LawMatic Substage

LawMatic Substage for macOS adds a companion strip to Finder or Path Finder: a floating panel docked to the bottom edge of the file-manager window. Switch between a terminal workspace and an AI assistant without juggling extra windows while you work with files.

Console and assistant next to your file manager — without window clutter.

Who it is for

• People who live in Finder / Path Finder and often run commands or want AI hints anchored to the current folder.
• Anyone who wants an attached panel that tracks the file-manager window and appears only when your chosen manager is frontmost.

What it does

• Pick the target manager — toggle Finder vs Path Finder and bind the panel accordingly.
• Attach / detach — one control in the small main app window.
• Follows the window — updates as you move or resize; panel spans the manager width and hugs the bottom edge.
• Smart visibility — shows when Finder or Path Finder (per setting) is active; hides elsewhere.
• Terminal mode — command input, a horizontal strip of quick actions (ls, git status, find, …), folder context synced via automation, shortcuts to permissions and System Settings → Automation.
• AI assistant mode — chat UI with status flows and “tool call” presentation; the codebase includes a tools architecture and demo behaviour suitable as a foundation for real file/system actions.
• Apple Events integration — requests and verifies automation access to Finder / Path Finder (call out macOS privacy prompts clearly on the landing page).
• Look & feel — chromeless main window, blurred HUD-style panel, native macOS polish.

How it works

1. Launch Substage.
2. Choose Finder or Path Finder.
3. Tap “Attach panel”.
4. Open the file manager — the panel appears; switch Terminal vs AI Assistant from the panel header.
5. Grant Automation permissions under System Settings → Privacy & Security → Automation when prompted.

Requirements & expectations

• macOS only (SwiftUI + AppKit).
• Automation permission for the selected file manager is required — folder/selection context won’t work without it.
• In the current codebase the on-panel terminal is a stub (history/output UI without a full interactive shell).
• The AI stack uses demo streaming and sample tools — the UI and architecture are ready to wire to your APIs; position the build as early-access / beta if you prefer conservative messaging.

FAQ

Do I need Path Finder?

No — Finder alone is supported.

Why Automation?

To read the active folder and selection so terminal and assistant flows can stay in sync with what you see.