Mac Clamshell Mode

Mac Clamshell Mode Assistant

Overview

Helps Mac users configure their laptops to run tasks with the lid closed. No external display, keyboard, or mouse required! This skill detects the current Mac model and macOS version, then provides appropriate configuration steps.

Key Features

• ✅ No external display required - Works with laptop alone
• ✅ No external keyboard/mouse required - Pure headless operation
• ✅ Auto-detection - Identifies Mac model and macOS version
• ✅ Multiple modes - Standard clamshell, forced headless, or temporary
• ✅ Safe configuration - Requires explicit approval, includes rollback
• ✅ Battery warnings - Alerts about power consumption

When to use

• User wants to run background tasks with MacBook lid closed
• User needs headless operation without external peripherals
• User wants to verify current power management settings
• User needs help with Amphetamine or caffeinate commands
• User wants to restore default power settings

System Requirements

• macOS 10.15 Catalina or later
• MacBook (Pro/Air) - Intel or Apple Silicon
• Power adapter connected (strongly recommended for headless mode)

Configuration Modes

Mode 1: Standard Clamshell (Requires External Display)

• Traditional macOS clamshell mode
• Most stable, most power-efficient
• Requires: Power + External Display + Keyboard/Mouse

Mode 2: Forced Headless Operation ⭐ RECOMMENDED

• No external display required
• No external keyboard/mouse required
• Modifies system power settings
• Perfect for background tasks, servers, rendering
• Warning: Increased battery consumption

Mode 3: Temporary Operation

• Uses caffeinate command
• No system setting changes
• Good for short-term tasks
• Stops when terminal closes

Mode 4: Status Check

• View current power settings
• See what's preventing sleep
• No modifications

Mode 5: Restore Defaults

• Rollback all changes
• Return to factory power settings

Workflow

1) System Detection

• Mac model (MacBook Pro/Air identification)
• macOS version (10.15+ compatibility check)
• Current power management settings
• Amphetamine running status

2) User Selection

• Present 5 configuration modes
• Clear explanations for each option
• Explicit confirmation required

3) Apply Configuration

• Mode-specific setup
• Safety warnings displayed
• Success/failure feedback

4) Verification & Rollback

• Test current sleep prevention status
• Provide rollback instructions
• Include recovery commands

Safety Rules

• ⚠️ Always recommend power adapter for headless mode
• ⚠️ Warn about battery drain when running without external display
• ✅ Require explicit approval before making system changes
• ✅ Provide rollback instructions for all configurations
• ✅ Check Amphetamine status and recommend if not running