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oneLiner: 'Custom system-prompt sections that adjust how Claude works', when: 'Applied at session start when selected via the outputStyle setting', description: [<>Each markdown file defines an output style: a section appended to the system prompt that, by default, also drops the built-in software-engineering task instructions. Use this to adapt Claude Code for uses beyond coding, or to add teaching or review modes.</>, <>Select a built-in or custom style with <C>/config</C> or the <C>outputStyle</C> key in settings. Styles here are available in every project; project-level styles with the same name take precedence.</>], - tips: ['Built-in styles Explanatory and Learning are included with Claude Code; custom styles go here', <>Set <C>keep-coding-instructions: true</C> in frontmatter to keep the default task instructions alongside your additions</>, 'Changes take effect on the next session since the system prompt is fixed at startup for caching'], + tips: ['Built-in styles Default, Proactive, Concise, Explanatory, and Learning are included with Claude Code; custom styles go here', <>Set <C>keep-coding-instructions: true</C> in frontmatter to keep the default task instructions alongside your additions</>, 'Changes take effect on the next session since the system prompt is fixed at startup for caching'], docsLink: '/en/output-styles', children: [{ id: 'output-style-example',
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| `shell-snapshots/` | Aliases, functions, and shell options captured at startup and applied by the [Bash tool](/docs/en/tools-reference#bash-tool-behavior) to each command. Removed on clean exit. The sweep clears any left after a crash. | | `backups/` | Earlier versions of `~/.claude.json`, copied when Claude Code rewrites the file. Claude Code keeps the five newest, plus a copy of any version it couldn't parse. | | `feedback-bundles/` | Redacted transcript archives written by `/feedback` on third-party providers or when no Anthropic credentials are configured, for sending to your Anthropic account team | +| `feedback/drafts/` | Queued [Claude-drafted feedback](/docs/en/tools-reference#sendfeedback-tool-behavior) awaiting your review in `/feedback`. Swept after `cleanupPeriodDays` or 30 days, whichever is shorter. When the queue is at its 10-draft limit, Claude Code deletes the oldest draft to make room. | | `usage-data/` | `report.html` and timestamped report copies written by [`/insights`](/docs/en/costs#analyze-your-usage-patterns), plus cached per-session analysis data used to build them | | `todos/`, `statsig/`, `logs/` | Legacy directories from older versions. No longer written. The sweep removes their contents and then the empty directory. |
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| `~/.claude/stats-cache.json` | Historical totals shown by `/usage` | | `~/.claude/usage-data/` | Past [`/insights`](/docs/en/costs#analyze-your-usage-patterns) reports and the cached analysis data used to build them | | `~/.claude/feedback-bundles/` | Feedback and bug-report archives you haven't yet sent to your Anthropic account team | +| `~/.claude/feedback/drafts/` | [Claude-drafted feedback](/docs/en/tools-reference#sendfeedback-tool-behavior) you haven't sent | | `~/.claude/remote-settings.json` | Nothing. Re-fetched on next launch. | | `~/.claude/cache/changelog.md` | Nothing. Refreshed in the background. | | `~/.claude/policy-limits.json` | Nothing. Refreshed automatically. |
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Claude Code deletes the files in the paths below once they're older than [`cleanupPeriodDays`](/docs/en/settings-reference#cleanupperioddays), as long as it can safely determine the retention period. The default is 30 days and the minimum is 1; setting `0` fails with a validation error. The same age cutoff applies to automatic removal of [orphaned worktrees](/docs/en/worktrees#clean-up-subagent-and-background-session-worktrees). -| Path under `~/.claude/` | Contents | -| -------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -| `projects/<project>/<session>.jsonl` | Full conversation transcript: every message, tool call, and tool result | -| `projects/<project>/<session>/subagents/` | [Subagent](/docs/en/sub-agents) conversation transcripts, removed with the parent session transcript when it ages out | -| `projects/<project>/<session>/tool-results/` | Large tool outputs spilled to separate files | -| `file-history/<session>/` | Pre-edit snapshots of files Claude changed, used for [checkpoint restore](/docs/en/checkpointing). Holds snapshots for the 100 most recent checkpoints; snapshot files that no retained checkpoint references are deleted, except each file's first snapshot | -| `plans/` | Plan files written during [plan mode](/docs/en/permission-modes#analyze-before-you-edit-with-plan-mode) | -| `debug/` | Per-session debug logs, written only when you start with `--debug` or run `/debug` | -| `paste-cache/` | Contents of large pastes | -| `image-cache/<session>/` | Attached images. On each sweep, Claude Code removes the directories of all other sessions, whatever their age. | -| `session-env/` | Per-session environment metadata | -| `tasks/` | Per-session task lists written by the task tools | -| `shell-snapshots/` | Aliases, functions, and shell options captured at startup and applied by the [Bash tool](/docs/en/tools-reference#bash-tool-behavior) to each command. Removed on clean exit. The sweep clears any left after a crash. | -| `backups/` | Earlier versions of `~/.claude.json`, copied when Claude Code rewrites the file. Claude Code keeps the five newest, plus a copy of any version it couldn't parse. | -| `feedback-bundles/` | Redacted transcript archives