest.jpg",
  "latest_tree": "/Users/you/project/.flowdeck/automation/sessions/9E6A58EF/latest-tree.json"
}

Save these absolute paths. Then use your Read tool on them:

1. Read latest_screenshot -- you will see the current simulator screen as a JPEG image.
2. Read latest_tree -- you will see element labels, accessibility IDs, roles, and frames as JSON.

These files update automatically (~500ms). After any UI action, wait ~1 second and read them again to see the result.

Fallback (only if sessions are not working even after a restart):

flowdeck ui simulator screen -S "<saved-sim>" --output /tmp/screenshot.png

Step 5: Fix and Iterate

# After making code changes
flowdeck build                                                                  # Verify compilation first
# iOS: re-launch on the saved sim
flowdeck run

# Reattach to logs
flowdeck apps
flowdeck logs <new-app-id>

# Session continues capturing -- read latest_screenshot with Read tool to verify the fix
# If the session looks stale after relaunch, restart the session and replace the saved paths
# Stop session when done
flowdeck ui simulator session stop -S "<saved-sim>"

Repeat until the issue is resolved.

---

DECISION GUIDE: When to Do What

Each flow closes the loop automatically. macOS drives in the background (--background), so it's as autonomous as iOS; only a foreground-only or desktop-affecting step (drag/swipe/long-press, macOS menu access, or raising the app) needs a confirm.

User reports a bug — iOS

1. flowdeck config get --json                                                       # Check saved settings; capture saved sim name
   (if none: flowdeck context --json -> config set)
   First-time-only: flowdeck simulator list --json
   If the saved sim is Booted, ask the user once before running. If not, proceed.
2. Analyze the code, identify the bug
3. Fix the code
4. flowdeck build                                                                   # Verify compilation
5. flowdeck test                                                                    # Run relevant tests
6. flowdeck run --log                                                               # Launch on saved sim
7. flowdeck ui simulator session start -S "<saved-sim>" --json                      # Open UI session
8. Drive UI to the repro screen, read latest_screenshot, verify the fix
9. flowdeck ui simulator session stop -S "<saved-sim>"

User reports a bug — macOS

1. flowdeck config get --json
2. Analyze the code, identify the bug
3. Fix the code
4. flowdeck build                                          # Always free
5. flowdeck test (non-UI targets)                          # Always free
6. flowdeck run --log                                      # Agent run launches hidden
7. flowdeck ui mac session start --app "MyApp" --json
8. flowdeck ui mac click "..." --app "MyApp" --background  # Drive in background (no focus steal)
9. Drive UI, verify the fix — all actions with --background
   A foreground-only or desktop-affecting step (drag/swipe/long-press, macOS menu access, or raising the app) needs a confirm first.

User asks to add a feature — iOS

1. flowdeck config get --json                                                       # Capture saved sim name
   First-time-only: if saved sim is Booted, ask before running.
2. Implement the feature
3. flowdeck build
4. flowdeck test
5. flowdeck run
6. flowdeck ui simulator session start -S "<saved-sim>" --json
7. Drive to the new feature's screen, exercise it, read latest_screenshot

User says "it's not working" — iOS

1. flowdeck config get --json                                                       # Capture saved sim name
   First-time-only: if saved sim is Booted, ask before running.
2. Analyze the code
3. flowdeck build
4. flowdeck test
5. flowdeck run --log                                                               # Background, capture logs
6. flowdeck ui simulator session start -S "<saved-sim>" --json
7. Reproduce the failing flow via flowdeck ui simulator tap/type/swipe
8. Read latest_screenshot + background logs to identify what's happening

User provides a screenshot of an issue — iOS

1. flowdeck config get --json                                                       # Capture saved sim name
   First-time-only: if saved sim is Booted, ask before running.
2. Read the user's screenshot                                                       # Understand visually
3. Analyze the code, find the root cause
4. Fix the code
5. flowdeck build
6. flowdeck test
7. flowdeck run
8. flowdeck ui simulator session start -S "<saved-sim>" --json
9. Drive to the affected screen, read latest_screenshot, compare against the user's image

