# Helper Visibility

> Dock and app-switcher policy for Noodle helpers. Use when creating or changing a helper app bundle, XPC or background executable, standalone development or test fixture, an Info.plist with LSUIElement or LSBackgroundOnly, or any NSApplication activation policy.

- Skill: `pdparchitect/helper-visibility` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add pdparchitect/helper-visibility`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/pdparchitect/helper-visibility/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: pdparchitect (https://skillmd.com/u/pdparchitect)
- Updated: 2026-09-22
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/pdparchitect/helper-visibility

---


# Helper visibility

Helpers and standalone development/test fixtures must stay out of the Dock and
app switcher by default.

- Set `LSUIElement` for helper app bundles.
- Use AppKit's `.accessory` activation policy when they need windows.
- Use `LSBackgroundOnly` for background-only executable metadata.
- Do not promote helpers to `.regular`.

The main Noodle, Noodle Computer, and Noodle Applet apps retain their Dock entries.

## Verify

Check a running app without screenshots:

```sh
lsappinfo list | grep -A4 '"<App Name>" ASN'
```

`type="UIElement"` is hidden; `type="Foreground"` is in the Dock. Launch Services
resets a non-`LSUIElement` app to `.regular` on every open, reopen or URL request,
so check again after triggering one with `open -g`.