GhostTools
GhostTools is a companion app that runs inside the guest VM, providing the server-side of GhostVM's host-guest integration services.
GhostTools.app
Guest-side companion for GhostVM
Installation
GhostTools is bundled with GhostVM as a DMG. To install it in a guest VM:
- The GhostTools.dmg is located inside GhostVM.app at
Contents/Resources/GhostTools.dmg - Transfer the DMG to the guest VM — drag and drop onto the VM window, use a shared folder, or copy via the file transfer feature
- Open the DMG and drag GhostTools.app to the guest's Applications folder
- Launch GhostTools — it will appear as a menu bar app
Auto-Launch
Configure GhostTools to launch at login in the guest's System Settings → General → Login Items for seamless integration.
What GhostTools Provides
GhostTools runs an HTTP/1.1 server over vsock that handles requests from the host:
- Clipboard — get/set the guest clipboard
- File Transfer — receive files from host, queue files for host
- Health Check — persistent connection on port 5002 so the host knows GhostTools is alive
- Event Stream — push events (port notifications, URLs, log entries) on port 5003
- Port Discovery — report listening TCP ports with process names to enable auto port detection
- Foreground App Tracking — report the current foreground app to help the host identify workspace context
Status Indicator
The VM toolbar shows a three-state Guest Tools indicator with a scramble-decode animation:
- Connecting — amber dot, the host is attempting to reach GhostTools
- Connected — green dot, GhostTools is active and all services are available
- Not Found — gray dot, GhostTools is not running or unreachable