Every terminal command, every option and every slash command inside a session — with an explanation of what it does.
Compiled by Christian's virtual server · 12 September 2026 · Update of the edition of 11 September 2026 (2.1.268)
Part A · Terminal commands and options
Call form: claude [options] [command] [input]. With no arguments it starts a session in the current folder.
Starting a session
claude
Starts a session in the current folder.
claude "your question"
Starts with a first message.
claude -p "…"
Answers once and exits — for scripts.
Options
--add-dir <directories...>
Additional folders Claude is allowed to touch.
--agent <agent>
Agent for this session; overrides the setting.
--agents <json>
Define custom agents inline as JSON.
--allow-dangerously-skip-permissions
Allows turning off all prompts later, without doing so right away.
--allowedTools, --allowed-tools <tools...>
Allow only these tools, e.g. "Bash(git *) Edit".
--append-system-prompt <prompt>
Append text to the system prompt.
--autocompact <auto|tokens>
When to compact automatically (auto, or 100k–1M).
--ax-screen-reader
Screen-reader output: flat text, no borders, no animations.
--bg, --background
Start the session in the background and return right away. Prints the id that claude attach, logs, stop and rm take; claude agents lists them. With --resume , continues that session in the background under the same ID, or starts a copy and says so when the session is already running.
--bare
Frugal mode: no hooks, plugins, auto-memory or CLAUDE.md discovery.
--betas <betas...>
Send beta identifiers to the API (API key users only).
--brief
Lets Claude send you short progress notes while it works.
--chrome
Turn on the Claude-in-Chrome integration.
--cloud [description|session_id|url]
Create a cloud session or attach to an existing one.
-c, --continue
Continue the most recent conversation in this folder.
--dangerously-skip-permissions
Turn off all prompts. Only for sealed-off environments without internet.
-d, --debug [filter]
Turn on debugging, optionally filtered (e.g. "api,hooks").
--debug-file <path>
Write the debug log to this file.
--disable-slash-commands
Turn off all skills.
--disallowedTools, --disallowed-tools <tools...>
Block these tools.
--effort <level>
Thinking effort for the session: low, medium, high, xhigh, max.
--environment <environment_id>
Start a cloud session in a self-hosted environment.
--exclude-dynamic-system-prompt-sections
Keep machine-specific details out of the system prompt (better caching).
--fallback-model <model>
Backup model for when the chosen one is overloaded (now also outside --print).
--file <specs...>
Download files at startup (file_id:target_path).
--fork-session
On resume, issue a new session ID instead of continuing the old one.
--forward-subagent-text
Pass through the text and thinking of subagents as well.
--from-pr [value]
Resume the session belonging to a pull request (number or URL).
--ide
Connect to the development environment automatically at startup.
--include-hook-events
Write hook events into the output stream as well (only with --print).
--include-partial-messages
Emit parts of the answer as they arrive (only with --print).
--input-format <format>
Input format: text or stream-json (only with --print).
--json-schema <schema>
JSON schema the answer is validated against.
--max-budget-usd <amount>
Dollar ceiling for the API calls (only with --print).
--mcp-config <configs...>
Load MCP servers from JSON files or strings.
--model <model>
Model for this session.
-n, --name <name>
Display name for the session.
--no-chrome
Turn off the Chrome integration.
--no-session-persistence
Do not write the session to disk.
--output-format <format>
Output format: text, json or stream-json (only with --print).
--permission-mode <mode>
Permission mode: acceptEdits, plan, bypassPermissions, default.
--permission-prompts <target>
Who answers permission prompts with --print: "host" (the SDK host or --permission-prompt-tool) or "none" (auto-deny; the permission mode still decides everything else). Default: host.
--plugin-dir <path>
Load a plugin from a folder or archive, for this session only; a folder holding several plugins loads all of them.
--plugin-url <url>
Load a plugin archive from a URL, for this session only.
-p, --print
Print the answer and exit — for scripts and pipes.
--prompt-suggestions [value]
Turn on prompt suggestions.
--remote-control [name]
Start the session with Remote Control (phone, claude.ai).
--remote-control-session-name-prefix <prefix>
Name prefix for auto-named Remote Control sessions.
