CLAUDE.md

The file format for instructions in Claude Code, loaded into the context window at session start to give the model persistent context.

Definition

CLAUDE.md is a plain markdown file that Claude Code loads at session start to provide persistent instructions. Files live at four scopes: managed policy (org-wide), user (~/.claude/CLAUDE.md), project (repo root), and subdirectory (loaded on demand), with more specific scopes taking precedence. CLAUDE.md is not enforcement — the instructions are loaded into the model’s context, but the model may not follow them. For enforcement, see hooks.

Source

• Manage Claude’s memory - Claude Code Docs

Related

• Instructions
• Hooks
• behavioral-modeling
• Context Window