Request: Quake-style (Visor) Overlay Terminal Mode

[yoshimi-I]

Feature Request: Quake-style (Visor) Overlay Terminal Mode

Summary
I would love to have a “Quake-style” or “Visor-style” overlay mode in Ghostty. In this mode, the terminal would slide down from the top of the screen (overlaying other application windows) and hide again with a keybind. This would allow me to quickly access the terminal while keeping my current applications visible underneath.

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Motivation / Use Case

• Quickly reference code, logs, or commands without leaving full view of other apps.
• Maintain focus on other windows while still having a terminal readily available.
• Similar to iTerm2’s “Visor” feature or the “Quake-style” terminal used in many Linux environments.

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Proposal

1. Configuration/Flag:
   Add a new configuration option (e.g., quick-terminal-mode = "visor") or a CLI flag like --overlay.
2. Behavior:
   When enabled, pressing a global keybind (e.g., Shift + Enter) would animate the terminal sliding down from the top edge of the screen and remain on top of other applications.
3. Toggle:
   Pressing the same keybind again would hide the terminal back to the top.
4. Optional Opacity:
   Ideally, allow transparency so the user can see underlying apps if desired.

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Additional Details

• The current quick-terminal feature is close, but it behaves as a normal window rather than truly overlaying.
• This feature would mimic a “visor” effect, letting the user see and interact with other apps behind the translucent terminal.
• Some macOS permissions (Accessibility) may be required for global overlays.
• Could be macOS-only initially or made cross-platform if feasible.

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Benefits

• Enhanced Productivity: Useful for developers who rapidly switch between code editors, browsers, and terminals.
• Reduced Friction: Eliminates constant window arrangement or switching for quick terminal commands.

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Thank You

Adding an overlay-style terminal would make it even more powerful for everyday use.

[yankcrime]

This already exists, see https://ghostty.org/docs/config/keybind/reference#toggle_quick_terminal

[mitchellh]

Note this is macOS only currently but that's because we can't figure out a good way [yet] to do this on Linux with GTK.

[flying-sheep]

Hm, is GTK a good path? I feel like it’s become more and more stripped down to serve GNOME alone. Maybe Qt is the better bet for Linux.

[mitchellh]

Issues aren't for feature requests. Converted.

[tfactor2]

Thanks for the base implementation.

Any plans to support tabs?

[acnebs]

Tab support would be great! Very impressed with ghostty (been following development for a while). Tabs in the "quick terminal" is the only feature currently lacking that I need in order to daily ghostty.

[tfactor2]

tmux can be an okayish replacement though:

[rhodes-b]

#4906