Fix per-workspace pulse dismiss for multi-window setups

Interacting with one Cursor window no longer dismisses overlays from
other windows. The overlay manager now tracks panels by tag (workspace),
the daemon maintains per-workspace pending/active/cooldown state, and
dismiss logic identifies the focused window via AXFocusedWindow to
target only that workspace's pulse.

Made-with: Cursor

README.md

@@ -49,6 +49,9 @@ uv run cursor-flasher stop
 Optional config file at `~/.cursor-flasher/config.yaml`:
 
 ```yaml
+theme: "auto"               # "dark", "light", or "auto" (follows macOS appearance)
+
+dark:                        # styles used when OS is in dark mode
   running:                   # approval pulse (continuous until you interact)
     color: "#FF9500"         # border color (hex)
     width: 4                 # border thickness in pixels
@@ -58,7 +61,6 @@ running:                    # approval pulse (continuous until you interact)
     volume: 0.5              # 0.0 to 1.0
     # sounds: Basso, Blow, Bottle, Frog, Funk, Glass, Hero,
     #         Morse, Ping, Pop, Purr, Sosumi, Submarine, Tink
-
   completed:                 # agent stop flash (brief fade-in/out)
     color: "#00FF00"         # different color for completion
     width: 4
@@ -67,6 +69,22 @@ completed:                  # agent stop flash (brief fade-in/out)
     sound: ""                # no sound by default (Cursor plays its own)
     volume: 0.0
 
+light:                       # styles used when OS is in light mode
+  running:
+    color: "#3B82F6"
+    width: 4
+    opacity: 0.9
+    pulse_speed: 1.5
+    sound: "Glass"
+    volume: 0.5
+  completed:
+    color: "#22C55E"
+    width: 4
+    opacity: 0.9
+    duration: 1.5
+    sound: ""
+    volume: 0.0
+
 flash:
   mode: "screen"             # "window", "screen", or "allscreens"
 
@@ -82,7 +100,7 @@ general:
   cooldown: 2.0              # minimum seconds between flashes
 ```
 
-Each mode (`running` and `completed`) has its own color, border style, and sound settings. Set `sound: ""` to disable sound for a particular mode.
+Styles are organized under `dark` and `light` theme sections, each containing `running` (approval pulse) and `completed` (stop flash) modes with their own color, border, and sound settings. The `theme` option controls which styles are active: set `"auto"` to follow macOS appearance in real-time, or force `"dark"` / `"light"`. Set `sound: ""` to disable sound for a particular mode.
 
 ## Uninstall
 

docs/plans/2026-03-10-dark-light-theme-design.md

@@ -0,0 +1,84 @@
+# Dark/Light Theme Support — Design
+
+## Summary
+
+Add dark/light mode theme support to cursor-flasher. Users can define separate border styles for each OS appearance mode via new `dark` and `light` config sections. A `theme` option controls which styles are active: `"dark"`, `"light"`, or `"auto"` (follows macOS appearance in real-time).
+
+## Config Format
+
+The old top-level `running`/`completed` format is replaced (breaking change). Modes are now nested under theme sections:
+
+```yaml
+theme: auto  # "dark" | "light" | "auto"
+
+dark:
+  running:
+    color: "#FF9500"
+    width: 4
+    opacity: 0.85
+    pulse_speed: 1.5
+    sound: "Glass"
+    volume: 0.5
+  completed:
+    color: "#00FF00"
+    width: 4
+    opacity: 0.85
+    duration: 1.5
+    sound: ""
+    volume: 0.0
+
+light:
+  running:
+    color: "#3B82F6"
+    width: 4
+    opacity: 0.9
+    pulse_speed: 1.5
+    sound: "Glass"
+    volume: 0.5
+  completed:
+    color: "#22C55E"
+    width: 4
+    opacity: 0.9
+    duration: 1.5
+    sound: ""
+    volume: 0.0
+
+flash:
+  mode: "screen"
+
+approval_tools:
+  - Shell
+  - Write
+  - Delete
+
+general:
+  approval_delay: 2.5
+  cooldown: 2.0
+```
+
+## Data Model
+
+- `StyleConfig` — unchanged (color, width, opacity, duration, pulse_speed, sound, volume).
+- New `ThemeStyles` dataclass — groups `running: StyleConfig` and `completed: StyleConfig` for one theme.
+- `Config` — replaces `running`/`completed` with `dark: ThemeStyles` and `light: ThemeStyles`. Adds `theme: str` field. Exposes `active_styles(system_appearance: str) -> ThemeStyles` method that resolves the correct theme based on the `theme` setting and the passed-in system appearance string.
+
+## Appearance Detection
+
+The daemon detects macOS appearance via `NSApplication.sharedApplication().effectiveAppearance().name()`. If the name contains "Dark", the appearance is `"dark"`; otherwise `"light"`. This check happens at flash/pulse trigger time (not polled), so it picks up OS appearance changes between flashes with zero overhead.
+
+## Daemon Integration
+
+Two call sites change: `_check_pending()` and `_handle_stop()`. Each resolves the active theme styles at trigger time:
+
+```python
+styles = self.config.active_styles(_get_system_appearance())
+self.overlay.pulse(frames, styles.running)
+play_alert(styles.running)
+```
+
+## Decisions
+
+- **Modes under themes** (not themes under modes) — `dark.running` rather than `running.dark`.
+- **Old format not supported** — top-level `running`/`completed` keys are ignored.
+- **Real-time detection** — appearance checked at each flash trigger, not just at startup.
+- **Config stays pure** — no Cocoa imports in config.py; appearance detection lives in daemon.py.

src/cursor_flasher/config.py

@@ -15,6 +15,8 @@ STYLE_FIELDS = {
     "volume": float,
 }
 
+VALID_THEMES = {"dark", "light", "auto"}
+
 
 @dataclass
 class StyleConfig:
@@ -36,10 +38,19 @@ def _default_completed() -> StyleConfig:
 
 
 @dataclass
-class Config:
+class ThemeStyles:
+    """Running and completed styles for a single theme (dark or light)."""
+
     running: StyleConfig = field(default_factory=_default_running)
     completed: StyleConfig = field(default_factory=_default_completed)
 
+
+@dataclass
+class Config:
+    dark: ThemeStyles = field(default_factory=ThemeStyles)
+    light: ThemeStyles = field(default_factory=ThemeStyles)
+
+    theme: str = "auto"
     flash_mode: str = "screen"
 
     approval_tools: list[str] = field(
@@ -49,6 +60,16 @@ class Config:
     approval_delay: float = 2.5
     cooldown: float = 2.0
 
+    def active_styles(self, system_appearance: str) -> ThemeStyles:
+        """Return the ThemeStyles matching the current theme setting.
+
+        Args:
+            system_appearance: "dark" or "light" as detected from the OS.
+        """
+        if self.theme == "auto":
+            return self.dark if system_appearance == "dark" else self.light
+        return self.dark if self.theme == "dark" else self.light
+
 
 GENERAL_FIELD_MAP: dict[str, str] = {
     "approval_delay": "approval_delay",
@@ -77,6 +98,21 @@ def _parse_style(raw_section: dict, defaults: StyleConfig) -> StyleConfig:
     )
 
 
+def _parse_theme_styles(raw_section: dict) -> ThemeStyles:
+    """Build a ThemeStyles from a YAML theme section (dark or light)."""
+    kwargs: dict[str, StyleConfig] = {}
+
+    running_raw = raw_section.get("running")
+    if isinstance(running_raw, dict):
+        kwargs["running"] = _parse_style(running_raw, _default_running())
+
+    completed_raw = raw_section.get("completed")
+    if isinstance(completed_raw, dict):
+        kwargs["completed"] = _parse_style(completed_raw, _default_completed())
+
+    return ThemeStyles(**kwargs)
+
+
 def load_config(path: Path = DEFAULT_CONFIG_PATH) -> Config:
     """Load config from YAML, falling back to defaults for missing values."""
     if not path.exists():
@@ -90,13 +126,17 @@ def load_config(path: Path = DEFAULT_CONFIG_PATH) -> Config:
 
     config_kwargs: dict[str, Any] = {}
 
-    running_raw = raw.get("running")
-    if isinstance(running_raw, dict):
-        config_kwargs["running"] = _parse_style(running_raw, _default_running())
+    theme = raw.get("theme")
+    if isinstance(theme, str) and theme in VALID_THEMES:
+        config_kwargs["theme"] = theme
 