written by `/feedback` on third-party providers or when no Anthropic credentials are configured, for sending to your Anthropic account team | -| `usage-data/` | `report.html` and timestamped report copies written by [`/insights`](/docs/en/costs#analyze-your-usage-patterns), plus cached per-session analysis data used to build them | -| `todos/`, `statsig/`, `logs/` | Legacy directories from older versions. No longer written. The sweep removes their contents and then the empty directory. | +| Path under `~/.claude/` | Contents | +| -------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | +| `projects/<project>/<session>.jsonl` | Full conversation transcript: every message, tool call, and tool result | +| `projects/<project>/<session>/subagents/` | [Subagent](/docs/en/sub-agents) conversation transcripts, removed with the parent session transcript when it ages out | +| `projects/<project>/<session>/tool-results/` | Large tool outputs spilled to separate files | +| `file-history/<session>/` | Pre-edit snapshots of files Claude changed, used for [checkpoint restore](/docs/en/checkpointing). Holds snapshots for the 100 most recent checkpoints; snapshot files that no retained checkpoint references are deleted, except each file's first snapshot | +| `plans/` | Plan files written during [plan mode](/docs/en/permission-modes#analyze-before-you-edit-with-plan-mode) | +| `debug/` | Per-session debug logs, written only when you start with `--debug` or run `/debug` | +| `paste-cache/` | Contents of large pastes | +| `image-cache/<session>/` | Attached images. On each sweep, Claude Code removes the directories of all other sessions, whatever their age. | +| `uploads/<session>/` | Files you attach from the web or mobile app, and photos you attach from the mobile app, when messaging a [Remote Control](/docs/en/remote-control) session. An attachment to a [cloud session](/docs/en/claude-code-on-the-web) is saved in that session's own cloud environment instead, not on your machine. | +| `session-env/` | Per-session environment metadata | +| `tasks/` | Per-session task lists written by the task tools | +| `shell-snapshots/` | Aliases, functions, and shell options captured at startup and applied by the [Bash tool](/docs/en/tools-reference#bash-tool-behavior) to each command. Removed on clean exit. The sweep clears any left after a crash. | +| `backups/` | Earlier versions of `~/.claude.json`, copied when Claude Code rewrites the file. Claude Code keeps the five newest, plus a copy of any version it couldn't parse. | +| `feedback-bundles/` | Redacted transcript archives written by `/feedback` on third-party providers or when no Anthropic credentials are configured, for sending to your Anthropic account team | +| `usage-data/` | `report.html` and timestamped report copies written by [`/insights`](/docs/en/costs#analyze-your-usage-patterns), plus cached per-session analysis data used to build them | +| `todos/`, `statsig/`, `logs/` | Legacy directories from older versions. No longer written. The sweep removes their contents and then the empty directory. | Claude Code makes four exceptions to this sweep:
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| `~/.claude/projects/` | Resume, continue, and rewind for past sessions, and auto memory for every project | | `~/.claude/history.jsonl` | Up-arrow prompt recall | | `~/.claude/paste-cache/` | Pasted text in recalled prompts; see [paste large content](/docs/en/terminal-config#paste-large-content) | +| `~/.claude/uploads/` | Attachments that past [Remote Control](/docs/en/remote-control) sessions refer to by path | | `~/.claude/file-history/` | Checkpoint restore for past sessions | | `~/.claude/stats-cache.json` | Historical totals shown by `/usage` | | `~/.claude/usage-data/` | Past [`/insights`](/docs/en/costs#analyze-your-usage-patterns) reports and the cached analysis data used to build them |
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oneLiner: 'Permissions, hooks, and configuration', when: <>Overrides global <C>~/.claude/settings.json</C>. Local settings, CLI flags, and managed settings override this</>, description: 'Settings that Claude Code applies directly. Permissions control which commands and tools Claude can use; hooks run your scripts at specific points in a session. Unlike CLAUDE.md, which Claude reads as guidance, these are enforced whether Claude follows them or not.', - contains: [<><A href="/docs/en/permissions">permissions</A>: allow, deny, or prompt before Claude uses specific tools or commands</>, <><A href="/docs/en/hooks">hooks</A>: run your own scripts on events like before a tool call or after a file edit</>, <><A href="/docs/en/statusline">statusLine</A>: customize the line shown at the bottom while Claude works</>, <><A href="/docs/en/settings#available-settings">model</A>: pick a default model for this project</>, <><A href="/docs/en/settings#environment-variables">env</A>: environment variables set in every session</>, <><A href="/docs/en/output-styles">outputStyle</A>: select a custom system-prompt style from output-styles/</>], + contains: [<><A href="/docs/en/permissions">permissions</A>: allow, deny, or prompt before Claude uses specific tools or commands</>, <><A href="/docs/en/hooks">hooks</A>: run your own scripts on events like before a tool call or after a file edit</>, <><A href="/docs/en/statusline">statusLine</A>: customize the line shown at the bottom while Claude works</>, <><A href="/docs/en/settings-reference#available-settings">model</A>: pick a default model for this project</>, <><A href="/docs/en/settings-reference#environment-variables">env</A>: environment variables set in every session</>, <><A href="/docs/en/output-styles">outputStyle</A>: select a custom system-prompt style from output-styles/</>], tips: [<>Bash permission patterns support wildcards: <C>Bash(npm test *)</C> matches any command starting with <C>npm test</C></>, <>Array settings like <C>permissions.allow</C> combine across all scopes; scalar settings like <C>model</C> use the most specific value</>], exampleIntro: <>This example allows <C>npm test</C> and <C>npm run</C> commands without prompting, blocks <C>rm -rf</C>, and runs Prettier on files after Claude edits or writes them.</>, example: `{
