Claude Code Keybindings

Slash commands and keyboard shortcuts are the primary interface for controlling Claude Code sessions, managing context, and invoking workflows.

Think of them as a command palette: type / to access built-in commands and skills, press keyboard shortcuts for quick actions, and use @ for file references.

Routing

Syntax	What it does
/skill-name	Invoke a skill (e.g., /pdf, /tech-doc-writer)
@file-path	Reference a file in your prompt
!command	Run bash command directly (bash mode)

Session management

Command	What it does
/clear	Reset conversation and context (aliases: /new, /reset)
/compact [instructions]	Compress conversation to free context window
/memory	Edit memory files (CLAUDE.md) and auto-memory
/context	Visualize context usage with optimization tips
/cost	Show token usage and estimated cost
/resume [session]	Resume a conversation by ID or name
/branch [name]	Create a branch at current point (alias: /fork)

Code workflows

Command	What it does
/diff	Interactive diff viewer for uncommitted changes
/rewind	Restore code/conversation to previous point (alias: /checkpoint)
/copy [N]	Copy last (or Nth-last) assistant response to clipboard
/export [filename]	Export conversation as plain text

Model & configuration

Command	What it does
/model [model]	Switch AI model (Opus, Sonnet, Haiku)
/effort [level]	Set effort level (low, medium, high, max, auto)
/fast [on|off]	Toggle fast mode
/config	Open settings interface (alias: /settings)
/doctor	Health check for installation

Utilities

Command	What it does
/btw <question>	Ask side question without adding to history
/init	Generate CLAUDE.md for current project
/skills	List available skills
/agents	Manage agent configurations
/mcp	Manage MCP server connections
/help	Show all available commands

Account

Command	What it does
/login	Authenticate or switch account
/logout	Sign out

Keyboard shortcuts

Key	What it does
↑ / ↓	Navigate prompt history
Escape	Cancel operation or clear input
Esc + Esc	Rewind or summarize from selected message
Shift+Tab	Cycle permission modes (default, plan, auto, etc.)
Ctrl+C	Interrupt running operation
Ctrl+O	Toggle verbose output (detailed tool usage)

Common workflows

Scenario	Command sequence
Start fresh task	/clear → describe task
Free up context on long task	/compact with optional focus instructions
Review uncommitted changes	/diff
Onboard new project	/init → review generated CLAUDE.md
Use faster model	/model → select Haiku or /fast on
Preview before risky changes	Shift+Tab → review plan → Shift+Tab to execute
Ask quick question	/btw <question> (doesn't affect conversation)
Undo recent changes	/rewind → select checkpoint

Tips

• Use /clear (not /compact) between unrelated tasks to avoid context pollution
• Run /context to see optimization suggestions before compacting
• Enable plan mode (Shift+Tab) before destructive operations
• Press ? in terminal to see platform-specific shortcuts

References

• Claude Code: Built-in Commands
• Claude Code: Interactive Mode
• Claude Code: CLI Reference