04 / Keep this close
The command
reference.
Know what to type, where to type it, and what the command is allowed to do.
Build a prompt or customize a terminal command →
Three kinds of instructions
| Type | Where it goes | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Shell command | Your computer’s terminal, outside Claude Code. | claude --version |
| Slash command | At the beginning of a message inside Claude Code. | /plan add a dark theme |
| Natural-language prompt | The conversation in any supported interface. | “Explain the login flow. Do not edit.” |
Availability is not universal
This is a broad reference to the documented CLI and bundled skills, checked September 23, 2026. Commands vary by version, plan, provider, and interface. Type / or /help in your installed version. Do not assume this entire list works in the web input.
<argument> means required, [argument] means optional, and | separates alternatives. Do not type the brackets or all alternatives.
Start with theseConversation and contextBuild, inspect, and verifyModels, response style, and accountInstructions, skills, and toolsBackground, cloud, and automationVisuals, integrations, and interfaceAdministration and less common tools
Terminal launch commands
| Command | Use it for |
|---|---|
claude | An interactive session in the current folder. |
claude "Explain this project" | An interactive session with an initial task. |
claude -p "Explain this project" | One task that prints an answer, then exits. Tool permissions still matter. |
claude -c | Continue the most recent conversation for this directory. |
claude -r | Choose a saved conversation. |
claude --permission-mode plan | Start with planning. |
claude --permission-mode default | Start in Manual mode. |
claude --model sonnet | Select an available model alias at launch. |
claude -w practice-change | Use a separate Git worktree for this task. |
claude --cloud "Explain the test failures" | Dispatch to an eligible cloud session. |
claude remote-control | Run a local Remote Control server. |
claude agents | Manage background sessions. |
claude auth status --text | Check the authentication state. |
claude doctor | Run read-only setup diagnostics. |
claude --help | Inspect the full CLI syntax for your version. |
Start with these
| Command | Purpose | Before you use it |
|---|---|---|
/help | Discover available commands. | Type this when you need the command menu. |
/plan [task] | Plan before implementing. | Try /plan add a contact form |
/init | Draft project instructions. | Creates CLAUDE.md; review its contents. |
/diff | Inspect working-tree changes. | Read the actual edits before accepting them. |
/status | Inspect account and session. | Check version, model, and authentication. |
/usage | Inspect usage and costs. | Aliases: /cost and /stats. Check before a large task. |
/permissions | Configure tool approvals. | Review allow, ask, and deny rules. |
/exit | Leave the session. | An attached background session continues running. |
Conversation and context
| Command | Purpose | Before you use it |
|---|---|---|
/clear [name] | Begin with empty context. | Aliases: /reset, /new. Files stay. |
/compact [focus] | Summarize current context. | Example: /compact keep the test failures |
/context [all] | Inspect context consumption. | See what is occupying the context window. |
/autocompact [auto|tokens] | Adjust compaction threshold. | Use auto unless you need custom tuning. |
/resume [session] | Reopen a conversation. | Alias: /continue. |
/rename [name] | Name this session. | Example: /rename website-practice |
/recap | Summarize this session. | A quick reorientation. |
/branch [name] | Try a conversation branch. | Separate from a Git branch. |
/rewind | Restore a checkpoint. | Aliases: /checkpoint, /undo. Not a full-system backup. |
/btw [question] | Ask a side question. | Useful for a quick explanation. |
/copy [N] | Copy an earlier response. | Optional N selects an earlier answer. |
/export [filename] | Save conversation text. | Inspect for secrets before sharing. |
/add-dir <path> | Allow another working directory. | Expands file access. |
/cd <path> | Change session working directory. | Keeps the conversation. |
Build, inspect, and verify
| Command | Purpose | Before you use it |
|---|---|---|
/code-review [level] [target] | Review code for bugs. | Optional --fix edits; --comment posts. /review is an alias. |
/code-review ultra | Run a cloud review. | Alias: /ultrareview. Eligibility and extra usage may apply. |
/security-review | Inspect branch security risks. | Needs an origin remote; findings are not a guarantee. |
/simplify [target] | Review and apply cleanup. | Can edit files; different purpose from correctness review. |
