Headlamp

Headlamp is an open-source Kubernetes interface for developers, platform engineers and cluster administrators. Browse workloads, nodes, storage and networking; inspect resource details and logs; open pod terminals; and create or edit resources when your cluster permissions permit.

Desktop and in-cluster editions

This package installs Headlamp.app on your Mac. It connects to existing Kubernetes API servers using kubeconfig and their authentication mechanisms. It does not install Kubernetes or create a cluster. Headlamp can also be deployed as a web application inside a cluster, but that is a separate deployment rather than a requirement for this desktop app. Multiple clusters can be selected from one interface.

Installation and requirements

The Mac package supports Apple Silicon and Intel through separate DMG downloads; the cask requires macOS 12 or newer. Copy the application from the DMG to Applications. The 0.45.0 Apple Silicon DMG is 143,705,681 bytes; Intel downloads and installed size differ. Direct downloads are updated by downloading and replacing the app; Homebrew can manage cask upgrades.

Provide a valid kubeconfig, normally in the default Kubernetes configuration location, and network access to the API server. Certificates, tokens, cloud authentication helpers and any VPN or proxy required by your cluster remain necessary. The cask declares no additional package dependencies or conflicts. kubectl is useful for preparing and diagnosing cluster access, but is not declared as a cask dependency; authentication executables referenced by your kubeconfig must be available separately.

Permissions and extensions

Kubernetes RBAC determines what can be viewed, edited, scaled or deleted. Limited namespace permissions may require configuring accessible namespaces. Headlamp is an interactive management tool, not a read-only monitor: authorized edits, pod execution and deletion can affect real workloads and data. Protect kubeconfig credentials and use appropriately limited access.

The Plugin Catalog offers installable extensions. Some require additional software in the cluster, such as Flux. Plugin publisher badges are provenance indicators, not security audits. Review plugin code, permissions and maintenance before installation: extensions can access cluster capabilities and desktop command facilities, so install only trusted code. Desktop command consent and other protections do not make arbitrary plugins harmless.

License and costs

Headlamp is maintained by the Kubernetes SIG UI community and distributed under Apache License 2.0, free for personal and commercial use. The desktop app has no separate Headlamp subscription or mandatory Headlamp account. Cluster credentials are still required, and hosted Kubernetes, cloud services or third-party integrations can have their own accounts and charges.