App crashes on launch

1. flowdeck config get --json
2. flowdeck run --log                                      # iOS: saved sim (first-time check); macOS: agent run launches hidden
3. Read the crash/error logs
4. Fix the issue
5. flowdeck run --log                                      # Re-launch and confirm

---

CONFIGURATION

Explicit Flags (No Config)

If you need to pass all parameters manually (rare - prefer creating config):

flowdeck build -w App.xcworkspace -s MyApp -S "iPhone 16"
flowdeck run -w App.xcworkspace -s MyApp -S "iPhone 16"
flowdeck test -w App.xcworkspace -s MyApp -S "iPhone 16"

Use config set for Repeated Configurations

If you run many commands with the same settings, use flowdeck config set:

# 1. Save settings once
flowdeck config set -w App.xcworkspace -s MyApp -S "iPhone 16"

# 2. Run commands without parameters
flowdeck build
flowdeck run
flowdeck test

If you need to clear saved settings for the current folder:

flowdeck config reset
flowdeck config reset --json

Config Files (CI/Advanced)

# 1. Create a temporary config file
cat > /tmp/flowdeck-config.json << 'EOF'
{
  "workspace": "App.xcworkspace",
  "scheme": "MyApp-iOS",
  "configuration": "Debug",
  "platform": "iOS",
  "version": "18.0",
  "simulatorUdid": "A1B2C3D4-E5F6-7890-ABCD-EF1234567890",
  "derivedDataPath": "~/Library/Developer/FlowDeck/DerivedData",
  "xcodebuild": {
    "args": ["-enableCodeCoverage", "YES"],
    "env": {
      "CI": "true"
    }
  },
  "appLaunch": {
    "args": ["-SkipOnboarding"],
    "env": {
      "DEBUG_MODE": "1"
    }
  }
}
EOF

# 2. Use --config to load from file
flowdeck build --config /tmp/flowdeck-config.json
flowdeck run --config /tmp/flowdeck-config.json
flowdeck test --config /tmp/flowdeck-config.json

# 3. Clean up when done
rm /tmp/flowdeck-config.json

Note: workspace paths in config files are relative to the project root (where you run FlowDeck), not the config file location.

Local Settings Files (Auto-loaded)

FlowDeck auto-loads local settings files from your project root:

• .flowdeck/build-settings.json - xcodebuild args/env for build/run/test
• .flowdeck/app-launch-settings.json - app launch args/env (run only)

.flowdeck/build-settings.json

{
  "args": ["-enableCodeCoverage", "YES"],
  "env": { "CI": "true" }
}

.flowdeck/app-launch-settings.json

{
  "args": ["-SkipOnboarding"],
  "env": { "API_ENVIRONMENT": "staging" }
}

Config Priority

Settings are merged in this order (lowest -> highest):

1. Saved config (flowdeck config set)
2. --config JSON file
3. Local settings files in .flowdeck/
4. CLI flags (-S, -D, -C, --xcodebuild-options, etc.)

Target Resolution (Config Files)

When resolving a target from a config file, FlowDeck prioritizes:

1. deviceUdid (physical device)
2. simulatorUdid (exact simulator)
3. platform + version (auto-resolve best match)
4. platform: "macOS" (native Mac build)

Generate Config Files

• Interactive mode: run flowdeck -i, open Project Tools (P), then Export Project Config
• From context: flowdeck context --json > .flowdeck/config.json

---

LICENSE ERRORS - STOP IMMEDIATELY

If you see "LICENSE REQUIRED", "trial expired", or similar:

1. STOP - Do not continue
2. Do NOT use xcodebuild, Xcode, or Apple tools
3. Tell the user:
   • Visit https://flowdeck.studio/cli/purchase/ to purchase
   • Or run flowdeck license activate <key> if they have a key
   • Or run flowdeck license status to check current status
   • In CI/CD, set FLOWDECK_LICENSE_KEY instead of activating