/run | Launch and exercise an app. | Bundled skill; needs suitable tools. |
/verify | Observe whether changes work. | Bundled skill; requires explicit invocation. |
/run-skill-generator | Write app verification instructions. | Creates a reusable project recipe. |
/debug [problem] | Investigate runtime problems. | Starts debug logging from this point. |
/doctor | Diagnose setup and propose repairs. | Review proposed changes before accepting. |
/goal [condition|clear] | Continue toward a goal. | Use measurable criteria and monitor usage. |
Models, response style, and account
| Command | Purpose | Before you use it |
|---|---|---|
/model [model] | Select a model. | Available models depend on the account. |
/effort [level|auto|status] | Set reasoning effort. | Supported levels depend on the model/version. |
/advisor [model|off] | Consult another model. | Advanced; adds model usage. |
/fast [on|off] | Toggle fast mode. | Check eligibility and billing first. |
/output-style [style] | Change response presentation. | Example: /output-style concise |
/config [key=value] | Change session settings. | Alias: /settings. |
/login | Sign in. | Choose the correct billing account. |
/logout | Sign out. | Does not revoke every external credential. |
/privacy-settings | Inspect privacy choices. | Available for eligible Pro/Max subscribers. |
/rate-limit-options | Inspect options after limits. | Some choices can incur additional charges. |
/usage-credits | Manage additional usage. | Formerly /extra-usage. |
/upgrade | Open plan upgrades. | Does not appear for every plan. |
Instructions, skills, and tools
| Command | Purpose | Before you use it |
|---|---|---|
/memory | Manage instructions and memory. | Review what Claude retains for later. |
/skills | Manage available skills. | Skills can contain executable workflows. |
/reload-skills | Refresh skill discovery. | After creating or editing a skill. |
/skill-doctor | Inspect skill overhead. | Version and feature availability apply. |
/plugin [subcommand] | Manage installed plugins. | Inspect the publisher before installation. |
/reload-plugins | Apply plugin changes. | Read any reload warnings. |
/mcp | Manage connected MCP servers. | Includes authentication and connection state. |
/hooks | Inspect configured hooks. | Hooks can execute commands. |
/update-config [request] | Edit configuration through Claude. | Check the resulting settings diff. |
/import [source] --dry-run | Preview configuration migration. | Sources include codex, gemini, and cursor. |
/agents | Get subagent management guidance. | Current versions direct you to prompts or agent files. |
/claude-api [subcommand] | Load API development guidance. | Covers API projects, migration, evals, and cost work. |
/workflow-authoring | Load dynamic workflow guidance. | Only when the feature is enabled. |
Background, cloud, and automation
| Command | Purpose | Before you use it |
|---|---|---|
/background [task] | Detach into background execution. | Alias: /bg. |
/fork [task] | Copy into another background session. | Behavior differs on older versions. |
/subtask <task> | Delegate a side task. | Result returns to the current conversation. |
/tasks | Inspect current background work. | Alias: /bashes. |
/list-agents | List reachable peer sessions. | Alias: /peers; messaging must be enabled. |
/stop | Stop an attached background session. | Use in background sessions, not as a universal stop command. |
/batch <task> | Coordinate many worktree changes. | Advanced bundled skill; can open multiple PRs. |
/loop [interval] [task] | Repeat work in this session. | Session must stay open; alias /proactive. |
/schedule [description] | Manage cloud routines. | Alias: /routines; eligible subscription required. |
/autofix-pr [instructions] | Watch and fix a PR. | Can push commits; requires gh and cloud access. |
/remote-control | Connect to this local session remotely. | Alias: /rc; eligible subscription required. |
/teleport | Bring a cloud session local. | Alias: /tp. |
/remote-env | Select a cloud environment. | For cloud sessions dispatched from the CLI. |
/web-setup | Connect cloud GitHub access. | Can send your local gh token to Anthropic after confirmation. |
/install-github-app | Set up GitHub integration. | May create secrets and propose workflow changes. |
/install-slack-app | Set up Slack integration. | Opens an external authorization flow. |
/workflows | Inspect dynamic workflow progress. | When dynamic workflows are available. |
Visuals, integrations, and interface
| Command | Purpose | Before you use it |
|---|---|---|
/deep-research <question> | Research with sources. | Explicitly invoked workflow; verify citations. |
