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: sonnet
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
$ARGUMENTS for 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-pr not /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.