-    completed_raw = raw.get("completed")
-    if isinstance(completed_raw, dict):
-        config_kwargs["completed"] = _parse_style(completed_raw, _default_completed())
+    dark_raw = raw.get("dark")
+    if isinstance(dark_raw, dict):
+        config_kwargs["dark"] = _parse_theme_styles(dark_raw)
+
+    light_raw = raw.get("light")
+    if isinstance(light_raw, dict):
+        config_kwargs["light"] = _parse_theme_styles(light_raw)
 
     flash_raw = raw.get("flash")
     if isinstance(flash_raw, dict) and "mode" in flash_raw:

src/cursor_flasher/daemon.py

@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ from cursor_flasher.overlay import OverlayManager
 from cursor_flasher.sound import play_alert
 from cursor_flasher.windows import (
     find_window_by_workspace,
+    get_focused_cursor_window,
     screen_frame_for_window,
     all_screen_frames,
     is_cursor_frontmost,
@@ -33,6 +34,13 @@ SOCKET_PATH = os.path.join(SOCKET_DIR, "flasher.sock")
 INPUT_DISMISS_GRACE = 0.5
 
 
+def _get_system_appearance() -> str:
+    """Return "dark" or "light" based on the current macOS appearance."""
+    app = NSApplication.sharedApplication()
+    name = app.effectiveAppearance().name()
+    return "dark" if "Dark" in name else "light"
+
+
 class _PendingApproval:
     """An approval trigger waiting for the delay to expire before pulsing."""
     __slots__ = ("workspace", "tool", "timestamp")
@@ -43,15 +51,25 @@ class _PendingApproval:
         self.timestamp = timestamp
 
 
+class _ActivePulse:
+    """A workspace that is currently pulsing."""
+    __slots__ = ("workspace", "window_title", "started_at")
+
+    def __init__(self, workspace: str, window_title: str, started_at: float):
+        self.workspace = workspace
+        self.window_title = window_title
+        self.started_at = started_at
+
+
 class FlasherDaemon:
     def __init__(self, config: Config):
         self.config = config
         self.overlay = OverlayManager()
         self._running = False
         self._server: socket.socket | None = None
-        self._last_flash: float = 0
-        self._pending: _PendingApproval | None = None
-        self._pulse_started_at: float = 0
+        self._last_flash: dict[str, float] = {}
+        self._pending_approvals: dict[str, _PendingApproval] = {}
+        self._active_pulses: dict[str, _ActivePulse] = {}
         self._cursor_was_frontmost: bool = False
 
     def run(self) -> None:
@@ -108,47 +126,52 @@ class FlasherDaemon:
             pass
 
     def _check_pending(self) -> None:
-        """Promote a pending approval to an active pulse after the delay expires."""
-        if self._pending is None:
-            return
-
-        elapsed = time.monotonic() - self._pending.timestamp
+        """Promote pending approvals whose delay has expired."""
+        promoted: list[str] = []
+        for workspace, pending in self._pending_approvals.items():
+            elapsed = time.monotonic() - pending.timestamp
             if elapsed < self.config.approval_delay:
-            return
-
-        pending = self._pending
-        self._pending = None
+                continue
 
             window = find_window_by_workspace(pending.workspace)
             if window is None:
-            logger.warning("No Cursor window found for pending approval")
-            return
+                logger.warning(
+                    "No Cursor window found for pending approval: %s", workspace
+                )
+                promoted.append(workspace)
+                continue
 
             frames = self._resolve_frames(window["frame"])
+            styles = self.config.active_styles(_get_system_appearance())
             logger.info(
                 "Pulsing for approval (after %.1fs delay): tool=%s window=%s",
                 elapsed, pending.tool, window["title"],
             )
-        self.overlay.pulse(frames, self.config.running)
-        self._pulse_started_at = time.monotonic()
+            self.overlay.add_pulse(workspace, frames, styles.running)
+            self._active_pulses[workspace] = _ActivePulse(
+                workspace, window["title"], time.monotonic()
+            )
             self._cursor_was_frontmost = is_cursor_frontmost()
-        play_alert(self.config.running)
-        self._last_flash = time.monotonic()
+            play_alert(styles.running)
+            self._last_flash[workspace] = time.monotonic()
+            promoted.append(workspace)
+
+        for workspace in promoted:
+            self._pending_approvals.pop(workspace, None)
 
     def _check_input_dismiss(self) -> None:
-        """Dismiss pulse when user clicks or types while Cursor is frontmost.
+        """Dismiss the focused window's pulse when the user clicks or types.
 
-        Polls CGEventSourceSecondsSinceLastEventType which reads system-wide
-        HID counters — works reliably from forked daemon processes unlike
-        CGEventTap callbacks which silently fail without a window server
-        connection.
+        Identifies which Cursor window has focus and only dismisses that
+        workspace's pulse, leaving other workspaces pulsing.
         """
-        if not self.overlay.is_pulsing:
+        if not self._active_pulses:
             return
         if not is_cursor_frontmost():
             return
 
-        pulse_age = time.monotonic() - self._pulse_started_at
+        oldest_start = min(p.started_at for p in self._active_pulses.values())
+        pulse_age = time.monotonic() - oldest_start
         if pulse_age < INPUT_DISMISS_GRACE:
             return
 
@@ -163,32 +186,50 @@ class FlasherDaemon:
         )
 
         last_input = min(last_click, last_rclick, last_key)
+        if last_input >= (pulse_age - INPUT_DISMISS_GRACE):
+            return
+
+        workspace = self._find_focused_workspace()
+        if workspace is None:
+            return
 
-        if last_input < (pulse_age - INPUT_DISMISS_GRACE):
         logger.info(
-                "User input in Cursor — dismissing pulse "
+            "User input in Cursor — dismissing pulse for %s "
             "(input %.1fs ago, pulse %.1fs old)",
-                last_input, pulse_age,
+            workspace, last_input, pulse_age,
         )
-            self._dismiss_pulse()
+        self._dismiss_workspace(workspace)
 
     def _check_focus(self) -> None:
-        """Dismiss pulse when user switches TO Cursor via Cmd+Tab or similar.
-
-        Detects the transition from another app to Cursor.
-        """
-        if not self.overlay.is_pulsing:
+        """Dismiss the focused window's pulse when user switches TO Cursor."""
+        if not self._active_pulses:
+            self._cursor_was_frontmost = is_cursor_frontmost()
             return
 
         frontmost = is_cursor_frontmost()
         if frontmost and not self._cursor_was_frontmost:
-            logger.info("Cursor became frontmost — dismissing pulse")
-            self._dismiss_pulse()
+            workspace = self._find_focused_workspace()
+            if workspace is not None:
+                logger.info(
+                    "Cursor became frontmost — dismissing pulse for %s", workspace
+                )
+                self._dismiss_workspace(workspace)
         self._cursor_was_frontmost = frontmost
 
-    def _dismiss_pulse(self) -> None:
-        """Centralized pulse dismissal."""
-        self.overlay.dismiss()
+    def _find_focused_workspace(self) -> str | None:
+        """Match the currently focused Cursor window to an active pulse."""
+        focused = get_focused_cursor_window()
+        if focused is None:
+            return None
+        for workspace, pulse in self._active_pulses.items():
+            if pulse.window_title == focused["title"]:
+                return workspace
+        return None
+
+    def _dismiss_workspace(self, workspace: str) -> None:
+        """Dismiss a single workspace's pulse."""
+        self._active_pulses.pop(workspace, None)
+        self.overlay.dismiss_tag(workspace)
 
     def _handle_message(self, raw: bytes) -> None:
         try:
@@ -203,12 +244,12 @@ class FlasherDaemon:
 
         logger.info("Received: event=%s tool=%s pulsing=%s pending=%s",
                      event, tool, self.overlay.is_pulsing,
-                     self._pending is not None)
+                     bool(self._pending_approvals))
 
         if event == "preToolUse":
             self._handle_approval(workspace, tool)
         elif event in ("postToolUse", "postToolUseFailure"):
-            self._handle_dismiss(event, tool)
+            self._handle_dismiss(workspace, event, tool)
         elif event == "stop":
             self._handle_stop(workspace)
         else:
@@ -219,44 +260,48 @@ class FlasherDaemon:
             return
 
         now = time.monotonic()
-        if (now - self._last_flash) < self.config.cooldown:
+        last = self._last_flash.get(workspace, 0)
+        if (now - last) < self.config.cooldown:
             return
 
         logger.debug("Queuing approval: tool=%s workspace=%s", tool, workspace)
-        self._pending = _PendingApproval(workspace, tool, now)
+        self._pending_approvals[workspace] = _PendingApproval(workspace, tool, now)
 
