How to use slash commands on Claude

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18

Quick Answer

Slash commands on Claude are shortcuts that help you quickly access specific features or set conversation contexts. Simply type a forward slash (/) in the chat input field to see available commands and select the one you need.

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Prerequisites

Active Claude account
Access to Claude web interface or mobile app
Basic understanding of chat interfaces
Internet connection

Step-by-Step Instructions

Access the Claude chat interface

Open your web browser and navigate to claude.ai or launch the Claude mobile app. Log in to your account and click on Start New Chat or select an existing conversation.

Make sure you're using the latest version of your browser for the best experience.

Type the slash character

In the message input box at the bottom of the screen, type a forward slash /. As soon as you type the slash, a dropdown menu will appear showing all available slash commands.

You can also type part of a command name after the slash to filter the options.

Browse available commands

Review the list of available commands that appears. Common commands include:

/help - Get assistance and documentation
/clear - Clear the current conversation
/summarize - Summarize previous conversation
/translate - Set up translation mode

Hover over each command to see a brief description of what it does.

Select a command

Click on the desired command from the dropdown list, or use your keyboard arrow keys to navigate and press Enter to select. The command will be inserted into your message field.

You can also type the full command name and press Tab to auto-complete it.

Add parameters if needed

Some commands require additional parameters or text. After selecting a command, add any necessary information after the command. For example: /translate to Spanish Hello, how are you?

Commands with parameters will often show placeholder text to guide you.

Execute the command

Press Enter or click the Send button to execute the slash command. Claude will process the command and respond accordingly, either performing the requested action or asking for clarification.

Some commands take effect immediately, while others may require additional input from you.

Use command shortcuts

Once you're familiar with commands, you can type them directly without waiting for the dropdown. Simply type / followed by the command name and any parameters, then press Enter.

Create custom shortcuts by combining frequently used commands with your specific parameters.

View command history

Access your recent slash commands by pressing the up arrow key in the input field, or look for a Command History option in the chat settings menu to reuse previous commands.

Command history is saved per conversation and resets when you start a new chat.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Slash command dropdown doesn't appear

Make sure you're clicking in the message input field first, then type /. If it still doesn't work, try refreshing the page or clearing your browser cache.

Command not recognized or working

Double-check the command spelling and ensure you're using the correct syntax. Some commands may not be available in all regions or account types. Try typing /help to see available commands.

Parameters not being accepted

Review the command format requirements. Many commands need specific parameter formats. Use /help [command name] to get detailed syntax information for specific commands.

Commands work inconsistently

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and try logging out and back in. Some commands may have usage limits or require specific conversation contexts to function properly.

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official Claude website before purchasing.

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