> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.desktop.faros.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.desktop.faros.ai/helper-and-widgets/use-the-menu-bar-and-floating-panel.md). # Use the Menu Bar and Floating Panel Faros Helper provides a quick view of activity without keeping the main Desktop window open. ## Use Helper Open Faros from the menu bar to inspect the available status and activity. Use its controls to open Desktop or the floating panel. The menu bar display is configurable in **Settings → General**. **Run Faros Helper** is in **Settings → Advanced → App**. Helper and Agent have different jobs: Helper presents status and notifications, while Agent collects and analyzes history. Closing a window does not stop collection. ## Understand Usage Usage readings show supported Claude and Codex account limits when available. A weekly window takes priority; supported organization accounts without one can show a spend-limit percentage instead. An account limit and today's estimated spend are different measures. Today's activity can also be compared with your usual day, which is a historical comparison rather than a quota. Availability depends on account data and the selected account. ## Notifications Helper can notify you about supported usage thresholds and workflow observations. Usage alerts cover the supported limit crossings at 80% and 90%. They are informational; they do not establish that requests will be blocked. Adjust Faros notification preferences in General and use macOS notification settings to control how they appear. Suppressed notifications can delay presentation. Quitting Helper closes it for the current session. Use its background-service controls to change future launches. ## Related Guides * [Use Widgets](/helper-and-widgets/use-widgets.md) * [Configure Faros](/settings-and-privacy/configure-faros.md) --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://docs.desktop.faros.ai/helper-and-widgets/use-the-menu-bar-and-floating-panel.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.