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} } }`, - docsLink: '/en/settings#global-config-settings' + docsLink: '/en/settings-reference#global-config-settings' }, { id: 'global-dot-claude', label: '.claude/',
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| File | Location | Purpose | | ----------------------- | -------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | -| `managed-settings.json` | System-level, varies by OS | Enterprise-enforced settings that you can't override, apart from [narrow exceptions](/docs/en/settings#exceptions-to-managed-settings-precedence). See [server-managed settings](/docs/en/server-managed-settings). | +| `managed-settings.json` | System-level, varies by OS | Enterprise-enforced settings that you can't override, apart from [narrow exceptions](/docs/en/settings#security-keys-where-the-stricter-value-applies). See [where to save the file](/docs/en/managed-settings#deploy-a-managed-settings-file) and [which managed source Claude Code uses](/docs/en/managed-settings#precedence-within-the-managed-tier). | | `CLAUDE.local.md` | Project root | Your private preferences for this project, loaded alongside CLAUDE.md. Create it manually and add it to `.gitignore`. | | Installed plugins | `~/.claude/plugins` | Cloned marketplaces, installed plugin versions, and per-plugin data, managed by `claude plugin` commands. For a plugin installed from a marketplace [`command` source](/docs/en/plugin-marketplaces#command-sources) in link mode, Claude Code stores links here instead of a copy, and the plugin's files stay in the directory the command prints. See [plugin caching](/docs/en/plugins-reference#plugin-caching-and-file-resolution) for how orphaned versions are cleaned up. |
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Different kinds of customization live in different files. Use this table to find where a change belongs. -| You want to | Edit | Scope | Reference | -| :------------------------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------- | :---------------- | :------------------------------------------------- | -| Give Claude project context and conventions | `CLAUDE.md` | project or global | [Memory](/docs/en/memory) | -| Allow or block specific tool calls | `settings.json` `permissions` or `hooks` | project or global | [Permissions](/docs/en/permissions), [Hooks](/docs/en/hooks) | -| Run a script before or after tool calls | `settings.json` `hooks` | project or global | [Hooks](/docs/en/hooks) | -| Set environment variables for the session | `settings.json` `env` | project or global | [Settings](/docs/en/settings#available-settings) | -| Keep personal overrides out of git | `settings.local.json` | project only | [Settings scopes](/docs/en/settings#settings-files) | -| Add a prompt or capability you invoke with `/name` | `skills/<name>/SKILL.md` | project or global | [Skills](/docs/en/skills) | -| Define a specialized subagent with its own tools | `agents/*.md` | project or global | [Subagents](/docs/en/sub-agents) | -| Orchestrate many subagents from a script | `workflows/*.js` | project or global | [Dynamic workflows](/docs/en/workflows) | -| Connect external tools over MCP | `.mcp.json` | project only | [MCP](/docs/en/mcp) | -| Change how Claude formats responses | `output-styles/*.md` | project or global | [Output styles](/docs/en/output-styles) | +| You want to | Edit | Scope | Reference | +| :------------------------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------- | :---------------- | :-------------------------------------------------- | +| Give Claude project context and conventions | `CLAUDE.md` | project or global | [Memory](/docs/en/memory) | +| Allow or block specific tool calls | `settings.json` `permissions` or `hooks` | project or global | [Permissions](/docs/en/permissions), [Hooks](/docs/en/hooks) | +| Run a script before or after tool calls | `settings.json` `hooks` | project or global | [Hooks](/docs/en/hooks) | +| Set environment variables for the session | `settings.json` `env` | project or global | [Settings](/docs/en/settings-reference#all-settings) | +| Keep personal overrides out of git | `settings.local.json` | project only | [Settings scopes](/docs/en/settings#where-settings-live) | +| Add a prompt or capability you invoke with `/name` | `skills/<name>/SKILL.md` | project or global | [Skills](/docs/en/skills) | +| Define a specialized subagent with its own tools | `agents/*.md` | project or global | [Subagents](/docs/en/sub-agents) | +| Orchestrate many subagents from a script | `workflows/*.js` | project or global | [Dynamic workflows](/docs/en/workflows) | +| Connect external tools over MCP | `.mcp.json` | project only | [MCP](/docs/en/mcp) | +| Change how Claude formats responses | `output-styles/*.md` | project or global | [Output styles](/docs/en/output-styles) | ## File reference