-    def _handle_dismiss(self, event: str, tool: str) -> None:
-        if self._pending is not None:
+    def _handle_dismiss(self, workspace: str, event: str, tool: str) -> None:
+        if workspace in self._pending_approvals:
             logger.debug(
-                "Cancelled pending approval (auto-approved): %s tool=%s",
-                event, tool,
+                "Cancelled pending approval (auto-approved): %s tool=%s workspace=%s",
+                event, tool, workspace,
             )
-            self._pending = None
+            self._pending_approvals.pop(workspace, None)
 
-        if self.overlay.is_pulsing:
-            logger.info("Dismissing pulse: %s tool=%s", event, tool)
-            self._dismiss_pulse()
+        if workspace in self._active_pulses:
+            logger.info(
+                "Dismissing pulse: %s tool=%s workspace=%s", event, tool, workspace
+            )
+            self._dismiss_workspace(workspace)
 
     def _handle_stop(self, workspace: str) -> None:
-        self._pending = None
+        self._pending_approvals.pop(workspace, None)
 
-        if self.overlay.is_pulsing:
-            self._dismiss_pulse()
-            return
+        if workspace in self._active_pulses:
+            self._dismiss_workspace(workspace)
 
         now = time.monotonic()
-        if (now - self._last_flash) < self.config.cooldown:
+        last = self._last_flash.get(workspace, 0)
+        if (now - last) < self.config.cooldown:
             return
 
         window = find_window_by_workspace(workspace)
         if window is None:
             return
 
+        styles = self.config.active_styles(_get_system_appearance())
         frames = self._resolve_frames(window["frame"])
         logger.info("Flash for stop: window=%s", window["title"])
-        self.overlay.flash(frames, self.config.completed)
-        play_alert(self.config.completed)
-        self._last_flash = now
+        self.overlay.add_flash(workspace, frames, styles.completed)
+        play_alert(styles.completed)
+        self._last_flash[workspace] = now
 
     def _resolve_frames(self, window_frame: tuple) -> list[tuple]:
         """Return frame(s) based on flash_mode config."""

src/cursor_flasher/overlay.py

@@ -62,79 +62,99 @@ class _Mode(enum.Enum):
     PULSE = "pulse"
 
 
-class OverlayManager:
-    """Manages overlay borders on one or more frames simultaneously.
+class _TagState:
+    """Per-tag state: mode, style, panels, and (for FLASH) its own elapsed."""
+    __slots__ = ("mode", "style", "panels", "elapsed")
 
-    Two modes:
-    - flash(): brief fade-in/hold/fade-out, auto-dismisses
-    - pulse(): continuous sine-wave pulsing until dismiss() is called
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        mode: _Mode,
+        style: StyleConfig,
+        panels: list[tuple[NSWindow, FlashBorderView]],
+    ):
+        self.mode = mode
+        self.style = style
+        self.panels = panels
+        self.elapsed = 0.0
+
+
+class OverlayManager:
+    """Manages overlay borders grouped by tag (typically workspace path).
+
+    Supports multiple simultaneous pulse/flash groups. All PULSE tags share
+    a single elapsed counter so they animate in sync. Each FLASH tag has its
+    own elapsed counter for independent fade-in/hold/fade-out.
     """
 
     def __init__(self):
-        self._panels: list[tuple[NSWindow, FlashBorderView]] = []
+        self._tags: dict[str, _TagState] = {}
         self._timer: NSTimer | None = None
-        self._elapsed: float = 0.0
-        self._mode: _Mode = _Mode.IDLE
-        self._style: StyleConfig = StyleConfig()
+        self._pulse_elapsed: float = 0.0
 
     @property
     def is_pulsing(self) -> bool:
-        return self._mode == _Mode.PULSE
+        return any(ts.mode == _Mode.PULSE for ts in self._tags.values())
 
-    def flash(self, frames: list[tuple], style: StyleConfig) -> None:
-        """Brief flash: fade in, hold, fade out, auto-dismiss."""
-        self._show(frames, _Mode.FLASH, style)
+    @property
+    def active_tags(self) -> set[str]:
+        return set(self._tags.keys())
 
-    def pulse(self, frames: list[tuple], style: StyleConfig) -> None:
-        """Continuous pulse: sine-wave opacity until dismiss() is called."""
-        self._show(frames, _Mode.PULSE, style)
+    def has_tag(self, tag: str) -> bool:
+        return tag in self._tags
 
-    def dismiss(self) -> None:
-        """Stop any animation and hide all overlays."""
-        self._stop_timer()
-        self._mode = _Mode.IDLE
-        for window, view in self._panels:
-            view.setAlpha_(0.0)
-            window.setAlphaValue_(0.0)
-            window.orderOut_(None)
-        logger.debug("Overlay dismissed (%d panels hidden)", len(self._panels))
-
-    def hide(self) -> None:
-        self.dismiss()
-
-    def _show(self, frames: list[tuple], mode: _Mode, style: StyleConfig) -> None:
-        self._stop_timer()
-        self._elapsed = 0.0
-        self._mode = mode
-        self._style = style
-
-        self._ensure_panels(len(frames))
-
-        for i, frame in enumerate(frames):
-            window, view = self._panels[i]
+    def add_pulse(self, tag: str, frames: list[tuple], style: StyleConfig) -> None:
+        """Start pulsing panels for this tag. Reuses tag if it already exists."""
+        self._remove_tag(tag)
+        panels = [self._create_overlay(f) for f in frames]
+        self._tags[tag] = _TagState(_Mode.PULSE, style, panels)
+        for window, view in panels:
             view._style = style
-            window.setFrame_display_(frame, True)
-            content_rect = ((0, 0), (frame[1][0], frame[1][1]))
-            view.setFrame_(content_rect)
             view.setAlpha_(style.opacity)
             window.setAlphaValue_(1.0)
             window.orderFrontRegardless()
+        self._ensure_timer()
 
-        for j in range(len(frames), len(self._panels)):
-            self._panels[j][0].orderOut_(None)
+    def add_flash(self, tag: str, frames: list[tuple], style: StyleConfig) -> None:
+        """Start a brief flash for this tag. Auto-removes when done."""
+        self._remove_tag(tag)
+        panels = [self._create_overlay(f) for f in frames]
+        self._tags[tag] = _TagState(_Mode.FLASH, style, panels)
+        for window, view in panels:
+            view._style = style
+            view.setAlpha_(0.0)
+            window.setAlphaValue_(1.0)
+            window.orderFrontRegardless()
+        self._ensure_timer()
 
-        interval = 1.0 / 30.0
-        self._timer = NSTimer.scheduledTimerWithTimeInterval_target_selector_userInfo_repeats_(
-            interval, self, "_tick:", None, True
-        )
+    def dismiss_tag(self, tag: str) -> None:
+        """Hide and remove panels for a specific tag."""
+        self._remove_tag(tag)
+        if not self._tags:
+            self._stop_timer()
+            self._pulse_elapsed = 0.0
 
-    def _ensure_panels(self, count: int) -> None:
-        """Grow the panel pool if needed."""
-        while len(self._panels) < count:
-            dummy = ((0, 0), (1, 1))
-            self._panels.append(self._create_overlay(dummy))
+    def dismiss_all(self) -> None:
+        """Hide everything and stop the timer."""
+        for tag in list(self._tags):
+            self._remove_tag(tag)
+        self._stop_timer()
+        self._pulse_elapsed = 0.0
+        logger.debug("All overlays dismissed")
 
-    def _create_overlay(self, frame) -> tuple:
+    def hide(self) -> None:
+        self.dismiss_all()
+
+    def _remove_tag(self, tag: str) -> None:
+        state = self._tags.pop(tag, None)
+        if state is None:
+            return
+        for window, view in state.panels:
+            view.setAlpha_(0.0)
+            window.setAlphaValue_(0.0)
+            window.orderOut_(None)
+        logger.debug("Tag '%s' dismissed (%d panels hidden)", tag, len(state.panels))
+
+    def _create_overlay(self, frame) -> tuple[NSWindow, FlashBorderView]:
         window = NSWindow.alloc().initWithContentRect_styleMask_backing_defer_(
             frame, NSBorderlessWindowMask, 2, False
         )
@@ -149,6 +169,14 @@ class OverlayManager:
         window.setContentView_(view)
         return window, view
 
