Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about what XenoKit needs, switching from CodeKit, the compilers it installs, and how it will be sold.
Basics
What XenoKit is, and what it needs.
What does XenoKit do?
XenoKit watches your web projects and compiles Sass, JavaScript, TypeScript and CSS when files change, by rules you keep in a .xenokit.yml file in each project. It can also run your own commands and keep dev servers such as Vite running.
Which Macs does XenoKit run on?
Macs with Apple silicon, running macOS 15 or later. It doesn’t need Homebrew, Node.js or npm.
Does XenoKit send anything over the network?
Only to install compilers and check for their updates, from registry.npmjs.org and nodejs.org, at most once a day and never installing anything on its own. There are no accounts, analytics or telemetry.
Does it need an administrator password?
No. XenoKit isn’t sandboxed, but it never asks for an administrator password or root, and the command-line tool installs into your own ~/.local/bin or ~/bin.
Switching from CodeKit
Importing projects and comparing the output.
Can XenoKit import my CodeKit projects?
Yes. It reads CodeKit 3 and CodeKit 2 project files without opening CodeKit, one project at a time or all of them with Import All. See Import your CodeKit projects.
Will my compiled files come out the same?
XenoKit can compile into a temporary folder and compare every file with CodeKit’s output before you switch, and it marks each file as the same or different. Projects that come out the same are imported automatically by Import All.
Can I run CodeKit and XenoKit at the same time?
You can, but not on the same project: both apps would compile the same files. Quit CodeKit before your imported projects start watching; Import All offers to do it for you.
Compilers and tools
Dart Sass, esbuild, PostCSS and the versions a project uses.
Which compilers does XenoKit use?
Dart Sass, esbuild, and PostCSS with Autoprefixer. XenoKit installs verified copies itself; a project can also use its own node_modules/.bin or vendor/bin, which come first.
Can a project stay on an older Sass version?
Yes. Pin a version in the project’s tools: section, or with xenokit tools pin sass <version> --project .. Other projects keep using the version selected for your Mac.
How do I know a compiler update won’t break my CSS?
Use Try It First (xenokit tools try): XenoKit compiles the project with the new version beside the current one, in a temporary folder, and lists the files that newly fail or change. Nothing in your project changes.
Beta and licensing
The beta, pricing and how our licenses work.
How much will XenoKit cost?
XenoKit is in beta and pricing will be announced at launch. Like our other paid apps, you’ll buy a major version once, get every update to it, and use it on 2 Macs, with a 14-day free trial. See Licensing.
How do I join the beta?
Leave your email with Join the beta on the XenoKit page, and we’ll invite you.
Is XenoKit sold with the other XenoTools?
It will be sold on its own and in the XenoTools Bundle with XenoHost, with one key per tool. See XenoTools.
Didn’t find your answer?
Browse the XenoKit help articles, or open a ticket and we’ll reply by email.
CodeKit is a trademark of its respective owner. XenoKit is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by its owner.