--replay-user-messages
Echo incoming user messages back for acknowledgement.
-r, --resume [value]
Resume a conversation by ID, or open the picker.
--safe-mode
Start without any customisation: no CLAUDE.md, skills, plugins, hooks.
--session-id <uuid>
Use a fixed session ID.
--setting-sources <sources>
Which setting sources to load: user, project, local.
--settings <file-or-json>
Additional settings from a file or a JSON string.
--strict-mcp-config
Use only the MCP servers given via --mcp-config.
--system-prompt <prompt>
Replace the system prompt for the session.
--system-prompt-snapshot <on|off>
Record the system prompt once per conversation and reuse it verbatim on every request and resume (recommended: on). On by default for the built-in prompt; --system-prompt or --append-system-prompt turns it off so the given text applies fresh each launch.
--teleport [session]
Resume a teleport session, optionally by session ID.
--tmux
Create a tmux session for the worktree (needs --worktree).
--tools <tools...>
Pick the built-in tools: "" for none, "default" for all, or a list.
--verbose
Override the verbose setting from the configuration.
-v, --version
Show the version number.
-w, --worktree [name]
Create a new git worktree for this session (name optional).
Part B · Subcommands
Calls of the form claude <subcommand>. Indented below each one, its own subcommands.
claude agents
Manage background agents.
claude attach
Open a background session in this terminal.
claude auth
Manage sign-in.
claude auth login
Sign in to the Anthropic account.
claude auth logout
Sign out.
claude auth status
Show sign-in status.
claude auto-mode
View or reset the settings of automatic mode.
claude auto-mode config
Print the effective configuration as JSON.
claude auto-mode critique
Get feedback on your own rules.
claude auto-mode defaults
Print the built-in default rules.
claude auto-mode reset
Reset to the default rules.
claude doctor
Check the installation. For the full examination use /doctor in a session.
claude gateway
Run a company gateway for sign-in and telemetry.
claude import
Take over the configuration of another AI tool.
claude install
Install the native build (stable, latest or a fixed version).
claude logs
Show a background session's recent terminal output.
claude mcp
Set up and manage MCP servers.
claude mcp add
Add an MCP server (stdio, http or sse).
claude mcp add-from-claude-desktop
Import servers from Claude Desktop (Mac and WSL only).
claude mcp add-json
Create a server from a JSON string.
claude mcp get
Show the details of one server.
claude mcp list
List the configured servers.
claude mcp login
Sign in to a server.
claude mcp logout
Sign out of a server.
claude mcp remove
Remove a server.
claude mcp reset-project-choices
Reset the per-project approvals.
claude mcp serve
Run Claude Code itself as an MCP server.
claude plugin
Manage plugins.
claude plugin details
Contents of a plugin and its estimated context cost.
claude plugin disable
Turn a plugin off.
claude plugin enable
Turn a plugin on.
claude plugin eval
Run test cases against a plugin and score them.
claude plugin init|new
Scaffold a new plugin.
claude plugin install|i
Install a plugin from a marketplace.
claude plugin list
List the installed plugins.
claude plugin marketplace
Manage marketplaces.
claude plugin prune|autoremove
Remove plugins that are no longer needed.
claude plugin tag
Tag plugins with attributes.
claude plugin uninstall|remove
Uninstall a plugin.
claude plugin update
Update a plugin.
claude plugin validate
Check a plugin for errors.
claude project
Manage project state.
claude project purge
Delete all stored state of a project.
claude respawn
Restart background sessions so they run the current version.
claude rm
Delete a background session, and its worktree when safe.
claude setup-token
Create a long-lived authentication token (for scripts and CI).
claude stop|kill
Stop a background session; its conversation is kept.
claude ultrareview
Start a multi-stage code review in the cloud.
Part C · Slash commands inside a session
134 available commands, in alphabetical order. In grey behind them: second names and expected arguments.
/add-dir <path>
Add another working folder.
/advisor
Let a stronger model weigh in at the important moments.
/agents
Removed. Subagents now live in .claude/agents/.
/artifact-capabilities
What published pages can do at runtime.
