FAQ
Everything people ask before they buy.
Straight answers on keys, the multi-agent crew, VibeBrain, pricing, licenses, privacy and setup — no fine-print theater.
Do I need my own API keys?
Yes — and that is the whole point. TheVibeFather is bring-your-own-key, connect Claude, ChatGPT/Codex, Gemini/Antigravity, Grok, Kimi, OpenRouter, Ollama, MLX and other providers you already pay for.
We never proxy tokens or add markup. Keys stay in the local macOS Keychain. The software fee is flat and always separate from inference.
What is a coding harness?
An editor is where you type. A CLI is one agent on one stack. A harness sits above both, it runs the CLIs you already own as a coordinated crew, with shared memory, isolation, and a real verify gate.
You keep your editor and tools. TheVibeFather is the missing operating layer that directs them together.
Which CLIs does TheVibeFather work with?
It auto-detects 22+ coding CLIs on PATH — Claude Code, OpenAI Codex CLI, OpenCode, Kimi CLI, Antigravity, Grok Build, Qwen Code, Goose, Aider, Crush, OpenHands, Cline, Cursor Agent, Roo, Continue, and built-in VibeBrain — plus local models via Ollama and MLX.
What is VibeBrain?
VibeBrain is the built-in coding intelligence that indexes your project and keeps durable, per-workspace memory across sessions, models and CLIs — with cited evidence instead of vibes-only guesses. Swap the model mid-sprint and the memory stays.
How does AutoVibe verification work?
AutoVibe runs plan → build → verify. The verify gate is outside the model, it runs your real build and test commands and only accepts a genuine exit-0. “Done” is evidence from your suite, not a model grading its own homework.
Is this another meter on top of the models I already pay for?
No. You pay the labs (or run local models) at their price. The software fee is flat — monthly, yearly, or lifetime — with zero token markup from us.
What do the plans unlock?
Every plan unlocks the full harness — no feature tiers. Multi-agent VibeSwarm, VibeBrain, AutoVibe, worktrees, voice, MCP, remote control, CLI auto-detect, and updates while covered.
Do plans auto-renew? Can I cancel?
Monthly and yearly renew automatically until you cancel. Cancel anytime and keep access through the period you paid for. Lifetime never renews.
Is there a refund?
Yes — 7 days on the initial primary-plan purchase via self-serve refund in your account. Renewals and extra-computer licenses do not restart that window. See the Refund Policy for details.
How many machines can I use?
One macOS activation slot and one Windows activation slot per license, with self-serve device moves. Need more computers? Add an extra license from your account at 10% off.
Is it Mac only?
macOS 14+ today, Windows is in active development. One license covers every platform we ship.
Is my code sent to your servers?
No. TheVibeFather is local-first. Source, prompts and keys travel only to the model providers you configured. Our servers see licensing and optional private usage summaries.
What is the public family leaderboard?
An optional ranking of members who opt in from Achievements. It shows name, rank and points earned from real app usage — never private usage numbers. Fake or self-reported scores are not allowed.
How do I get set up?
Buy a plan, download the macOS app, sign in with your website account, and point it at a project. It auto-detects installed CLIs. Hand Vibe a task in plain English or drive raw terminals.