+    def _ensure_timer(self) -> None:
+        if self._timer is not None:
+            return
+        interval = 1.0 / 30.0
+        self._timer = NSTimer.scheduledTimerWithTimeInterval_target_selector_userInfo_repeats_(
+            interval, self, "_tick:", None, True
+        )
+
     def _stop_timer(self) -> None:
         if self._timer is not None:
             self._timer.invalidate()
@@ -156,47 +184,59 @@ class OverlayManager:
 
     @objc.python_method
     def _tick_impl(self):
-        dt = 1.0 / 30.0
-        self._elapsed += dt
-
-        match self._mode:
-            case _Mode.FLASH:
-                self._tick_flash()
-            case _Mode.PULSE:
-                self._tick_pulse()
-            case _Mode.IDLE:
+        if not self._tags:
             self._stop_timer()
+            return
 
-    def _tick_flash(self) -> None:
-        duration = self._style.duration
+        dt = 1.0 / 30.0
+        self._pulse_elapsed += dt
+
+        tags_to_remove: list[str] = []
+        for tag, state in self._tags.items():
+            match state.mode:
+                case _Mode.PULSE:
+                    self._tick_pulse_tag(state)
+                case _Mode.FLASH:
+                    state.elapsed += dt
+                    if not self._tick_flash_tag(tag, state):
+                        tags_to_remove.append(tag)
+
+        for tag in tags_to_remove:
+            self._remove_tag(tag)
+        if not self._tags:
+            self._stop_timer()
+            self._pulse_elapsed = 0.0
+
+    def _tick_pulse_tag(self, state: _TagState) -> None:
+        speed = state.style.pulse_speed
+        phase = (2.0 * math.pi * self._pulse_elapsed) / speed
+        opacity_min = 0.3
+        t = 0.5 + 0.5 * math.sin(phase)
+        alpha = opacity_min + (state.style.opacity - opacity_min) * t
+        for _, view in state.panels:
+            view.setAlpha_(alpha)
+
+    def _tick_flash_tag(self, tag: str, state: _TagState) -> bool:
+        """Tick a flash tag. Returns False when the flash is finished."""
+        duration = state.style.duration
         fade_in = 0.15
         fade_out = 0.4
         hold_end = duration - fade_out
+        elapsed = state.elapsed
 
-        if self._elapsed < fade_in:
-            alpha = self._style.opacity * (self._elapsed / fade_in)
-        elif self._elapsed < hold_end:
-            alpha = self._style.opacity
-        elif self._elapsed < duration:
-            progress = (self._elapsed - hold_end) / fade_out
-            alpha = self._style.opacity * (1.0 - progress)
+        if elapsed < fade_in:
+            alpha = state.style.opacity * (elapsed / fade_in)
+        elif elapsed < hold_end:
+            alpha = state.style.opacity
+        elif elapsed < duration:
+            progress = (elapsed - hold_end) / fade_out
+            alpha = state.style.opacity * (1.0 - progress)
         else:
-            self.dismiss()
-            return
+            return False
 
-        self._set_all_alpha(alpha)
-
-    def _tick_pulse(self) -> None:
-        speed = self._style.pulse_speed
-        phase = (2.0 * math.pi * self._elapsed) / speed
-        opacity_min = 0.3
-        t = 0.5 + 0.5 * math.sin(phase)
-        alpha = opacity_min + (self._style.opacity - opacity_min) * t
-        self._set_all_alpha(alpha)
-
-    def _set_all_alpha(self, alpha: float) -> None:
-        for _, view in self._panels:
+        for _, view in state.panels:
             view.setAlpha_(alpha)
+        return True
 
     def _tick_(self, timer) -> None:
         self._tick_impl()

src/cursor_flasher/windows.py

@@ -104,6 +104,33 @@ def find_window_by_workspace(workspace_path: str) -> dict | None:
     return windows[0] if len(windows) == 1 else None
 
 
+def get_focused_cursor_window() -> dict | None:
+    """Return the currently focused (key) Cursor window.
+
+    Uses the AXFocusedWindow attribute to identify which specific Cursor
+    window has keyboard focus. Returns {"title": str, "frame": tuple} or
+    None if Cursor isn't running or has no focused window.
+    """
+    pid = find_cursor_pid()
+    if pid is None:
+        return None
+
+    app = AXUIElementCreateApplication(pid)
+    err, focused = AXUIElementCopyAttributeValue(app, "AXFocusedWindow", None)
+    if err or focused is None:
+        return None
+
+    err, title = AXUIElementCopyAttributeValue(focused, "AXTitle", None)
+    title = str(title) if not err and title else ""
+
+    screen_height = NSScreen.mainScreen().frame().size.height
+    frame = _read_frame(focused, screen_height)
+    if frame is None:
+        return None
+
+    return {"title": title, "frame": frame}
+
+
 def screen_frame_for_window(window_frame: tuple) -> tuple:
     """Return the NSScreen frame of the monitor containing the window's center.
 

tests/test_config.py

@@ -1,23 +1,42 @@
-from cursor_flasher.config import Config, StyleConfig, load_config
+from cursor_flasher.config import (
+    Config,
+    StyleConfig,
+    ThemeStyles,
+    load_config,
+)
 
 
 class TestDefaultConfig:
-    def test_running_defaults(self):
+    def test_dark_running_defaults(self):
         c = Config()
-        assert c.running.color == "#FF9500"
-        assert c.running.width == 4
-        assert c.running.duration == 1.5
-        assert c.running.opacity == 0.85
-        assert c.running.pulse_speed == 1.5
-        assert c.running.sound == "Glass"
-        assert c.running.volume == 0.5
+        assert c.dark.running.color == "#FF9500"
+        assert c.dark.running.width == 4
+        assert c.dark.running.duration == 1.5
+        assert c.dark.running.opacity == 0.85
+        assert c.dark.running.pulse_speed == 1.5
+        assert c.dark.running.sound == "Glass"
+        assert c.dark.running.volume == 0.5
 
-    def test_completed_defaults(self):
+    def test_dark_completed_defaults(self):
         c = Config()
-        assert c.completed.color == "#FF9500"
-        assert c.completed.width == 4
-        assert c.completed.sound == ""
-        assert c.completed.volume == 0.0
+        assert c.dark.completed.color == "#FF9500"
+        assert c.dark.completed.width == 4
+        assert c.dark.completed.sound == ""
+        assert c.dark.completed.volume == 0.0
+
+    def test_light_running_defaults(self):
+        c = Config()
+        assert c.light.running.color == "#FF9500"
+        assert c.light.running.sound == "Glass"
+
+    def test_light_completed_defaults(self):
+        c = Config()
+        assert c.light.completed.sound == ""
+        assert c.light.completed.volume == 0.0
+
+    def test_theme_defaults_to_auto(self):
+        c = Config()
+        assert c.theme == "auto"
 
     def test_has_approval_tools(self):
         c = Config()
@@ -32,6 +51,41 @@ class TestDefaultConfig:
         assert c.flash_mode == "screen"
 
 
+class TestActiveStyles:
+    def test_auto_returns_dark_when_system_dark(self):
+        c = Config(theme="auto")
+        dark_styles = ThemeStyles(running=StyleConfig(color="#111111"))
+        light_styles = ThemeStyles(running=StyleConfig(color="#EEEEEE"))
+        c.dark = dark_styles
+        c.light = light_styles
+        assert c.active_styles("dark").running.color == "#111111"
+
+    def test_auto_returns_light_when_system_light(self):
+        c = Config(theme="auto")
+        dark_styles = ThemeStyles(running=StyleConfig(color="#111111"))
+        light_styles = ThemeStyles(running=StyleConfig(color="#EEEEEE"))
+        c.dark = dark_styles
+        c.light = light_styles
+        assert c.active_styles("light").running.color == "#EEEEEE"
+
+    def test_explicit_dark_ignores_system(self):
+        c = Config(theme="dark")
+        c.dark = ThemeStyles(running=StyleConfig(color="#111111"))
+        c.light = ThemeStyles(running=StyleConfig(color="#EEEEEE"))
+        assert c.active_styles("light").running.color == "#111111"
+
+    def test_explicit_light_ignores_system(self):
+        c = Config(theme="light")
+        c.dark = ThemeStyles(running=StyleConfig(color="#111111"))
+        c.light = ThemeStyles(running=StyleConfig(color="#EEEEEE"))
+        assert c.active_styles("dark").running.color == "#EEEEEE"
+
+    def test_active_styles_includes_completed(self):
+        c = Config(theme="dark")
+        c.dark = ThemeStyles(completed=StyleConfig(color="#AA0000"))
+        assert c.active_styles("light").completed.color == "#AA0000"
+
+
 class TestLoadConfig:
     def test_missing_file_returns_defaults(self, tmp_path):
         c = load_config(tmp_path / "nope.yaml")
@@ -43,26 +97,80 @@ class TestLoadConfig:
         c = load_config(p)
         assert c == Config()
 