/artifact-components
A kit of reusable building blocks for published pages.
/artifact-design
Design rules for published pages.
/artifact-diagramming
Diagrams for published pages.
/artifact-pr-review [pr number or url]
Publishes the review of a pull request as a shareable page: bottom line, recommendation, judgment calls, visual explainer, blind spots.
/artifacts
Browse published and shared artifacts.
/auto-mode-setup [--request-id <uuid>] (--wizard posture=\u2026 scope=\u2026 depth=\u2026 --propose | --expect-sha256 <64-hex> --apply-file <path>)
Set up and tune automatic mode.
/autocompact [auto|<tokens>]
Decide at which fill level the context is compacted automatically.
/autofix-pr
Watch the current pull request and fix what breaks.
/background also /bg · [prompt]
Send the session to the background and free up the terminal.
/batch <instruction>
Plan a large change, then have it carried out in parallel.
/branch [name]
Fork the conversation at this point.
/btw [question]
Ask a side question without disturbing the current thread.
/bug also /share · [report]
Report a bug or share the conversation.
/chrome
Open the settings for Claude in Chrome.
/claude-api
Reference for the Claude API (models, prices, tools).
/claude-code-docs [question]
Answer questions about Claude Code itself (commands, flags, settings, hooks, skills), checked against the installed build.
/claude-in-chrome
Drive the browser: click, type, read pages.
/clear also /reset, /new · [name]
New session with an empty context; the old one is kept.
/cloud-plugins
Decide whether cloud sessions use the plugins enabled here.
/code-review also /review · […] [--fix] [--comment] [<pr#>|<branch>|<path>]
Review changes for bugs and simplifications.
/color
Colour of the prompt box for this session.
/commit [guidance]
Creates a git commit, with a fitting message written for it.
/commit-push-pr
Commit, push and open a pull request — in one go.
/compact <optional custom summarization instructions>
Free up context by summarising what happened so far.
/config also /settings · [key=value]
Open the settings.
/context [all]
Show context usage as a coloured grid.
/copy
Copy the last answer to the clipboard (/copy N for older ones).
/cowork-plugin
Creates a new Cowork plugin or adapts an existing one.
/daemon
Manage background services and routines.
/dataviz
Design charts and analytics pages properly.
/debug [issue description]
Turn on debugging for this session.
/design [sync|login|consent|revoke|import|export|status|<prompt>]
Grant or revoke access to design projects.
/design-consent
Grant access to design projects.
/design-login
Unlock design access for /design-sync.
/design-revoke
Revoke access to design projects.
/design-sync
Push a React design system to claude.ai/design.
/desktop also /app
Continue the running session in the desktop app.
/diff
Look at uncommitted changes and changes per turn.
/doctor also /checkup
Examine the installation and fix problems.
/effort
Set the thinking effort.
/exit also /quit
End the session.
/explain-usage
Have your own usage explained to you.
/export [filename]
Write the conversation to a file or the clipboard.
/extra-usage
Renamed to /usage-credits.
/fast [on|off]
Toggle fast mode (same model, higher speed).
/feedback [report]
Send feedback to Anthropic.
/fewer-permission-prompts
Spot frequent harmless calls and allow them for good.
/focus
Show only the input, the summary and the answer.
/fork <directive>
Start a background agent that inherits the whole conversation.
/goal [<condition> | clear]
Set a goal Claude checks before it stops.
/heapdump
Write a memory dump (for troubleshooting).
/help
Show help and the available commands.
/hooks
Look at the hooks configured for tool events.
/ide [open]
Manage the connection to the development environment.
/import [codex|gemini|cursor] [--dry-run]
Take over the configuration of another AI tool.
/init
Generate a first CLAUDE.md from the existing code.
/insights
Build a report about your own sessions.
/install [options]
Install the native build.
/install-github-app
Set up Claude GitHub Actions for a repository.
/install-slack-app
Install the Claude app for Slack.
/keybindings
Open the keyboard shortcuts file.
/limit-reset
Reset your session limit now and keep working; available once a week, still counts toward the weekly limit.
/list-agents also /peers
List subagents and other sessions you can reach.
/login
Sign in to the Anthropic account or switch accounts.
