Claude Code NativeDifficulty: beginner
/compact
Free up context window by summarising the conversation so far — essential for long sessions to prevent context overflow.
Works with:Claude
When to Use
Use proactively before starting a new phase of work in the same session, or when Claude starts losing track of earlier context.
Usage Example
/compact /compact focus on the database migration work /compact keep the API contract decisions
Select Model
<skill name="/compact"> <purpose> # /compact — Claude Code Built-in Command ## What It Does Summarises the conversation history to **free up context window space**, while preserving rules, skills, and memory files. The summary replaces the raw conversation, keeping Claude focused without losing critical context. ## Usage ``` /compact ``` ### With focus instructions ``` /compact focus on the authentication refactor decisions /compact keep the API endpoint list and discard the debugging tangents ``` Focus instructions guide what the summary prioritises — useful when the session covered multiple unrelated topics. ## What Survives Compaction - Rules from `CLAUDE.md` and `.claude/settings.json` - Loaded skills (re-activated on demand) - Memory files (`MEMORY.md` / `~/.claude/MEMORY.md`) ## When to Use - Before starting a new phase of work in the same session - When you see Claude referencing old context incorrectly - When `/context` shows the window is getting full - Pro tip: use `/compact` before asking Claude to implement a new feature in a long session ## Alternative If you want a completely fresh context: use `/clear` instead (starts a new conversation; previous is accessible via `/resume`). </purpose> </skill>