-    def test_loads_running_overrides(self, tmp_path):
+    def test_loads_theme(self, tmp_path):
         p = tmp_path / "config.yaml"
-        p.write_text(
-            "running:\n  color: '#00FF00'\n  duration: 2.0\n  sound: Ping\n"
-        )
+        p.write_text("theme: dark\n")
         c = load_config(p)
-        assert c.running.color == "#00FF00"
-        assert c.running.duration == 2.0
-        assert c.running.sound == "Ping"
-        assert c.running.width == 4
+        assert c.theme == "dark"
 
-    def test_loads_completed_overrides(self, tmp_path):
+    def test_invalid_theme_uses_default(self, tmp_path):
+        p = tmp_path / "config.yaml"
+        p.write_text("theme: neon\n")
+        c = load_config(p)
+        assert c.theme == "auto"
+
+    def test_loads_dark_running_overrides(self, tmp_path):
         p = tmp_path / "config.yaml"
         p.write_text(
-            "completed:\n  color: '#0000FF'\n  sound: Hero\n  volume: 0.8\n"
+            "dark:\n"
+            "  running:\n"
+            "    color: '#00FF00'\n"
+            "    duration: 2.0\n"
+            "    sound: Ping\n"
         )
         c = load_config(p)
-        assert c.completed.color == "#0000FF"
-        assert c.completed.sound == "Hero"
-        assert c.completed.volume == 0.8
+        assert c.dark.running.color == "#00FF00"
+        assert c.dark.running.duration == 2.0
+        assert c.dark.running.sound == "Ping"
+        assert c.dark.running.width == 4
+
+    def test_loads_dark_completed_overrides(self, tmp_path):
+        p = tmp_path / "config.yaml"
+        p.write_text(
+            "dark:\n"
+            "  completed:\n"
+            "    color: '#0000FF'\n"
+            "    sound: Hero\n"
+            "    volume: 0.8\n"
+        )
+        c = load_config(p)
+        assert c.dark.completed.color == "#0000FF"
+        assert c.dark.completed.sound == "Hero"
+        assert c.dark.completed.volume == 0.8
+
+    def test_loads_light_running_overrides(self, tmp_path):
+        p = tmp_path / "config.yaml"
+        p.write_text(
+            "light:\n"
+            "  running:\n"
+            "    color: '#3B82F6'\n"
+            "    opacity: 0.9\n"
+        )
+        c = load_config(p)
+        assert c.light.running.color == "#3B82F6"
+        assert c.light.running.opacity == 0.9
+        assert c.light.running.width == 4
+
+    def test_missing_dark_section_uses_defaults(self, tmp_path):
+        p = tmp_path / "config.yaml"
+        p.write_text(
+            "light:\n"
+            "  running:\n"
+            "    color: '#FFFFFF'\n"
+        )
+        c = load_config(p)
+        assert c.dark == ThemeStyles()
+
+    def test_missing_running_within_theme_uses_defaults(self, tmp_path):
+        p = tmp_path / "config.yaml"
+        p.write_text(
+            "dark:\n"
+            "  completed:\n"
+            "    color: '#FF0000'\n"
+        )
+        c = load_config(p)
+        assert c.dark.running == StyleConfig()
+        assert c.dark.completed.color == "#FF0000"
 
     def test_loads_flash_mode(self, tmp_path):
         p = tmp_path / "config.yaml"
@@ -86,6 +194,8 @@ class TestLoadConfig:
     def test_full_config(self, tmp_path):
         p = tmp_path / "config.yaml"
         p.write_text(
+            "theme: light\n"
+            "dark:\n"
             "  running:\n"
             "    color: '#FF0000'\n"
             "    width: 6\n"
@@ -96,6 +206,13 @@ class TestLoadConfig:
             "  completed:\n"
             "    color: '#00FF00'\n"
             "    sound: ''\n"
+            "light:\n"
+            "  running:\n"
+            "    color: '#3B82F6'\n"
+            "    width: 3\n"
+            "  completed:\n"
+            "    color: '#22C55E'\n"
+            "    duration: 2.0\n"
             "flash:\n"
             "  mode: window\n"
             "general:\n"
@@ -105,14 +222,19 @@ class TestLoadConfig:
             "  - Shell\n"
         )
         c = load_config(p)
-        assert c.running.color == "#FF0000"
-        assert c.running.width == 6
-        assert c.running.opacity == 0.9
-        assert c.running.pulse_speed == 2.0
-        assert c.running.sound == "Glass"
-        assert c.running.volume == 0.8
-        assert c.completed.color == "#00FF00"
-        assert c.completed.sound == ""
+        assert c.theme == "light"
+        assert c.dark.running.color == "#FF0000"
+        assert c.dark.running.width == 6
+        assert c.dark.running.opacity == 0.9
+        assert c.dark.running.pulse_speed == 2.0
+        assert c.dark.running.sound == "Glass"
+        assert c.dark.running.volume == 0.8
+        assert c.dark.completed.color == "#00FF00"
+        assert c.dark.completed.sound == ""
+        assert c.light.running.color == "#3B82F6"
+        assert c.light.running.width == 3
+        assert c.light.completed.color == "#22C55E"
+        assert c.light.completed.duration == 2.0
         assert c.flash_mode == "window"
         assert c.approval_delay == 1.0
         assert c.cooldown == 3.0

tests/test_daemon.py

@@ -4,18 +4,26 @@ import time
 
 from unittest.mock import patch, MagicMock
 
-from cursor_flasher.config import Config, StyleConfig
+from cursor_flasher.config import Config, StyleConfig, ThemeStyles
 from cursor_flasher.daemon import FlasherDaemon
 
 
+PATCH_APPEARANCE = "cursor_flasher.daemon._get_system_appearance"
+PATCH_FOCUSED = "cursor_flasher.daemon.get_focused_cursor_window"
+
+
 class TestFlasherDaemon:
     def _make_daemon(self, **config_overrides) -> FlasherDaemon:
         config = Config(**config_overrides)
-        with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.OverlayManager"):
+        with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.OverlayManager") as MockOverlay:
             daemon = FlasherDaemon(config)
         daemon.overlay.is_pulsing = False
+        daemon.overlay.active_tags = set()
+        daemon.overlay.has_tag = lambda tag: tag in daemon.overlay.active_tags
         return daemon
 
+    # --- preToolUse / pending ---
+
     def test_preToolUse_queues_pending(self):
         daemon = self._make_daemon()
 
@@ -23,9 +31,9 @@ class TestFlasherDaemon:
             json.dumps({"workspace": "/path", "event": "preToolUse", "tool": "Shell"}).encode()
         )
 
-        assert daemon._pending is not None
-        assert daemon._pending.tool == "Shell"
-        daemon.overlay.pulse.assert_not_called()
+        assert "/path" in daemon._pending_approvals
+        assert daemon._pending_approvals["/path"].tool == "Shell"
+        daemon.overlay.add_pulse.assert_not_called()
 
     def test_pending_promotes_after_delay(self):
         daemon = self._make_daemon(approval_delay=0.0, flash_mode="screen")
@@ -39,10 +47,15 @@ class TestFlasherDaemon:
         with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.find_window_by_workspace", return_value=window), \
              patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.screen_frame_for_window", return_value=screen), \
              patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.is_cursor_frontmost", return_value=False), \
-             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.play_alert"):
+             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.play_alert"), \
+             patch(PATCH_APPEARANCE, return_value="dark"):
             daemon._check_pending()
 