/logout
Sign out of the Anthropic account.
/loop also /proactive
Run a task over and over at a fixed interval.
/low-priority
Continue after hitting the session limit at lower priority; run again to stop.
/mcp [reconnect <server>|enable|disable [<server>|all]]
Manage MCP servers.
/memory
Edit CLAUDE.md files and the memory settings.
/memory-types
Reference on the kinds of memory: what belongs where, and when.
/mobile also /ios, /android
Show the QR code for the phone app.
/model [model]
Set the model for Claude Code.
/output-style [style]
List output styles or switch to one.
/passes
Give away a free week of Claude Code.
/permissions also /allowed-tools
Manage the rules for allowed and forbidden tools.
/plan [open|<description>]
Turn on plan mode or look at the session's plan.
/plugin also /plugins, /marketplace
Manage plugins.
/plugin-authoring
Helps you write and debug a plugin made of function hooks.
/plugin-types [dir]
Write two type files: the plugin API's TypeScript declarations and the inputs of the connected MCP tools, for typing a hooks module against this session.
/powerup
Get to know Claude Code's features in short lessons.
/privacy-settings
View and change the privacy settings.
/pro-trial-expired
Your options once the Pro trial has run out.
/prototype
Turns an idea into a working draft and publishes it as a page.
/radio
Turn on the lo-fi radio.
/rate-limit-options
Show the options once the usage limit is reached.
/recap
Produce a one-line summary of the session.
/release-notes
Show what is new in each version.
/reload-plugins [--force]
Apply pending plugin changes.
/reload-skills
Read in newly added or changed skills.
/remote-control also /rc
Drive the session from your phone or from claude.ai.
/remote-env
Choose the default environment for cloud agents.
/rename also /name · [name]
Rename the conversation.
/resume also /continue · [conversation id or search term]
Continue an earlier conversation.
/rewind also /checkpoint, /undo
Roll code and/or conversation back to an earlier state.
/run
Start the application and check a change in real operation.
/run-skill-generator
Turn a workflow of yours into a new skill.
/sandbox
Set up and inspect the sandbox.
/schedule also /routines
Create and manage scheduled cloud agents.
/scroll-speed
Set the scroll speed of the mouse wheel.
/session also /remote
Show the address and QR code of the cloud session.
/setup-bedrock
Set up Amazon Bedrock again.
/setup-claude also /setup-cowork
Walks you through setup: pick a role, install a matching plugin, try a skill, connect tools.
/setup-vertex
Set up Google Vertex AI again.
/simplify [<target>]
Tidy up and simplify changed code.
/skill-doctor
Show which loaded skills are costing context without being used.
/skills
List the available skills.
/status
Show the state: version, model, account, connections.
/statusline
Set up the status line.
/stickers
Order Claude Code stickers.
/stop
End this background session; log and worktree are kept.
/subtask <task>
Send off a subagent with full context; the result comes back.
/tasks also /bashes
View and manage everything running in the background.
/team-onboarding
Generate a guide for colleagues out of your own usage.
/teleport also /tp
Continue a session from claude.ai here.
/terminal-setup
Set up the terminal key bindings (line break).
/theme
Switch the colour scheme.
/tui [default|fullscreen]
Choose the interface style: normal or full screen.
/ultraplan <prompt>
Have an editable plan drafted on the web.
/ultrareview
Multi-stage bug hunt across the branch, in the cloud.
/upgrade
Move to Max for higher limits and more Opus.
/usage also /cost, /stats
Show the session's cost, usage and activity.
/usage-credits
Set up credits or ask your administrator for them.
/verify
Checks that a change really does what it should — in a real run.
/voice [hold|tap|off]
Toggle voice mode.
/web-setup
Connect Claude Code on the web with your GitHub account.
/whiteboard
Opens a free drawing surface for sketches and diagrams — on your own or, where available, live together with others.
/workflow-launch-exec
Execute a workflow triggered by the server.
/workflows
Look through running and finished workflows.
/workshop
Designs something with you step by step, as a growing document.
Claude Code 2.1.269 · 64 options · 134 available slash commands · 5 switched off · as of 12 September 2026