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| [`CLAUDE.md`](#ce-claude-md) | Project and global | ✓ | Instructions loaded every session | [Memory](/docs/en/memory) | | [`rules/*.md`](#ce-rules) | Project and global | ✓ | Topic-scoped instructions, optionally path-gated | [Rules](/docs/en/memory#organize-rules-with-claude/rules/) | | [`settings.json`](#ce-settings-json) | Project and global | ✓ | Permissions, hooks, env vars, model defaults | [Settings](/docs/en/settings) | -| [`settings.local.json`](#ce-settings-local-json) | Project only | | Your personal overrides, gitignored when Claude Code saves a setting to it | [Settings scopes](/docs/en/settings#settings-files) | +| [`settings.local.json`](#ce-settings-local-json) | Project only | | Your personal overrides, gitignored when Claude Code saves a setting to it | [Settings scopes](/docs/en/settings#where-settings-live) | | [`.mcp.json`](#ce-mcp-json) | Project only | ✓ | Team-shared MCP servers | [MCP scopes](/docs/en/mcp#mcp-installation-scopes) | | [`.worktreeinclude`](#ce-worktreeinclude) | Project only | ✓ | Gitignored files to copy into new worktrees | [Worktrees](/docs/en/worktrees#copy-gitignored-files-into-worktrees) | | [`skills/<name>/SKILL.md`](#ce-skills) | Project and global | ✓ | Reusable prompts invoked with `/name` or auto-invoked | [Skills](/docs/en/skills) |
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| [`agents/*.md`](#ce-agents) | Project and global | ✓ | Subagent definitions with their own prompt and tools | [Subagents](/docs/en/sub-agents) | | [`workflows/*.js`](#ce-workflows) | Project and global | ✓ | Dynamic workflow scripts written by Claude and saved from `/workflows`; each file becomes a `/<name>` command | [Dynamic workflows](/docs/en/workflows) | | [`agent-memory/<name>/`](#ce-agent-memory) | Project and global | ✓ | Persistent memory for subagents | [Persistent memory](/docs/en/sub-agents#enable-persistent-memory) | -| [`~/.claude.json`](#ce-claude-json) | Global only | | App state, OAuth, UI toggles, personal MCP servers | [Global config](/docs/en/settings#global-config-settings) | +| [`~/.claude.json`](#ce-claude-json) | Global only | | App state, OAuth, UI toggles, personal MCP servers | [Global config](/docs/en/settings-reference#global-config-settings) | | [`projects/<project>/memory/`](#ce-global-projects) | Global only | | Auto memory: Claude's notes to itself across sessions | [Auto memory](/docs/en/memory#auto-memory) | | [`keybindings.json`](#ce-keybindings) | Global only | | Custom keyboard shortcuts | [Keybindings](/docs/en/keybindings) | | [`themes/*.json`](#ce-themes) | Global only | | Custom color themes | [Custom themes](/docs/en/terminal-config#create-a-custom-theme) |
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### Cleaned up automatically -Claude Code deletes the files in the paths below once they're older than [`cleanupPeriodDays`](/docs/en/settings#available-settings), as long as it can safely determine the retention period. The default is 30 days and the minimum is 1; setting `0` fails with a validation error. The same age cutoff applies to automatic removal of [orphaned worktrees](/docs/en/worktrees#clean-up-subagent-and-background-session-worktrees). +Claude Code deletes the files in the paths below once they're older than [`cleanupPeriodDays`](/docs/en/settings-reference#cleanupperioddays), as long as it can safely determine the retention period. The default is 30 days and the minimum is 1; setting `0` fails with a validation error. The same age cutoff applies to automatic removal of [orphaned worktrees](/docs/en/worktrees#clean-up-subagent-and-background-session-worktrees). | Path under `~/.claude/` | Contents | | -------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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### Kept until you delete them -The following paths are not covered by automatic cleanup and persist indefinitely. +The retention cleanup sweep doesn't cover the following paths. Claude Code keeps them until you delete them, apart from the two caches whose rows say that logging out deletes them. -| Path under `~/.claude/` | Contents | -| ----------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | -| `history.jsonl` | Every prompt you've typed, with timestamp and project path. Used for up-arrow recall. | -| `stats-cache.json` | Aggregated token and cost counts shown by `/usage` | -| `remote-settings.json` | Cached copy of [server-managed settings](/docs/en/server-managed-settings) for your organization, or `{}` when your organization has configured none. Only present when the session [fetches them](/docs/en/server-managed-settings#platform-availability). Claude Code checks for updates at startup and hourly during a session. | -| `cache/changelog.md` | Cached copy of the Claude Code changelog, used to show release notes after an update. Refreshed in the background. | -| `policy-limits.json` | Cached feature policy settings for your organization. Only present for some account types. Refreshed automatically. | +| Path under `~/.claude/` | Contents | +| ----------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | +| `history.jsonl` | Every prompt you've typed, with timestamp and project path. Used for up-arrow recall. | +| `stats-cache.json` | Aggregated token and cost counts shown by `/usage` | +| `remote-settings.json` | Cached copy of [server-managed settings](/docs/en/server-managed-settings) for your organization, or `{}` when your organization has configured none. Only present when the session [fetches them](/docs/en/server-managed-settings#platform-availability). Claude Code checks for updates at startup and hourly during a session. Claude Code deletes it when you log out. | +| `cache/changelog.md` | Cached copy of the Claude Code changelog, used to show release notes after an update. Refreshed in the background. | +| `policy-limits.json` | Cached feature policy settings for your organization. Only present for some account types. Refreshed automatically. Claude Code deletes it when you log out. | Other small cache and lock files appear depending on which features you use and are safe to delete.