-        daemon.overlay.pulse.assert_called_once_with([screen], daemon.config.running)
+        daemon.overlay.add_pulse.assert_called_once_with(
+            "/path", [screen], daemon.config.dark.running
+        )
+        assert "/path" in daemon._active_pulses
+        assert "/path" not in daemon._pending_approvals
 
     def test_postToolUse_cancels_pending(self):
         """Auto-approved tools: postToolUse arrives before delay, cancels the pulse."""
@@ -51,13 +64,13 @@ class TestFlasherDaemon:
         daemon._handle_message(
             json.dumps({"workspace": "/path", "event": "preToolUse", "tool": "Shell"}).encode()
         )
-        assert daemon._pending is not None
+        assert "/path" in daemon._pending_approvals
 
         daemon._handle_message(
             json.dumps({"workspace": "/path", "event": "postToolUse", "tool": "Shell"}).encode()
         )
-        assert daemon._pending is None
-        daemon.overlay.pulse.assert_not_called()
+        assert "/path" not in daemon._pending_approvals
+        daemon.overlay.add_pulse.assert_not_called()
 
     def test_preToolUse_skips_non_approval_tool(self):
         daemon = self._make_daemon()
@@ -66,7 +79,7 @@ class TestFlasherDaemon:
             json.dumps({"workspace": "/path", "event": "preToolUse", "tool": "Read"}).encode()
         )
 
-        assert daemon._pending is None
+        assert not daemon._pending_approvals
 
     def test_preToolUse_respects_custom_tool_list(self):
         daemon = self._make_daemon(approval_delay=0.0, flash_mode="screen", approval_tools=["Shell", "MCP"])
@@ -79,10 +92,13 @@ class TestFlasherDaemon:
         with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.find_window_by_workspace", return_value=window), \
              patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.screen_frame_for_window", return_value=((0, 0), (1920, 1080))), \
              patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.is_cursor_frontmost", return_value=False), \
-             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.play_alert"):
+             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.play_alert"), \
+             patch(PATCH_APPEARANCE, return_value="dark"):
             daemon._check_pending()
 
-        daemon.overlay.pulse.assert_called_once()
+        daemon.overlay.add_pulse.assert_called_once()
+
+    # --- stop / flash ---
 
     def test_stop_flashes_briefly(self):
         daemon = self._make_daemon(flash_mode="screen")
@@ -91,25 +107,29 @@ class TestFlasherDaemon:
 
         with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.find_window_by_workspace", return_value=window), \
              patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.screen_frame_for_window", return_value=screen), \
-             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.play_alert"):
+             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.play_alert"), \
+             patch(PATCH_APPEARANCE, return_value="dark"):
             daemon._handle_message(
                 json.dumps({"workspace": "/path", "event": "stop"}).encode()
             )
 
-        daemon.overlay.flash.assert_called_once_with([screen], daemon.config.completed)
+        daemon.overlay.add_flash.assert_called_once_with(
+            "/path", [screen], daemon.config.dark.completed
+        )
 
     def test_stop_flashes_window_frame_when_window_mode(self):
         daemon = self._make_daemon(flash_mode="window")
         window = {"title": "my-project", "frame": ((0, 0), (800, 600))}
 
         with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.find_window_by_workspace", return_value=window), \
-             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.play_alert"):
+             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.play_alert"), \
+             patch(PATCH_APPEARANCE, return_value="light"):
             daemon._handle_message(
                 json.dumps({"workspace": "/path", "event": "stop"}).encode()
             )
 
-        daemon.overlay.flash.assert_called_once_with(
-            [((0, 0), (800, 600))], daemon.config.completed
+        daemon.overlay.add_flash.assert_called_once_with(
+            "/path", [((0, 0), (800, 600))], daemon.config.light.completed
         )
 
     def test_allscreens_mode_uses_all_screens(self):
@@ -124,21 +144,28 @@ class TestFlasherDaemon:
         with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.find_window_by_workspace", return_value=window), \
              patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.all_screen_frames", return_value=screens), \
              patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.is_cursor_frontmost", return_value=False), \
-             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.play_alert"):
+             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.play_alert"), \
+             patch(PATCH_APPEARANCE, return_value="dark"):
             daemon._check_pending()
 
-        daemon.overlay.pulse.assert_called_once_with(screens, daemon.config.running)
+        daemon.overlay.add_pulse.assert_called_once_with(
+            "/path", screens, daemon.config.dark.running
+        )
 
-    def test_stop_dismisses_active_pulse(self):
+    # --- stop interactions with active pulse ---
+
+    def test_stop_dismisses_active_pulse_for_workspace(self):
         daemon = self._make_daemon()
-        daemon.overlay.is_pulsing = True
+        daemon._active_pulses["/path"] = MagicMock()
 
+        with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.find_window_by_workspace", return_value=None), \
+             patch(PATCH_APPEARANCE, return_value="dark"):
             daemon._handle_message(
                 json.dumps({"workspace": "/path", "event": "stop"}).encode()
             )
 
-        daemon.overlay.dismiss.assert_called_once()
-        daemon.overlay.flash.assert_not_called()
+        daemon.overlay.dismiss_tag.assert_called_with("/path")
+        assert "/path" not in daemon._active_pulses
 
     def test_stop_clears_pending(self):
         daemon = self._make_daemon(approval_delay=10.0)
@@ -146,32 +173,37 @@ class TestFlasherDaemon:
         daemon._handle_message(
             json.dumps({"workspace": "/path", "event": "preToolUse", "tool": "Shell"}).encode()
         )
-        assert daemon._pending is not None
+        assert "/path" in daemon._pending_approvals
 
         daemon._handle_message(
             json.dumps({"workspace": "/path", "event": "stop"}).encode()
         )
-        assert daemon._pending is None
+        assert "/path" not in daemon._pending_approvals
+
+    # --- postToolUse / dismiss ---
 
     def test_postToolUse_dismisses_active_pulse(self):
         daemon = self._make_daemon()
-        daemon.overlay.is_pulsing = True
+        daemon._active_pulses["/path"] = MagicMock()
 
         daemon._handle_message(
             json.dumps({"workspace": "/path", "event": "postToolUse", "tool": "Shell"}).encode()
         )
 
-        daemon.overlay.dismiss.assert_called_once()
+        daemon.overlay.dismiss_tag.assert_called_with("/path")
+        assert "/path" not in daemon._active_pulses
 
     def test_postToolUseFailure_dismisses_pulse(self):
         daemon = self._make_daemon()
-        daemon.overlay.is_pulsing = True
+        daemon._active_pulses["/path"] = MagicMock()
 
         daemon._handle_message(
             json.dumps({"workspace": "/path", "event": "postToolUseFailure", "tool": "Shell"}).encode()
         )
 
-        daemon.overlay.dismiss.assert_called_once()
+        daemon.overlay.dismiss_tag.assert_called_with("/path")
+
+    # --- cooldown ---
 
     def test_cooldown_prevents_rapid_triggers(self):
         daemon = self._make_daemon(cooldown=5.0)
@@ -179,19 +211,30 @@ class TestFlasherDaemon:
         daemon._handle_message(
             json.dumps({"workspace": "/path", "event": "preToolUse", "tool": "Shell"}).encode()
         )
-        daemon._last_flash = time.monotonic()
-        daemon._pending = None
+        daemon._last_flash["/path"] = time.monotonic()
+        daemon._pending_approvals.clear()
 
         daemon._handle_message(
             json.dumps({"workspace": "/path", "event": "preToolUse", "tool": "Shell"}).encode()
         )
-        assert daemon._pending is None
+        assert "/path" not in daemon._pending_approvals
+
+    def test_cooldown_is_per_workspace(self):
+        daemon = self._make_daemon(cooldown=5.0)
+        daemon._last_flash["/pathA"] = time.monotonic()
+
+        daemon._handle_message(
+            json.dumps({"workspace": "/pathB", "event": "preToolUse", "tool": "Shell"}).encode()
+        )
+        assert "/pathB" in daemon._pending_approvals
+
+    # --- misc ---
 
     def test_invalid_json_ignored(self):
         daemon = self._make_daemon()
         daemon._handle_message(b"not json")
-        daemon.overlay.pulse.assert_not_called()
-        daemon.overlay.flash.assert_not_called()
+        daemon.overlay.add_pulse.assert_not_called()
+        daemon.overlay.add_flash.assert_not_called()
 
     def test_no_window_found(self):
         daemon = self._make_daemon(approval_delay=0.0)
@@ -203,113 +246,133 @@ class TestFlasherDaemon:
         with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.find_window_by_workspace", return_value=None):
             daemon._check_pending()
 
-        daemon.overlay.pulse.assert_not_called()
+        daemon.overlay.add_pulse.assert_not_called()
 