---

COMMON ERRORS & SOLUTIONS

Error	Solution
"No saved config found"	Run flowdeck context --json then flowdeck config set -w <ws> -s <scheme> -S "<sim>"
"Missing required target"	Add -S "iPhone 16" for simulator, -D "My Mac"/"My Mac Catalyst" for macOS, or -D "<device-name-or-UDID>" for a physical device (find via flowdeck device list); or create a config
"Missing required parameter: --workspace"	Create a config with flowdeck config set -w <ws> ... or pass -w explicitly
"Simulator not found"	Ask the user if they want to create a new simulator. Use flowdeck simulator list --available-only to check, then flowdeck simulator create ...
"Device not found"	Run flowdeck device list to see connected devices
"Scheme not found"	Run flowdeck context --json or flowdeck project schemes -w <ws> to list schemes
"License required"	Activate with flowdeck license activate <key> or purchase at flowdeck.studio/cli/purchase/
"App not found"	Run flowdeck apps to list running apps
"No logs available"	App may not be running; use flowdeck run first
"Need different simulator/runtime"	Ask user to confirm, then flowdeck simulator runtime install iOS <version> and flowdeck simulator create ...
"Runtime not installed"	Use flowdeck simulator runtime install iOS <version> to install
"Package not found" / SPM errors	See resources/package-resolution.md
Outdated packages	Run flowdeck project packages update
"Provisioning profile" errors	Run flowdeck project sync-profiles

---

JSON OUTPUT

Most commands support --json (often -j) for programmatic parsing. Common examples:

flowdeck config get --json
flowdeck context --json
flowdeck build --json
flowdeck run --json
flowdeck test --json
flowdeck apps --json
flowdeck simulator list --json
flowdeck ui simulator screen -S <name-or-udid> --json
flowdeck device list --json
flowdeck project schemes --json
flowdeck project configs --json
flowdeck project packages resolve --json
flowdeck project sync-profiles --json
flowdeck simulator runtime list --json
flowdeck license status --json

Note: When config is saved, JSON commands also work without explicit flags.

---

IMPLEMENTING UI FROM DESIGN MOCKUPS

When the user provides a design reference — an image, a Figma link, or a verbal description — and asks you to build UI from it, follow this automated workflow. See resources/pixel-perfect-design.md for the complete methodology.

The workflow is the same regardless of the design source. The only difference is how you extract specs in step 1:

• Image/screenshot: Visually analyze the image to estimate measurements (Phase 0 + Phase 1 in the resource)
• Figma link: Use the Figma MCP server to fetch exact design tokens, spacing, colors, typography, and effects — no estimation needed
• Verbal description: Ask clarifying questions about specific values (colors, spacing, font sizes) before implementing

When to Activate

Activate this workflow when ANY of these conditions are true:

Explicit signals (user provides a design reference):

• User attaches an image file (PNG, JPG, screenshot, mockup, exported comp)
• User provides a Figma URL (e.g., figma.com/design/..., figma.com/file/...)
• User says "build this", "create this screen", "implement this design", "make it look like this"
• User says "pixel perfect", "match the design", "design fidelity"

Implicit signals (user is describing a UI to build):

• User describes a specific screen layout with visual details (colors, spacing, typography)
• User references a design system, brand guidelines, or specific visual treatment
• User provides a sketch or wireframe (even hand-drawn)
• User asks to "recreate" or "clone" an existing app's UI from a screenshot

During implementation (mid-task triggers):

• You just implemented a UI view and haven't visually verified it yet — run the validation loop
• User says "does it look right?", "check the UI", "how does it look?"
• User reports the UI "doesn't match", "looks off", "spacing is wrong"
• You made changes to a view's layout, colors, typography, or effects — re-validate

Automated Workflow

1. EXTRACT SPECS from the design source

   If IMAGE: Read the image with the Read tool
   - Identify visual hierarchy, layout strategy, spacing rhythm
   - Estimate measurements, typography, colors, effects
   - See Phase 0 + Phase 1 in resources/pixel-perfect-design.md

   If FIGMA LINK: Use the Figma MCP server
   - Fetch exact spacing, typography, colors, effects, and component structure
   - No estimation needed — use the exact values returned

   In both cases: Document all specs as code comments before writing any views

2. IMPLEMENT in layers (structure → typography → colors → shapes → effects)
   - Use explicit spacing (spacing: 0 on stacks, fixed Spacers)
   - Use exact colors (hex values, not .gray/.blue approximations)
   - Use .continuous corner style for rounded rectangles
   - Never use default .padding() — always specify exact values

