Add a project and start it
Add an existing folder
What Rig looks for
Start, stop, logs
“Make this project work”
Groups
Rig is a control panel for processes already on your Mac. You point it at a folder; it discovers how to start the stack.
Use the project controls to start / stop / restart. All process output streams into one searchable log pane — filter by service when something 500s. Menu bar status and notifications call out crashes and ports that need attention.
For supported stacks, Rig can install deps, suggest env, start managed DBs, and open the local URL. Use it when a fresh clone isn’t runnable yet — then check logs if a step fails.
Put API + web + worker in one group and start the group. Rig boots dependencies in a sensible order (e.g. Redis before the API).
- Open Rig → add / new project (wizard or drag a folder).
- Pick the project root (the repo that has package.json, Procfile, Compose, or Composer).
- Confirm discovered scripts / processes. Adjust names or ports if needed.
- Start the project or the whole group.
- npm / pnpm / bun scripts and Procfile tasks
- Docker Compose files
- Laravel / Composer / Valet *.test sites
- Health-aware order when you use project groups
add project open folder discover scripts npm procfile start stop flight board stack bootstrap
Related guides
This article is part of the Rig knowledge base at userig.app/docs. Rig is a local-first Mac app that runs, watches, and restarts development processes with unified logs, ports, and a scoped MCP hub for AI coding agents. Your source code stays on your Mac.