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| `file-history/<session>/` | Pre-edit snapshots of files Claude changed, used for [checkpoint restore](/docs/en/checkpointing). Holds snapshots for the 100 most recent checkpoints; snapshot files that no retained checkpoint references are deleted, except each file's first snapshot | | `plans/` | Plan files written during [plan mode](/docs/en/permission-modes#analyze-before-you-edit-with-plan-mode) | | `debug/` | Per-session debug logs, written only when you start with `--debug` or run `/debug` | -| `paste-cache/`, `image-cache/` | Contents of large pastes and attached images | +| `paste-cache/` | Contents of large pastes | +| `image-cache/<session>/` | Attached images. On each sweep, Claude Code removes the directories of all other sessions, whatever their age. | | `session-env/` | Per-session environment metadata | | `tasks/` | Per-session task lists written by the task tools | | `shell-snapshots/` | Aliases, functions, and shell options captured at startup and applied by the [Bash tool](/docs/en/tools-reference#bash-tool-behavior) to each command. Removed on clean exit. The sweep clears any left after a crash. | -| `backups/` | Timestamped copies of `~/.claude.json` taken before config migrations | +| `backups/` | Earlier versions of `~/.claude.json`, copied when Claude Code rewrites the file. Claude Code keeps the five newest, plus a copy of any version it couldn't parse. | | `feedback-bundles/` | Redacted transcript archives written by `/feedback` on third-party providers or when no Anthropic credentials are configured, for sending to your Anthropic account team | | `usage-data/` | `report.html` and timestamped report copies written by [`/insights`](/docs/en/costs#analyze-your-usage-patterns), plus cached per-session analysis data used to build them | | `todos/`, `statsig/`, `logs/` | Legacy directories from older versions. No longer written. The sweep removes their contents and then the empty directory. |
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The following paths are not covered by automatic cleanup and persist indefinitely. -| Path under `~/.claude/` | Contents | -| ----------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -| `history.jsonl` | Every prompt you've typed, with timestamp and project path. Used for up-arrow recall. | -| `stats-cache.json` | Aggregated token and cost counts shown by `/usage` | -| `remote-settings.json` | Cached copy of [server-managed settings](/docs/en/server-managed-settings) for your organization. Only present when your organization has configured them. Refreshed on each launch. | -| `cache/changelog.md` | Cached copy of the Claude Code changelog, used to show release notes after an update. Refreshed in the background. | -| `policy-limits.json` | Cached feature policy settings for your organization. Only present for some account types. Refreshed automatically. | +| Path under `~/.claude/` | Contents | +| ----------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | +| `history.jsonl` | Every prompt you've typed, with timestamp and project path. Used for up-arrow recall. | +| `stats-cache.json` | Aggregated token and cost counts shown by `/usage` | +| `remote-settings.json` | Cached copy of [server-managed settings](/docs/en/server-managed-settings) for your organization, or `{}` when your organization has configured none. Only present when the session [fetches them](/docs/en/server-managed-settings#platform-availability). Claude Code checks for updates at startup and hourly during a session. | +| `cache/changelog.md` | Cached copy of the Claude Code changelog, used to show release notes after an update. Refreshed in the background. | +| `policy-limits.json` | Cached feature policy settings for your organization. Only present for some account types. Refreshed automatically. | Other small cache and lock files appear depending on which features you use and are safe to delete.
claude-directory First recorded · 1643 lines, first recorded
# Explore the .claude directory ## Commands ## Stack ## Rules # API credentials # Testing Rules # API Design Rules ## Diff to review ## Input Validation ## Authentication ## Patterns seen ## Recurring issues ## Project ## Reference ## Auth Token Issues ## Database Connection Drops ## Explore the directory ## What's not shown ## Choose the right file ## File reference ## Troubleshoot configuration ## Application data ### Cleaned up automatically ### Kept until you delete them ### Plaintext storage ### Clear local data ## Related resources
The first capture of this source. The page was already there, and this is what it said.
# Explore the .claude directory
> Where Claude Code reads CLAUDE.md, settings.json, hooks, skills, commands, subagents, workflows, rules, and auto memory. Explore the .claude directory in your project and ~/.claude in your home directory.
