# Altair GraphQL Client — Feature-Rich GraphQL IDE for All Platforms

> A cross-platform GraphQL client available as a desktop app, browser extension, and web app. Altair supports query autocompletion, file uploads, environment variables, pre-request scripts, and multiple query windows.

## Install

Save as a script file and run:

# Altair GraphQL Client — Feature-Rich GraphQL IDE for All Platforms

## Quick Use
```bash
# Install desktop app
brew install --cask altair-graphql-client  # macOS
snap install altair                         # Linux
# Windows: download from altairgraphql.dev

# Or install the browser extension for Chrome/Firefox/Edge
```

## Introduction
Altair GraphQL Client is an open-source, feature-rich GraphQL IDE that runs as a desktop app, browser extension, or web app. It goes beyond basic query execution to offer file uploads, environment management, pre-request scripts, and plugin support.

## What Altair GraphQL Client Does
- Sends GraphQL queries, mutations, and subscriptions with full autocompletion
- Manages environment variables and headers across multiple workspaces
- Supports file uploads via the GraphQL multipart request specification
- Runs pre-request and post-request scripts in JavaScript for dynamic workflows
- Generates query documentation from the introspection schema automatically

## Architecture Overview
Altair is built with Angular and runs as an Electron desktop app, a browser extension (Chrome, Firefox, Edge), and a Progressive Web App. The core editor uses CodeMirror with a custom GraphQL language mode. Plugin support allows third-party extensions to add themes, importers, and custom actions.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Download desktop builds for macOS, Windows, and Linux from the official site
- Install browser extensions from Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, or Edge Add-ons
- Access the web version at altairgraphql.dev without installation
- Configure multiple environments (dev, staging, prod) with variable switching
- Add plugins from the built-in plugin manager for themes and custom functionality

## Key Features
- Multi-window and multi-tab interface for managing queries across endpoints
- File upload support that most GraphQL IDEs lack
- Pre-request scripts enable dynamic header injection (e.g., JWT token refresh)
- Collection management for organizing and sharing saved queries
- Response stats showing query timing, size, and status codes

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **GraphiQL** — official GraphQL Foundation IDE; Altair adds file uploads and pre-request scripts
- **GraphQL Playground** — archived project; Altair is actively maintained with more features
- **Insomnia** — general API client with GraphQL mode; Altair is GraphQL-specialized
- **Postman** — broad API platform; Altair provides deeper GraphQL-specific tooling
- **Apollo Studio** — cloud-based with team features; Altair is local-first and open source

## FAQ
**Q: Does Altair support GraphQL subscriptions?**
A: Yes. It supports subscriptions over WebSocket, SSE (Server-Sent Events), and other transport protocols.

**Q: Can I upload files through Altair?**
A: Yes. Altair supports the GraphQL multipart request spec for file uploads, a feature most competitors lack.

**Q: Is it free for commercial use?**
A: Yes. Altair is licensed under MIT and free for all use cases.

**Q: How do pre-request scripts work?**
A: Write JavaScript in the pre-request script panel to dynamically set headers, variables, or environment values before each query executes.

## Sources
- https://github.com/altair-graphql/altair
- https://altairgraphql.dev/

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/asset-9106157a
Author: Script Depot