Which Tools Let You Run Multiple Agents at Once?

Managing a modern development workflow often requires more than a single chat interface. As AI capabilities evolve, developers are increasingly asking which tools run multiple agents at once to handle complex tasks in parallel. Whether you are refactoring a backend service while an agent audits your CSS or running multiple specialized models against different parts of a codebase, the ability to orchestrate several sessions simultaneously is a significant productivity multiplier.

The Shift Toward Parallel Agent Workflows

The first generation of AI coding tools focused on a single chat thread. You asked a question, and the LLM provided a snippet. Today, the industry is moving toward autonomous agents that can execute commands, read files, and iterate on code independently. When these agents are restricted to a single serial queue, the developer becomes a bottleneck.

Running multiple agents at once allows for a distributed approach to problem solving. A developer might initiate a long running migration script using one agent while using another to generate unit tests for a separate module. This requires a tool that can manage distinct environments, stateful sessions, and various terminal outputs without mixing the contexts.

Categorizing Tools for Multi-Agent Execution

Tools that support multiple agents generally fall into three categories: terminal multiplexers, integrated development environment (IDE) extensions, and specialized canvas-based workspaces. Each approach has distinct advantages and trade-offs regarding context isolation and visual organization.

Terminal Multiplexers and CLI Wrappers

For developers who prefer the command line, tools like tmux or screen are the traditional way to run multiple processes. When using CLI based agents like Claude Code or Codex CLI, you can simply open multiple terminal tabs or panes.

• Pros: Low overhead, highly customizable, and fits into existing shell workflows.
• Cons: Managing context becomes difficult. It is easy to lose track of which agent is doing what when you have many overlapping windows. There is no shared visual state between the terminals.

IDE Extensions and Sidebar Chat

Many developers use extensions within VS Code or JetBrains. While some extensions allow you to open multiple chat windows, they are often constrained by the IDE's UI layout. Most are designed for a single active session where the agent has access to the currently open file.

• Pros: Deep integration with the editor and file system.
• Cons: Screen real estate is limited. Running three or four agents simultaneously in an IDE often results in cramped sidebars that hinder readability.

Canvas Based Workspaces

A newer category of tools uses an infinite canvas to solve the layout problem. Instead of tabs or sidebars, these tools allow you to place agent sessions as independent panels on a zoomable plane. This is where Deska operates, providing a visual environment specifically designed for parallel execution.

How Deska Handles Multiple Agents

Deska is a free desktop app for Mac, Windows, and Linux that reimagines the developer workspace as an infinite canvas. Unlike a standard IDE where you are limited by a grid, Deska allows you to place panels anywhere. You can zoom out to see the big picture of your entire project or zoom in on a specific agent's progress.

In Deska, you can run agents like Claude Code, Codex CLI, and OpenCode side by side as individual panels. This is particularly useful for comparing how different models approach the same architectural problem. Because Deska is local-first, your code and agent sessions stay on your machine.

The infinite canvas setup means you are not limited by your monitor's resolution. You can have a terminal running a build process, a code editor panel showing a specific file, and three different agent panels all active at once. This horizontal and vertical freedom is a primary reason why developers choose canvas tools when they need to run multiple agents at once.

Comparing Approaches to Agent Orchestration

The following table compares how different tool types handle the practical aspects of running multiple agents simultaneously.

Managing Context and Resources

Running multiple agents simultaneously is not just about the UI. It also involves managing the underlying resources and the "attention" of the developer.

Session Isolation

Each agent should ideally run in its own process or container to prevent side effects. When you run agents in a tool like Deska, each panel maintains its own state. This prevents a command run by one agent from accidentally interfering with the environment of another, provided they are working on separate tasks or directories.

The Role of Voice and Automation

Managing four or five active agents can be mentally taxing. This is where assistant layers become valuable. Deska includes Ask Deska, a voice and chat assistant that can drive the workspace for you. Instead of manually clicking through tabs, you can use voice commands to open panels, run specific commands, or check the status of active sessions. This reduces the cognitive load of multitasking.

Mobile Monitoring

One challenge of running long tasks is the need to stay at your desk. Some workflows benefit from a secure relay that allows you to monitor agents from a mobile device. Deska provides a mobile app for this purpose. It uses a direct pairing method where no ports are exposed to the internet, allowing you to check on your parallel agents while away from your primary workstation.

Choosing the Right Tool for Your Workflow

The decision of which tool to use depends on the complexity of your tasks. If you only need one agent to help with boilerplate, a simple IDE extension is sufficient. However, if your workflow involves multiple steps, such as an agent writing code, another auditing security, and a third generating documentation, you need a more robust environment.

A canvas based approach is generally better for:

• Large scale refactoring where you need to see multiple files and agent outputs at once.
• Comparative analysis between different LLM agents.
• Workflows that require a mix of terminals, notes, and browser panels in a single view.

FAQ

How do I run multiple Claude Code instances?

You can run multiple instances of Claude Code by opening separate terminal sessions. In a tool like Deska, you can create multiple terminals or agent panels and execute the start command in each. This allows you to have several independent conversations with the agent focused on different parts of your codebase.

Is it expensive to run multiple agents at once?

The cost depends on your API usage. Most modern tools allow you to use your own API keys. In Deska, the workspace itself is free, and the pricing for the lifetime tier is based on bringing your own keys (BYOK). This means you only pay the model provider for the tokens you actually consume across your various agent panels.

Can agents see each other's work?

Usually, agents are isolated unless they are pointed at the same directory and read the same files. In a multi agent workspace, the developer acts as the bridge. However, because agents in Deska can operate in side by side panels, you can easily copy context from one to another or observe their file system changes in real time.

Get Started with Multi-Agent Workflows

If you are looking for a way to organize your AI coding sessions without the constraints of a traditional IDE, an infinite canvas might be the solution. You can download Deska for free to start running multiple agents in a specialized workspace designed for modern development. By moving away from tabs and sidebars, you gain the visual clarity needed to manage complex, parallel AI tasks effectively.