export const ClaudeExplorer = () => {
const A = useMemo(() => ({href, children}) => <a href={href} style={{
color: 'var(--ce-accent)',
textDecoration: 'none',
borderBottom: '1px dotted var(--ce-accent)'
}}>{children}</a>, []);
const C = useMemo(() => ({children}) => <code style={{
fontFamily: 'var(--ce-mono)',
fontSize: '0.92em',
padding: '1px 4px',
borderRadius: '3px',
background: 'var(--ce-surface)',
border: '0.5px solid var(--ce-border-subtle)'
}}>{children}</code>, []);
const commandsNote = useMemo(() => <>Commands and skills are now the same mechanism. For new workflows, use <A href="/docs/en/skills">skills/</A> instead: same <C>/name</C> invocation, plus you can bundle supporting files.</>, []);
const FILE_TREE = useMemo(() => ({
project: {
label: 'your-project/',
children: [{
id: 'claude-md',
label: 'CLAUDE.md',
type: 'file',
icon: 'md',
color: '#6A9BCC',
badge: 'committed',
oneLiner: 'Project instructions Claude reads every session',
when: 'Loaded into context at the start of every session',
description: 'Project-specific instructions that shape how Claude works in this repository. Put your conventions, common commands, and architectural context here so Claude operates with the same assumptions your team does.',
tips: ['Target under 200 lines. Longer files still load in full but may reduce adherence', <>CLAUDE.md loads into every session. If something only matters for specific tasks, move it to a <A href="/docs/en/skills">skill</A> or a path-scoped <A href="/docs/en/memory#organize-rules-with-claude/rules/">rule</A> so it loads only when needed</>, 'List the commands you run most, like build, test, and format, so Claude knows them without you spelling them out each time', <>Run <C>/memory</C> to open and edit CLAUDE.md from within a session</>, <>Also works at <C>.claude/CLAUDE.md</C> if you prefer to keep the project root clean</>],
exampleIntro: 'This example is for a TypeScript and React project. It lists the build and test commands, the framework conventions Claude should follow, and project-specific rules like export style and file layout.',
example: `# Project conventions
## Commands
- Build: \`npm run build\`
- Test: \`npm test\`
- Lint: \`npm run lint\`
## Stack
- TypeScript with strict mode
- React 19, functional components only
## Rules
- Named exports, never default exports
- Tests live next to source: \`foo.ts\` -> \`foo.test.ts\`
- All API routes return \`{ data, error }\` shape`,
docsLink: '/en/memory'
}, {
id: 'mcp-json',
label: '.mcp.json',
type: 'file',
icon: 'json',
color: '#9B7BC4',
badge: 'committed',
oneLiner: 'Project-scoped MCP servers, shared with your team',
when: <>Servers connect when the session begins. Tool schemas are deferred by default and load on demand via <A href="/docs/en/mcp#scale-with-mcp-tool-search">tool search</A></>,
description: <>Configures Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers that give Claude access to external tools: databases, APIs, browsers, and more. This file holds the project-scoped servers your whole team uses. Personal servers you want to keep to yourself go in <C>~/.claude.json</C> instead.</>,
tips: [<>Use environment variable references for secrets: <C>{'${NOTION_TOKEN}'}</C></>, <>Lives at the project root, not inside <C>.claude/</C></>, <>For servers only you need, run <C>claude mcp add --scope user</C>. This writes to <C>~/.claude.json</C> instead of <C>.mcp.json</C></>],
exampleIntro: <>This example configures the Notion MCP server so Claude can read and update pages in your workspace. The <C>{'${NOTION_TOKEN}'}</C> reference is read from your shell environment when Claude Code starts the server, so the token never lands in the file.</>,
example: `{
"mcpServers": {
"notion": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@notionhq/notion-mcp-server"],
"env": {
"NOTION_TOKEN": "\${NOTION_TOKEN}"
}
}
}
}`,
docsLink: '/en/mcp'
}, {
id: 'worktreeinclude',
label: '.worktreeinclude',
type: 'file',
icon: 'md',
color: '#8FA876',
badge: 'committed',
oneLiner: 'Gitignored files to copy into new worktrees',
when: <>Read when Claude creates a git worktree via <C>--worktree</C>, the <C>EnterWorktree</C> tool, or subagent <C>isolation: worktree</C></>,
description: <>Lists gitignored files to copy from your main repository into each new worktree. Worktrees are fresh checkouts, so untracked files like <C>.env</C> are missing by default. Patterns here use <C>.gitignore</C> syntax. Only files that match a pattern and are also gitignored get copied, so tracked files are never duplicated.</>,
tips: [<>Lives at the project root, not inside <C>.claude/</C></>, <>Git-only: if you configure a <A href="/docs/en/hooks#worktreecreate">WorktreeCreate hook</A> for a different VCS, this file is not read. Copy files inside your hook script instead</>, <>Also applies to parallel sessions in the <A href="/docs/en/desktop#work-in-parallel-with-sessions">desktop app</A></>],
exampleIntro: 'This example copies your local environment files and a secrets config into every worktree Claude creates. Comments start with # and blank lines are ignored, same as .gitignore.',
example: `# Local environment
.env
.env.local
# API credentials
config/secrets.json`,
docsLink: '/en/worktrees#copy-gitignored-files-into-worktrees'
}, {
id: 'dot-claude',
label: '.claude/',
type: 'folder',
icon: 'folder',
color: 'var(--ce-accent)',
