{"version":"2.1.296","anchor":"new-env-var-claude-code-workflow-subagent-model-overrides-th","canonical_anchor":"new-env-var-claude-code-workflow-subagent-model-overrides-th","heading":"New CLAUDE_CODE_WORKFLOW_SUBAGENT_MODEL picks the model for workflow subagents","tier":"use","area":"Workflows","scope":"individual","heads_up":false,"url":"https:\/\/changelogs.core-directive.com\/v\/2.1.296\/e\/new-env-var-claude-code-workflow-subagent-model-overrides-th","release_url":"https:\/\/changelogs.core-directive.com\/v\/2.1.296","markdown":"### New `CLAUDE_CODE_WORKFLOW_SUBAGENT_MODEL` picks the model for workflow subagents\n\nSetting `CLAUDE_CODE_WORKFLOW_SUBAGENT_MODEL` chooses which model subagents use during a workflow run, separately from other subagents\n\n**What**\n\nA subagent is a helper that Claude Code starts to handle part of a task. The new environment variable `CLAUDE_CODE_WORKFLOW_SUBAGENT_MODEL` sets the model for subagents started inside a workflow run. An environment variable is a named setting passed to a program when it starts.\n\n- If it is unset, empty or `inherit` (in any capitalisation), nothing changes.\n\n- Any other value is used as the model for workflow subagents, and only in workflow runs.\n\n- A model named for one agent inside the workflow is then ignored, and Claude Code logs a message saying so.\n\n- If `CLAUDE_CODE_SUBAGENT_MODEL_FORCE` is also set, the workflow value is checked again and may be ignored.\n\nThe reference Claude uses when writing workflows also treats this variable like `CLAUDE_CODE_SUBAGENT_MODEL_FORCE`, so its guidance changes when the variable is set.\n\n**Why**\n\nYou can now keep workflow subagents on a different model from ordinary subagents.\n\n- Area: Workflows\n- Names: `CLAUDE_CODE_WORKFLOW_SUBAGENT_MODEL`\n- Tier: Use it now\n- Useful: 5\/5\n- Signal: 3\/5\n- Scope: individual\n- Heads-up: no"}