Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about iDiffer
General
What is iDiffer?
iDiffer is a native macOS app designed to help developers visualize, track, and manage code changes made by AI assistants like Claude Code. It provides real-time monitoring, visual diffs, and selective revert capabilities.
How is iDiffer different from Git?
While Git tracks committed changes, iDiffer monitors your working directory in real-time. It shows you changes as they happen, before commits, making it perfect for reviewing AI-generated modifications. iDiffer complements Git rather than replacing it.
Does iDiffer work with other AI coding tools?
Yes! While optimized for Claude Code, iDiffer works with any tool that modifies files in your project directory, including GitHub Copilot, Cursor, and others.
Technical
Does my code leave my machine?
No, your code stays completely local. The only exception is when you explicitly use AI features like 'Summarize Changes' - then only the diff is sent to Claude API for analysis.
How does iDiffer detect changes?
iDiffer uses macOS file system events to monitor your project directory in real-time. It detects changes instantly and updates the UI without polling or consuming excessive resources.
What file types are supported?
iDiffer supports all text-based files with syntax highlighting for 50+ programming languages. Binary files are detected but not displayed in the diff viewer.
Can I use iDiffer with large projects?
Yes! iDiffer is optimized for performance and handles large codebases efficiently. It only loads file contents when you view them, keeping memory usage low.
Pricing & Licensing
Why do I need my own Anthropic API key?
Using your own API key keeps costs transparent and gives you full control. You pay Anthropic directly at their standard rates, and there are no markup or hidden fees from us.
Can I use iDiffer without an API key?
Yes! Core features like change tracking, diff viewing, and file reverting work without an API key. You only need a key for AI-powered features like change summaries and risk detection.
Is the license per-user or per-machine?
The license is per-user. You can install iDiffer on all your personal machines (home, work, laptop, etc.).
What happens after my trial ends?
After the 7-day trial, you'll need to purchase a license to continue using iDiffer. Your settings and preferences are preserved.
Features
Can I revert only specific parts of a file?
Currently, iDiffer supports reverting entire files. For partial reverts, we recommend using the diff view to identify changes and manually edit the file. Partial revert is on our roadmap.
Does iDiffer support Git branches?
Yes! iDiffer integrates with Git to show your current branch, let you switch branches, and create new ones. It respects your Git workflow.
Can I customize keyboard shortcuts?
Not yet, but it's coming soon. Currently, iDiffer uses standard macOS shortcuts that should feel familiar to most users.
Is there a dark mode?
iDiffer automatically follows your macOS appearance settings. If your system is in dark mode, iDiffer will be too.
Troubleshooting
iDiffer isn't detecting changes
Make sure you've granted file access permissions and that you're monitoring the correct directory. Try restarting iDiffer if issues persist.
The AI features aren't working
Check that your API key is correctly entered in Settings and that you have internet connectivity. Also verify your Anthropic account has available credits.
Performance seems slow
For large projects, try excluding directories like node_modules or build folders. You can do this in Settings > Ignored Paths.
Can't open iDiffer - macOS says it's from an unidentified developer
Right-click the app and select 'Open' instead of double-clicking. This is a one-time security check for apps outside the App Store.