oneLiner: 'Project-level configuration, rules, and extensions',
description: 'Everything Claude Code reads that is specific to this project. If you use git, commit most files here so your team shares them; a few, like settings.local.json, are gitignored when Claude Code saves settings to them. Each file badge shows which.',
children: [{
id: 'settings-json',
label: 'settings.json',
type: 'file',
icon: 'json',
color: 'var(--ce-text-3)',
badge: 'committed',
oneLiner: 'Permissions, hooks, and configuration',
when: <>Overrides global <C>~/.claude/settings.json</C>. Local settings, CLI flags, and managed settings override this</>,
description: 'Settings that Claude Code applies directly. Permissions control which commands and tools Claude can use; hooks run your scripts at specific points in a session. Unlike CLAUDE.md, which Claude reads as guidance, these are enforced whether Claude follows them or not.',
contains: [<><A href="/docs/en/permissions">permissions</A>: allow, deny, or prompt before Claude uses specific tools or commands</>, <><A href="/docs/en/hooks">hooks</A>: run your own scripts on events like before a tool call or after a file edit</>, <><A href="/docs/en/statusline">statusLine</A>: customize the line shown at the bottom while Claude works</>, <><A href="/docs/en/settings#available-settings">model</A>: pick a default model for this project</>, <><A href="/docs/en/settings#environment-variables">env</A>: environment variables set in every session</>, <><A href="/docs/en/output-styles">outputStyle</A>: select a custom system-prompt style from output-styles/</>],
tips: [<>Bash permission patterns support wildcards: <C>Bash(npm test *)</C> matches any command starting with <C>npm test</C></>, <>Array settings like <C>permissions.allow</C> combine across all scopes; scalar settings like <C>model</C> use the most specific value</>],
exampleIntro: <>This example allows <C>npm test</C> and <C>npm run</C> commands without prompting, blocks <C>rm -rf</C>, and runs Prettier on files after Claude edits or writes them.</>,
example: `{
"permissions": {
"allow": [
"Bash(npm test *)",
"Bash(npm run *)"
],
"deny": [
"Bash(rm -rf *)"
]
},
"hooks": {
"PostToolUse": [{
"matcher": "Edit|Write",
"hooks": [{
"type": "command",
"command": "jq -r '.tool_input.file_path' | xargs npx prettier --write"
}]
}]
}
}`,
docsLink: '/en/settings'
}, {
id: 'settings-local-json',
label: 'settings.local.json',
type: 'file',
icon: 'json',
color: 'var(--ce-text-3)',
badge: 'gitignored',
oneLiner: 'Your personal settings overrides for this project',
when: 'Highest of the user-editable settings files; CLI flags and managed settings still take precedence',
description: 'Personal settings that take precedence over the project defaults. Same JSON format as settings.json, gitignored when Claude Code saves a setting to it. Use this when you need different permissions or defaults than the team config.',
tips: [<>Same schema as settings.json. Array settings like <C>permissions.allow</C> combine across scopes; scalar settings like <C>model</C> use the local value</>, <>When Claude Code saves a setting to this file in a repository that doesn't already ignore it, it adds <C>**/.claude/settings.local.json</C> to your global git excludes file: <C>core.excludesFile</C> from your global git config when it's set to an absolute or <C>~</C>-prefixed path, otherwise <C>$XDG_CONFIG_HOME/git/ignore</C>, or <C>~/.config/git/ignore</C>. To share the ignore rule with your team, also add it to the project <C>.gitignore</C></>],
exampleIntro: 'This example adds Docker permissions on top of whatever the team settings.json allows.',
example: `{
"permissions": {
"allow": [
"Bash(docker *)"
]
}
}`,
docsLink: '/en/settings'
}, {
id: 'rules',
label: 'rules/',
type: 'folder',
icon: 'folder',
color: '#9B7BC4',
oneLiner: 'Topic-scoped instructions, optionally gated by file paths',
when: <>Rules without <C>paths:</C> load at session start. Rules with <C>paths:</C> load when a matching file enters context</>,
description: [<>Project instructions split into topic files that can load conditionally based on file paths. A rule without <C>paths:</C> frontmatter loads at session start like CLAUDE.md; a rule with <C>paths:</C> loads only when Claude reads a matching file.</>, <>Like CLAUDE.md, rules are guidance Claude reads, not configuration Claude Code enforces. For guaranteed behavior use <A href="/docs/en/hooks">hooks</A> or <A href="/docs/en/permissions">permissions</A>.</>],
tips: [<>Use <C>paths:</C> frontmatter with globs to scope rules to directories or file types</>, <>Subdirectories work: <C>.claude/rules/frontend/react.md</C> is discovered automatically</>, 'When CLAUDE.md approaches 200 lines, start splitting into rules'],
docsLink: '/en/memory#organize-rules-with-claude/rules/',
children: [{
id: 'rule-testing',
label: 'testing.md',
type: 'file',
icon: 'md',
color: '#9B7BC4',
badge: 'committed',
oneLiner: 'Test conventions scoped to test files',
when: <>Loaded when Claude reads a file matching the <C>paths:</C> globs below</>,
description: <>An example rule that only loads when Claude is working on test files. The <C>paths:</C> globs in the frontmatter define which files trigger it; here, anything ending in .test.ts or .test.tsx. For other files, this rule is not loaded into context.</>,
example: `---
paths:
- "**/*.test.ts"
- "**/*.test.tsx"
---