/dataviz [request] | Guide chart creation. | Provide actual data and the intended comparison. |
/design [brief] | Create editable design artboards. | Requires supported artifacts and provider. |
/artifacts | Browse available artifacts. | Account and environment dependent. |
/design-login | Authorize design-system access. | Needed for applicable design-sync flows. |
/design-sync [hint] | Connect a React design system. | Can upload components; inspect scope first. |
/chrome | Configure browser integration. | Requires the supported Chrome setup. |
/ide | Inspect editor integrations. | For supported local editors. |
/desktop | Move into the desktop app. | Alias: /app; supported OS and account required. |
/mobile | Open mobile install information. | Aliases: /ios, /android. |
/theme | Choose terminal colors. | Includes accessibility-oriented themes. |
/color [color|default] | Change the session accent. | Helps distinguish parallel sessions. |
/focus | Simplify the terminal view. | Available with fullscreen rendering. |
/tui [default|fullscreen] | Choose terminal rendering. | Relaunches the interface. |
/scroll-speed | Tune mouse scrolling. | Fullscreen-only; platform restrictions apply. |
/terminal-setup | Configure terminal shortcuts. | Behavior depends on the terminal app. |
/keybindings | Edit keyboard shortcuts. | Review changes in the binding file. |
/statusline | Customize the status bar. | Describe the information you want. |
/voice [hold|tap|off] | Control voice input. | Requires supported account and audio setup. |
Administration and less common tools
| Command | Purpose | Before you use it |
|---|---|---|
/sandbox | Configure supported sandboxing. | Platform support differs. |
/auto-mode-setup | Draft auto-mode configuration. | Review the proposed environment rules. |
/fewer-permission-prompts | Propose permission allow rules. | Broad approvals increase access. |
/setup-bedrock | Configure Amazon Bedrock. | Provider configuration must be enabled. |
/setup-vertex | Configure Google’s provider. | Provider configuration must be enabled. |
/insights | Analyze local session patterns. | Not available in cloud sessions. |
/team-onboarding | Draft an onboarding guide. | Uses recent session history. |
/release-notes | Read version changes. | Check when an older tutorial differs. |
/feedback [report] | Send product feedback. | Review what will be included. |
/bug [report] | Prepare a bug report. | Alias: /share; review diagnostic content. |
/heapdump | Create memory diagnostics. | Contains sensitive data; never share the raw heap snapshot. |
/powerup | Explore interactive lessons. | Availability can change. |
/passes | Share eligible trial access. | Only for eligible accounts. |
/radio | Open Claude FM. | Optional browser audio. |
/stickers | Open sticker ordering. | An account perk, not a development tool. |
Useful automation flags
| Flag | Meaning |
|---|---|
--max-turns 5 | Print mode: bound the number of agent turns. |
--max-budget-usd 1.00 | Print mode: API-call budget for this run. Not an account-wide spending limit. |
--output-format json | Print mode: return structured output for scripts. |
--allowedTools | Pre-approve named tools. It does not by itself restrict all other available tools. |
--tools | Restrict the built-in tool set. MCP tools require separate controls. |
--disallowedTools | Block specified tools. |
--add-dir PATH | Include another working directory. |
--debug | Capture diagnostics. Logs may contain private information. |
Avoid --dangerously-skip-permissions as a beginner. It removes approval prompts; it is not a fix for a misunderstood permission problem.
Keyboard shortcuts
| Shortcut | Typical terminal behavior |
|---|---|
| Esc | Interrupt the current response. |
| Esc twice | Open the rewind interface. |
| Shift + Tab | Cycle available permission modes. Read the active mode label. |
| ↑ | Recall earlier input. |
| Tab | Complete a command or suggestion. |
| Ctrl + C | Interrupt input or a running action. |
| Shift + Enter | Add a newline where supported; /terminal-setup can help. |
| Ctrl + R | Search prompt history in supported terminal input. |
Terminal apps and custom keybindings can intercept these keys. Consult /help and /keybindings for your setup.
If an old tutorial disagrees
/review is now an alias for /code-review. Current /agents directs you to conversational or file-based agent management. /vim was removed; use the editor mode setting in /config. /pr-comments was removed; ask Claude to read PR comments. /ultraplan was removed; use Plan mode. Check release notes before treating a missing command as an installation failure.
Official references: Commands reference ↗ · CLI reference ↗ · Keyboard shortcuts ↗
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