-    def test_focus_transition_dismisses_pulse(self):
-        """Pulse dismisses when user switches TO Cursor from another app."""
+    # --- focus dismiss ---
+
+    def test_focus_transition_dismisses_focused_workspace(self):
+        """Pulse dismisses when user switches TO Cursor, only for the focused window."""
+        from cursor_flasher.daemon import _ActivePulse
         daemon = self._make_daemon()
-        daemon.overlay.is_pulsing = True
+        daemon._active_pulses["/pathA"] = _ActivePulse("/pathA", "project-a", time.monotonic())
+        daemon._active_pulses["/pathB"] = _ActivePulse("/pathB", "project-b", time.monotonic())
         daemon._cursor_was_frontmost = False
 
-        with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.is_cursor_frontmost", return_value=True):
+        focused = {"title": "project-a", "frame": ((0, 0), (800, 600))}
+        with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.is_cursor_frontmost", return_value=True), \
+             patch(PATCH_FOCUSED, return_value=focused):
             daemon._check_focus()
 
-        daemon.overlay.dismiss.assert_called_once()
+        daemon.overlay.dismiss_tag.assert_called_once_with("/pathA")
+        assert "/pathA" not in daemon._active_pulses
+        assert "/pathB" in daemon._active_pulses
 
     def test_focus_no_dismiss_when_cursor_already_frontmost(self):
         """No dismiss if Cursor was already frontmost (no transition)."""
+        from cursor_flasher.daemon import _ActivePulse
         daemon = self._make_daemon()
-        daemon.overlay.is_pulsing = True
+        daemon._active_pulses["/path"] = _ActivePulse("/path", "proj", time.monotonic())
         daemon._cursor_was_frontmost = True
 
-        with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.is_cursor_frontmost", return_value=True):
+        with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.is_cursor_frontmost", return_value=True), \
+             patch(PATCH_FOCUSED, return_value={"title": "proj", "frame": ((0, 0), (800, 600))}):
             daemon._check_focus()
 
-        daemon.overlay.dismiss.assert_not_called()
+        daemon.overlay.dismiss_tag.assert_not_called()
 
     def test_focus_tracks_state_changes(self):
         """_cursor_was_frontmost updates each tick."""
+        from cursor_flasher.daemon import _ActivePulse
         daemon = self._make_daemon()
-        daemon.overlay.is_pulsing = True
+        daemon._active_pulses["/path"] = _ActivePulse("/path", "proj", time.monotonic())
         daemon._cursor_was_frontmost = True
 
         with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.is_cursor_frontmost", return_value=False):
             daemon._check_focus()
         assert daemon._cursor_was_frontmost is False
 
-        with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.is_cursor_frontmost", return_value=True):
+        with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.is_cursor_frontmost", return_value=True), \
+             patch(PATCH_FOCUSED, return_value={"title": "proj", "frame": ((0, 0), (800, 600))}):
             daemon._check_focus()
-        daemon.overlay.dismiss.assert_called_once()
+        daemon.overlay.dismiss_tag.assert_called_once_with("/path")
 
     def test_focus_no_dismiss_when_not_pulsing(self):
         daemon = self._make_daemon()
-        daemon.overlay.is_pulsing = False
 
         with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.is_cursor_frontmost", return_value=True):
             daemon._check_focus()
 
-        daemon.overlay.dismiss.assert_not_called()
+        daemon.overlay.dismiss_tag.assert_not_called()
 
-    def test_input_dismiss_when_pulsing_and_cursor_focused(self):
-        """Recent input + Cursor frontmost + past grace period = dismiss."""
+    # --- input dismiss ---
+
+    def test_input_dismiss_targets_focused_workspace(self):
+        """Recent input + Cursor frontmost + past grace period = dismiss focused workspace only."""
+        from cursor_flasher.daemon import _ActivePulse
         daemon = self._make_daemon()
-        daemon.overlay.is_pulsing = True
-        daemon._pulse_started_at = time.monotonic() - 2.0
+        daemon._active_pulses["/pathA"] = _ActivePulse("/pathA", "project-a", time.monotonic() - 2.0)
+        daemon._active_pulses["/pathB"] = _ActivePulse("/pathB", "project-b", time.monotonic() - 2.0)
 
+        focused = {"title": "project-a", "frame": ((0, 0), (800, 600))}
         with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.is_cursor_frontmost", return_value=True), \
-             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.CGEventSourceSecondsSinceLastEventType", return_value=0.2):
+             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.CGEventSourceSecondsSinceLastEventType", return_value=0.2), \
+             patch(PATCH_FOCUSED, return_value=focused):
             daemon._check_input_dismiss()
 
-        daemon.overlay.dismiss.assert_called_once()
+        daemon.overlay.dismiss_tag.assert_called_once_with("/pathA")
+        assert "/pathA" not in daemon._active_pulses
+        assert "/pathB" in daemon._active_pulses
 
     def test_input_dismiss_skipped_during_grace_period(self):
         """No dismiss if pulse just started (within grace period)."""
+        from cursor_flasher.daemon import _ActivePulse
         daemon = self._make_daemon()
-        daemon.overlay.is_pulsing = True
-        daemon._pulse_started_at = time.monotonic() - 0.1
+        daemon._active_pulses["/path"] = _ActivePulse("/path", "proj", time.monotonic() - 0.1)
 
         with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.is_cursor_frontmost", return_value=True), \
              patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.CGEventSourceSecondsSinceLastEventType", return_value=0.05):
             daemon._check_input_dismiss()
 
-        daemon.overlay.dismiss.assert_not_called()
+        daemon.overlay.dismiss_tag.assert_not_called()
 
     def test_input_dismiss_skipped_when_not_pulsing(self):
         daemon = self._make_daemon()
-        daemon.overlay.is_pulsing = False
 
         with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.is_cursor_frontmost", return_value=True), \
              patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.CGEventSourceSecondsSinceLastEventType", return_value=0.1):
             daemon._check_input_dismiss()
 
-        daemon.overlay.dismiss.assert_not_called()
+        daemon.overlay.dismiss_tag.assert_not_called()
 
     def test_input_dismiss_skipped_when_cursor_not_frontmost(self):
+        from cursor_flasher.daemon import _ActivePulse
         daemon = self._make_daemon()
-        daemon.overlay.is_pulsing = True
-        daemon._pulse_started_at = time.monotonic() - 2.0
+        daemon._active_pulses["/path"] = _ActivePulse("/path", "proj", time.monotonic() - 2.0)
 
         with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.is_cursor_frontmost", return_value=False):
             daemon._check_input_dismiss()
 
-        daemon.overlay.dismiss.assert_not_called()
+        daemon.overlay.dismiss_tag.assert_not_called()
 
     def test_input_dismiss_ignores_old_input(self):
         """Input from before the pulse started should not trigger dismiss."""
+        from cursor_flasher.daemon import _ActivePulse
         daemon = self._make_daemon()
-        daemon.overlay.is_pulsing = True
-        daemon._pulse_started_at = time.monotonic() - 2.0
+        daemon._active_pulses["/path"] = _ActivePulse("/path", "proj", time.monotonic() - 2.0)
 
         with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.is_cursor_frontmost", return_value=True), \
              patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.CGEventSourceSecondsSinceLastEventType", return_value=5.0):
             daemon._check_input_dismiss()
 
