Slash Command Creator
Create effective Claude Code slash commands - reusable prompt templates stored as Markdown files.
Quick Reference
| Scope | Location | Label in /help |
|---|---|---|
| Project | .claude/commands/*.md | (project) |
| Personal | ~/.claude/commands/*.md | (user) |
File Structure
---
description: Brief description shown in /help
argument-hint: <required> [optional]
allowed-tools: Bash(git *), Read, Edit
model: claude-sonnet-4-20250514
disable-model-invocation: false
---
Your prompt template here with $ARGUMENTS or $1, $2, etc.
Variables
| Variable | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
$ARGUMENTS | All args as single string | /cmd foo bar -> "foo bar" |
$1, $2... | Positional args | /cmd foo bar -> $1="foo", $2="bar" |
@path/file | Include file contents | Review @src/main.py |
`!command` | Execute bash, include output | `!git status` |
Frontmatter Fields
| Field | Purpose | Default |
|---|---|---|
description | Shown in /help, enables discoverability | First line of prompt |
argument-hint | Shows in autocomplete | None |
allowed-tools | Restrict tool access | Inherits from conversation |
model | Override model | Inherits from conversation |
disable-model-invocation | Prevent auto-invocation | false |
Creation Process
- Identify the workflow - What repetitive task needs automation?
- Choose scope - Project-specific or personal?
- Design the prompt - Keep it focused on one task
- Add variables - Use
$ARGUMENTSfor flexibility - Set frontmatter - Add description and hints
- Test and iterate - Refine based on usage
When to Use Slash Commands vs Skills
Use slash commands for:
- Quick, single-file prompts
- Frequent manual invocations
- Simple templates and reminders
- Team workflows in version control
Use Skills instead for:
- Multi-file resources (scripts, references, assets)
- Complex workflows with validation
- Capabilities Claude should auto-discover
- Detailed procedural knowledge
Best Practices
- Meaningful names -
/review-prnot/rp - Clear descriptions - Help discoverability in /help
- Single responsibility - One task per command
- Use argument hints - Guide users on expected input
- Version control - Check into git for team sharing
- Abstract patterns - Make commands reusable across scenarios
References
Consult these resources when creating slash commands:
-
examples.md - Read when you need complete working examples or want to show the user reference implementations. Covers git workflows, code review, documentation, testing, scaffolding, and utilities.
-
patterns.md - Read when implementing specific features: variable handling, file inclusion (
@path), bash execution (`!cmd`), tool restrictions, multi-step workflows, or output formatting. -
template.md - Starting template for new commands. Copy and customize the structure.