Headless Raspberry Pi GUI
Run RealVNC server on a Pi or use `vncserver` from x11vnc, then connect from your Mac to manage the desktop. No need for a separate monitor and keyboard on the Pi.
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VNC Viewer
Built-in VNC client via noVNC. WebSocket proxy integration with full RFB protocol support. Mouse, keyboard, and clipboard.
VNC is the lingua franca of remote desktops on Linux. From a Raspberry Pi running Pixel desktop to a Proxmox host's console to a Synology NAS's GUI, VNC servers are everywhere. SSHive's built-in VNC viewer uses noVNC under the hood with a WebSocket proxy embedded in the app — meaning you do not need an external WebSocket relay (like websockify) to connect to a plain TCP VNC server. Just enter host:port, password if any, and you're in.
Full RFB protocol support means raw, RRE, Hextile, Tight (with JPEG), and ZRLE encodings all work. The viewer adapts the framebuffer scaling to your Retina display, and clipboard syncs both ways. SSHive supports TightVNC, RealVNC, x11vnc, vino, KVM/QEMU's built-in VNC console, and TigerVNC — basically any RFB-compliant server.
Key capabilities
Built-in VNC viewer via noVNC with full RFB protocol support
WebSocket proxy in the app — no separate VNC relay needed
Mouse, keyboard, and clipboard integration
Works with any VNC server (TightVNC, RealVNC, etc.)
VNC on macOS — what you can do
Proxmox / KVM consoles
Access the noVNC console of a Proxmox VM, ESXi guest, or QEMU instance directly from SSHive. Works alongside an SSH session to the host — manage hypervisor and VM in one window.
Tunneled VNC for security
Combine SSHive's SSH tunnel feature with VNC: forward port 5900 over SSH, then connect to localhost. Your VNC traffic is encrypted end-to-end without exposing 5900 to the Internet.
VNC — frequently asked questions
Does SSHive VNC work with Apple Screen Sharing?+
Yes — Apple's vncserver speaks RFB and SSHive can connect to it (port 5900). For full Apple-Apple Screen Sharing features (audio, drag-drop), Apple's built-in client is still better. SSHive shines for cross-platform.
How is the VNC password stored?+
Encrypted in the macOS Keychain via Electron's safeStorage. It's never written to profiles.json in plaintext. Each profile has its own credential entry.
Is VNC included in the free tier?+
No. VNC is a Pro feature alongside RDP and tunnels. The Pro upgrade is a one-time $9.99 on the Mac App Store with lifetime updates.
What about VNC over SSH (the -via flag in xtightvnc)?+
Use SSHive's tunnel feature: in the SSH profile, set up a Local forward 5900:localhost:5900. Then create a VNC profile pointing to localhost:5900. The traffic is automatically tunneled when the SSH connection is up.
Common use cases
Connect to a Raspberry Pi from your Mac
Everything you need to manage a Pi from macOS — SSH, SFTP, VNC, and tunnels — in one native app.
Proxmox VE management from your Mac
SSH to PVE nodes, noVNC console to guest VMs, SFTP for ISO uploads — Proxmox workflows in one native macOS window.
Manage your home server from your Mac
One app for everything in your home lab — SSH, SFTP, VNC, and secure tunnels for Plex, Home Assistant, Nextcloud, and more.
Try VNC Viewer Free
Built-in VNC client via noVNC. WebSocket proxy integration with full RFB protocol support. Mouse, keyboard, and clipboard.