| name | vm-lab |
| description | Parallels macOS VM lab: GUI automation, Peekaboo, TCC, Ghostty. |
VM Lab
Use this when the task needs a clean macOS VM to test GUI automation, TCC prompts, screenshot capture, clicking, typing, performance, or "two-way validation" of Peekaboo-like tools.
Core idea: run the tool under test inside the guest, but verify it from outside the guest with Parallels screenshots and host-side observations. Do not close apps you do not own.
Safety Rules
- Treat the VM snapshot as disposable, not the host.
- Never print secrets. If
op is needed, follow the 1Password skill and run it only inside tmux.
- Prefer fresh app windows you create yourself: TextEdit, a local HTML test page, or a small test app.
- Avoid modifying host state except temporary screenshots under
/tmp.
- For git repos inside the VM, use HTTPS remotes and normal branch discipline.
VM Discovery
List VMs:
prlctl list --all
Get VM status/IP:
prlctl list --info "macOS Tahoe"
Run guest commands as Peter:
prlctl exec "macOS Tahoe" \
'sudo -u steipete -H /bin/zsh -lc '\''source ~/.zprofile 2>/dev/null || true; uname -a'\'''
Capture an independent host-side screenshot:
prlctl capture "macOS Tahoe" --file /tmp/vm-reference.png
sips -g pixelWidth -g pixelHeight /tmp/vm-reference.png
TCC / GUI Attribution
For macOS Screen Recording and Accessibility, the responsible process matters.