-        daemon.overlay.dismiss.assert_not_called()
+        daemon.overlay.dismiss_tag.assert_not_called()
+
+    # --- sound ---
 
     def test_running_style_sound_plays_on_approval(self):
         """Running style with sound configured plays on approval pulse."""
         running = StyleConfig(sound="Glass", volume=0.5)
-        daemon = self._make_daemon(approval_delay=0.0, flash_mode="window", running=running)
+        dark = ThemeStyles(running=running)
+        daemon = self._make_daemon(approval_delay=0.0, flash_mode="window", dark=dark)
         window = {"title": "proj", "frame": ((0, 0), (800, 600))}
 
         daemon._handle_message(
@@ -318,7 +381,8 @@ class TestFlasherDaemon:
 
         with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.find_window_by_workspace", return_value=window), \
              patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.is_cursor_frontmost", return_value=False), \
-             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.play_alert") as mock_alert:
+             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.play_alert") as mock_alert, \
+             patch(PATCH_APPEARANCE, return_value="dark"):
             daemon._check_pending()
 
         mock_alert.assert_called_once_with(running)
@@ -326,11 +390,13 @@ class TestFlasherDaemon:
     def test_completed_style_sound_plays_on_stop(self):
         """Completed style with sound configured plays on stop flash."""
         completed = StyleConfig(sound="Ping", volume=0.7)
-        daemon = self._make_daemon(flash_mode="window", completed=completed)
+        dark = ThemeStyles(completed=completed)
+        daemon = self._make_daemon(flash_mode="window", dark=dark)
         window = {"title": "proj", "frame": ((0, 0), (800, 600))}
 
         with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.find_window_by_workspace", return_value=window), \
-             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.play_alert") as mock_alert:
+             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.play_alert") as mock_alert, \
+             patch(PATCH_APPEARANCE, return_value="dark"):
             daemon._handle_message(
                 json.dumps({"workspace": "/path", "event": "stop"}).encode()
             )
@@ -340,11 +406,13 @@ class TestFlasherDaemon:
     def test_no_sound_when_style_sound_empty(self):
         """No sound plays when the style has sound="" (the completed default)."""
         completed = StyleConfig(sound="", volume=0.0)
-        daemon = self._make_daemon(flash_mode="window", completed=completed)
+        dark = ThemeStyles(completed=completed)
+        daemon = self._make_daemon(flash_mode="window", dark=dark)
         window = {"title": "proj", "frame": ((0, 0), (800, 600))}
 
         with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.find_window_by_workspace", return_value=window), \
-             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.play_alert") as mock_alert:
+             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.play_alert") as mock_alert, \
+             patch(PATCH_APPEARANCE, return_value="dark"):
             daemon._handle_message(
                 json.dumps({"workspace": "/path", "event": "stop"}).encode()
             )
@@ -355,9 +423,9 @@ class TestFlasherDaemon:
         """Different colors for running vs completed are passed through."""
         running = StyleConfig(color="#FF0000")
         completed = StyleConfig(color="#00FF00")
+        dark = ThemeStyles(running=running, completed=completed)
         daemon = self._make_daemon(
-            approval_delay=0.0, flash_mode="window",
-            running=running, completed=completed,
+            approval_delay=0.0, flash_mode="window", dark=dark,
         )
         window = {"title": "proj", "frame": ((0, 0), (800, 600))}
 
@@ -367,22 +435,130 @@ class TestFlasherDaemon:
 
         with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.find_window_by_workspace", return_value=window), \
              patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.is_cursor_frontmost", return_value=False), \
-             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.play_alert"):
+             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.play_alert"), \
+             patch(PATCH_APPEARANCE, return_value="dark"):
             daemon._check_pending()
 
-        daemon.overlay.pulse.assert_called_once_with(
-            [((0, 0), (800, 600))], running
+        daemon.overlay.add_pulse.assert_called_once_with(
+            "/path", [((0, 0), (800, 600))], running
         )
 
-        daemon.overlay.pulse.reset_mock()
-        daemon._last_flash = 0
+        daemon.overlay.add_pulse.reset_mock()
+        daemon._last_flash.clear()
+        daemon._active_pulses.clear()
 
         with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.find_window_by_workspace", return_value=window), \
-             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.play_alert"):
+             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.play_alert"), \
+             patch(PATCH_APPEARANCE, return_value="dark"):
             daemon._handle_message(
                 json.dumps({"workspace": "/path", "event": "stop"}).encode()
             )
 
-        daemon.overlay.flash.assert_called_once_with(
-            [((0, 0), (800, 600))], completed
+        daemon.overlay.add_flash.assert_called_once_with(
+            "/path", [((0, 0), (800, 600))], completed
         )
+
+    def test_theme_auto_uses_light_when_system_light(self):
+        """Auto theme resolves to light styles when system is in light mode."""
+        dark_running = StyleConfig(color="#111111")
+        light_running = StyleConfig(color="#EEEEEE")
+        daemon = self._make_daemon(
+            approval_delay=0.0, flash_mode="window",
+            dark=ThemeStyles(running=dark_running),
+            light=ThemeStyles(running=light_running),
+            theme="auto",
+        )
+        window = {"title": "proj", "frame": ((0, 0), (800, 600))}
+
+        daemon._handle_message(
+            json.dumps({"workspace": "/path", "event": "preToolUse", "tool": "Shell"}).encode()
+        )
+
+        with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.find_window_by_workspace", return_value=window), \
+             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.is_cursor_frontmost", return_value=False), \
+             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.play_alert"), \
+             patch(PATCH_APPEARANCE, return_value="light"):
+            daemon._check_pending()
+
+        daemon.overlay.add_pulse.assert_called_once_with(
+            "/path", [((0, 0), (800, 600))], light_running
+        )
+
+    # --- multi-workspace scenarios ---
+
+    def test_two_workspaces_pulse_simultaneously(self):
+        """Two workspaces can pulse at the same time."""
+        daemon = self._make_daemon(approval_delay=0.0, flash_mode="window")
+        win_a = {"title": "project-a", "frame": ((0, 0), (800, 600))}
+        win_b = {"title": "project-b", "frame": ((900, 0), (800, 600))}
+
+        daemon._handle_message(
+            json.dumps({"workspace": "/a", "event": "preToolUse", "tool": "Shell"}).encode()
+        )
+        daemon._handle_message(
+            json.dumps({"workspace": "/b", "event": "preToolUse", "tool": "Shell"}).encode()
+        )
+
+        with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.find_window_by_workspace", side_effect=[win_a, win_b]), \
+             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.is_cursor_frontmost", return_value=False), \
+             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.play_alert"), \
+             patch(PATCH_APPEARANCE, return_value="dark"):
+            daemon._check_pending()
+
+        assert daemon.overlay.add_pulse.call_count == 2
+        assert "/a" in daemon._active_pulses
+        assert "/b" in daemon._active_pulses
+
+    def test_dismiss_one_workspace_keeps_other_pulsing(self):
+        """postToolUse for workspace A only dismisses A, B keeps pulsing."""
+        from cursor_flasher.daemon import _ActivePulse
+        daemon = self._make_daemon()
+        daemon._active_pulses["/a"] = _ActivePulse("/a", "project-a", time.monotonic())
+        daemon._active_pulses["/b"] = _ActivePulse("/b", "project-b", time.monotonic())
+
+        daemon._handle_message(
+            json.dumps({"workspace": "/a", "event": "postToolUse", "tool": "Shell"}).encode()
+        )
+
+        daemon.overlay.dismiss_tag.assert_called_once_with("/a")
+        assert "/a" not in daemon._active_pulses
+        assert "/b" in daemon._active_pulses
+
+    def test_stop_only_affects_its_workspace(self):
+        """Stop for workspace A dismisses A's pulse and flashes A, B keeps pulsing."""
+        from cursor_flasher.daemon import _ActivePulse
+        daemon = self._make_daemon(flash_mode="window")
+        daemon._active_pulses["/a"] = _ActivePulse("/a", "project-a", time.monotonic())
+        daemon._active_pulses["/b"] = _ActivePulse("/b", "project-b", time.monotonic())
+
+        window = {"title": "project-a", "frame": ((0, 0), (800, 600))}
+        with patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.find_window_by_workspace", return_value=window), \
+             patch("cursor_flasher.daemon.play_alert"), \
+             patch(PATCH_APPEARANCE, return_value="dark"):
+            daemon._handle_message(
+                json.dumps({"workspace": "/a", "event": "stop"}).encode()
+            )
+
+        daemon.overlay.dismiss_tag.assert_called_with("/a")
+        daemon.overlay.add_flash.assert_called_once()
+        assert "/a" not in daemon._active_pulses
+        assert "/b" in daemon._active_pulses
+
+    def test_postToolUse_only_cancels_matching_workspace_pending(self):
+        """postToolUse for workspace A doesn't cancel workspace B's pending."""
+        daemon = self._make_daemon(approval_delay=10.0)
+
+        daemon._handle_message(
+            json.dumps({"workspace": "/a", "event": "preToolUse", "tool": "Shell"}).encode()
+        )
+        daemon._handle_message(
+            json.dumps({"workspace": "/b", "event": "preToolUse", "tool": "Shell"}).encode()
+        )
+        assert "/a" in daemon._pending_approvals
+        assert "/b" in daemon._pending_approvals
+
+        daemon._handle_message(
+            json.dumps({"workspace": "/a", "event": "postToolUse", "tool": "Shell"}).encode()
+        )
+        assert "/a" not in daemon._pending_approvals
+        assert "/b" in daemon._pending_approvals