Configuration

Learn how to configure Claude Code for your projects and workflow

title: Configuration description: Learn how to configure Claude Code for your projects and workflow

Claude Code offers flexible configuration options to customize its behavior for your specific needs. From project-level settings in CLAUDE.md files to global preferences, you have full control over how Claude assists you.

Configuration Options

CLAUDE.md Files

The most powerful way to configure Claude Code is through CLAUDE.md files. These Markdown files provide project-specific context and instructions that Claude reads automatically.

your-project/
├── CLAUDE.md          # Project root configuration
├── src/
│   └── CLAUDE.md      # Directory-specific overrides
└── tests/
    └── CLAUDE.md      # Test-specific instructions

Learn more about CLAUDE.md files →

Settings & Preferences

Claude Code stores user preferences and settings that persist across sessions:

• Model selection - Choose your preferred Claude model
• Output formatting - Customize how responses are displayed
• Safety settings - Configure approval requirements for file changes
• Theme preferences - Set your preferred color scheme

Explore all settings →

Quick Configuration Examples

Basic Project Setup

Create a CLAUDE.md at your project root:

# Project: My Web App

## Overview
This is a Next.js application with TypeScript.

## Tech Stack
- Next.js 14
- TypeScript
- Tailwind CSS
- Prisma ORM

## Conventions
- Use functional components with hooks
- Follow the existing code style
- Write tests for new features

Monorepo Configuration

For monorepos, you can have configuration at multiple levels:

# Monorepo Root CLAUDE.md

## Structure
- apps/web - Main web application
- apps/api - Backend API
- packages/ui - Shared components

## Guidelines
- Changes to packages/ require updating dependent apps
- Run tests before committing: `pnpm test`

Environment Variables

Some Claude Code features can be configured via environment variables:

| Variable | Description | |----------|-------------| | ANTHROPIC_API_KEY | Your API key for Claude | | CLAUDE_MODEL | Default model to use | | CLAUDE_CONFIG_DIR | Custom config directory |

Best Practices

1. Keep CLAUDE.md updated - As your project evolves, update the configuration
2. Be specific - Clear instructions lead to better assistance
3. Use directory-level configs - Override settings for specific parts of your codebase
4. Document conventions - Help Claude understand your coding standards

Next Steps

• Create your first CLAUDE.md file
• Explore all configuration settings
• Learn prompting strategies