# Testing Rules
- Use descriptive test names: "should [expected] when [condition]"
- Mock external dependencies, not internal modules
- Clean up side effects in afterEach`
}, {
id: 'rule-api',
label: 'api-design.md',
type: 'file',
icon: 'md',
color: '#9B7BC4',
badge: 'committed',
oneLiner: 'API conventions scoped to backend code',
when: <>Loaded when Claude reads a file matching the <C>paths:</C> glob below</>,
description: <>A second example showing a rule scoped to backend code. The <C>paths:</C> glob matches files under src/api/, so these conventions load only when Claude is editing API routes.</>,
example: `---
paths:
- "src/api/**/*.ts"
---
# API Design Rules
- All endpoints must validate input with Zod schemas
- Return shape: { data: T } | { error: string }
- Rate limit all public endpoints`
}]
}, {
id: 'skills',
label: 'skills/',
type: 'folder',
icon: 'folder',
color: '#D4A843',
oneLiner: 'Reusable prompts you or Claude invoke by name',
when: <>Invoked with <C>/skill-name</C> or when Claude matches the task to a skill</>,
description: <>Each skill is a folder with a SKILL.md file plus any supporting files it needs. By default, both you and Claude can invoke a skill. Use frontmatter to control that: <C>disable-model-invocation: true</C> for user-only workflows like <C>/deploy</C>, or <C>user-invocable: false</C> to hide from the <C>/</C> menu while Claude can still invoke it.</>,
tips: [<>Skills accept arguments: <C>/deploy staging</C> passes "staging" as <C>$ARGUMENTS</C>. Use <C>$0</C>, <C>$1</C>, and so on for positional access</>, <>The <C>description</C> frontmatter determines when Claude auto-invokes the skill</>, 'Bundle reference docs alongside SKILL.md. Claude knows the skill directory path and can read supporting files when you mention them'],
docsLink: '/en/skills',
children: [{
id: 'skill-review',
label: 'security-review/',
type: 'folder',
icon: 'folder',
color: '#D4A843',
oneLiner: 'A skill bundling SKILL.md with supporting files',
children: [{
id: 'skill-review-md',
label: 'SKILL.md',
type: 'file',
icon: 'md',
color: '#D4A843',
badge: 'committed',
oneLiner: 'Entrypoint: trigger, invocability, instructions',
when: <>User types <C>/security-review <target></C>; Claude cannot auto-invoke this skill</>,
description: [<>This skill uses <C>disable-model-invocation: true</C> so only you can trigger it; Claude never invokes it on its own.</>, <>The <C>!`...`</C> line runs a shell command and injects its output into the prompt. <C>$ARGUMENTS</C> substitutes whatever you typed after the skill name. Claude sees the skill directory path, so mentioning a bundled file like checklist.md lets Claude read it.</>],
example: `---
description: Reviews code changes for security vulnerabilities, authentication gaps, and injection risks
disable-model-invocation: true
argument-hint: <branch-or-path>
---
## Diff to review
!\`git diff $ARGUMENTS\`
Audit the changes above for:
1. Injection vulnerabilities (SQL, XSS, command)
2. Authentication and authorization gaps
3. Hardcoded secrets or credentials
Use checklist.md in this skill directory for the full review checklist.
Report findings with severity ratings and remediation steps.`
}, {
id: 'skill-checklist',
label: 'checklist.md',
type: 'file',
icon: 'md',
color: '#D4A843',
badge: 'committed',
oneLiner: 'Supporting file bundled with the skill',
when: 'Claude reads it on demand while running the skill',
description: <>Skills can bundle any supporting files: reference docs, templates, scripts. The skill directory path is prepended to SKILL.md, so Claude can read bundled files by name. For scripts in bash injection commands, use the <C>{'${CLAUDE_SKILL_DIR}'}</C> placeholder.</>,
example: `# Security Review Checklist
## Input Validation
- [ ] All user input sanitized before DB queries
- [ ] File upload MIME types validated
- [ ] Path traversal prevented on file operations
## Authentication
- [ ] JWT tokens expire after 24 hours
- [ ] API keys stored in environment variables
- [ ] Passwords hashed with bcrypt or argon2`
}]
}]
}, {
id: 'commands',
label: 'commands/',
type: 'folder',
icon: 'folder',
color: '#788C5D',
oneLiner: <>Single-file prompts invoked with <C>/name</C></>,
note: commandsNote,
when: <>User types <C>/command-name</C></>,
description: <>A file at <C>commands/deploy.md</C> creates <C>/deploy</C> the same way a skill at <C>skills/deploy/SKILL.md</C> does, and both can be auto-invoked by Claude. Skills use a directory with SKILL.md, letting you bundle reference docs, templates, or scripts alongside the prompt.</>,
tips: [<>Use <C>$ARGUMENTS</C> in the file to accept parameters: <C>/fix-issue 123</C></>, 'If a skill and command share a name, the skill takes precedence', 'New commands should usually be skills instead; commands remain supported'],
docsLink: '/en/skills',
children: [{
id: 'cmd-example',
label: 'fix-issue.md',
type: 'file',
icon: 'md',
color: '#788C5D',
badge: 'committed',
oneLiner: <>Invoked as <C>/fix-issue <number></C></>,
note: commandsNote,
description: [<>An example command for fixing a GitHub issue. Type <C>/fix-issue 123</C> and the <C>!`...`</C> line runs <C>gh issue view 123</C> in your shell, injecting the output into the prompt before Claude sees it.</>, <><C>$ARGUMENTS</C> substitutes whatever you typed after the command name. For positional access, use <C>$0</C> <C>$1</C> and so on.</>],
Cut at 300 lines.