3. BUILD to verify compilation
   flowdeck build

4. LAUNCH and VERIFY VISUALLY (iOS: automatic; macOS: background — autonomous, foreground steps gated)
   flowdeck run
   flowdeck ui simulator session start -S "<saved-sim>" --json
   # Parse JSON -> save latest_screenshot and latest_tree paths
   # Read latest_tree to find navigation elements
   # Tap/scroll through the app to reach the screen you're implementing:
   flowdeck ui simulator tap "Tab Name" -S "<simulator>" --json
   flowdeck ui simulator tap "List Item" -S "<simulator>" --json
   # Read latest_screenshot to confirm you're on the right screen

5. COMPARE against design
   - Read latest_screenshot with Read tool
   - Compare against original design image
   - Squint test: do they have the same visual weight and rhythm?
   - Check: margins, spacing, typography, colors, shadows, alignment

6. DOCUMENT discrepancies specifically
   // e.g., "Title top margin: 52pt in impl, ~60pt in design -> increase by 8pt"

7. FIX one discrepancy at a time
   - Edit code
   - flowdeck build (verify compilation)
   - flowdeck run (rebuild and launch -- only in the visual verification loop)
   - Navigate back to the target screen (repeat step 4 navigation)
   - Read latest_screenshot to verify the fix
   - Do NOT batch fixes -- one change at a time

8. REPEAT steps 5-7 until no visible differences remain

9. VERIFY on multiple screen sizes (navigate to screen on each)
   flowdeck run -S "iPhone SE (3rd generation)"
   # Navigate to screen, capture, check for overflow/clipping
   flowdeck run -S "iPhone 16 Pro Max"
   # Navigate to screen, capture, check proportions

Key Rules for Design Implementation

• Navigate, don't assume — Always use FlowDeck UI automation to reach the target screen and visually verify; never assume your code changes look correct without checking
• Structure first, style second — Get layout and spacing right before adding colors and effects
• One change at a time — Fix one discrepancy, rebuild, navigate back, verify, then fix the next
• Explicit over default — .padding(.horizontal, 20) not .padding(); Color(hex: "#1A1A1A") not .black
• Continuous corners — Use RoundedRectangle(cornerRadius: 16, style: .continuous) for Apple-style squircles
• Optical corrections — Mathematical center ≠ visual center; adjust with small offsets when elements look "off"
• Near-black over pure black — Use #1A1A1A for body text, not #000000 (softer, more professional)
• Multi-layer shadows — Real depth needs a tight shadow + ambient shadow, not a single .shadow() call
• The screenshot is the truth — Always verify by reading latest_screenshot after navigating to the target screen

---

REMEMBER

1. Check config first - flowdeck config get --json before any build/run/test
2. Use bare commands when config exists - No flags needed for routine operations
3. Create config when none exists - Discover with context --json, then config set
4. Never overwrite user config - Their settings are intentional
5. Close the loop on iOS by default - build → test → run (on the user's saved simulator) → UI session → verify. No permission needed once the first-validation check has passed.
6. First-validation check on iOS - The first time you'd run the app in this task, check flowdeck simulator list --json. If the saved sim is already Booted, ask the user once before launching ("OK to run my validation there?"). If it's Shutdown, proceed silently. Don't re-ask after the first launch.
7. Background by default for macOS - Drive macOS apps with flowdeck ui mac ... --background (no cursor capture or focus steal) and let agent runs launch hidden, so validate autonomously without asking. Only confirm before a genuinely foreground or desktop-affecting step (drag/swipe/long-press, macOS menu access, or raising the app to watch it).
8. Override with flags, not config changes - flowdeck run -S "iPad Pro" for one-off targets
9. NEVER use xcodebuild, xcrun simctl, or xcrun devicectl directly
10. Use flowdeck run to launch - Never use open command
11. Check flowdeck apps first - Know what's running before launching
12. Use flowdeck simulator for all simulator ops - List, create, boot, delete, runtimes