Folder CLAUDE.md Creation

When to Use

• Use when the user asks for folder-specific agent instructions or local context files.
• Use when a subdirectory needs a CLAUDE.md and AGENTS.md handoff for future agents.

Generate a focused CLAUDE.md inside a target folder, plus an AGENTS.md symlink pointing at it. The file gives any future agent (Claude Code, Codex, etc.) the folder-specific context the global CLAUDE.md doesn't cover.

Background reference: library/claude-code/claude-and-agents-md.md.

Process

Step 1: Confirm the target folder + sanity-check it deserves a file

Ask the user which folder. Use absolute path under ~/Documents/code/workspace/.

Only create a file if the folder has context needed across multiple sessions — active evolving work, specific conventions, ongoing decisions. A folder of static reference files does NOT need one (agents can read on demand). If unsure, ask the user.

Step 2: Read every file in the folder IN FULL

• Use ls -la first to enumerate files and subfolders.
• Read every markdown, config, and key source file.
• For large tldraw/Vite subprojects: read package.json, src/App.tsx, one representative module file, and the folder's own module-details.md-style files.
• Do NOT skim. Do NOT skip. The user's later edits depend on you having full context.

Step 3: Draft a bullet list of candidate content

Before writing the file, give the user a bullet list grouped by section — let them react first. Candidate sections (skip any that don't apply):

• Product / Purpose — what this folder/project is, current state, key metrics
• Avatar / Audience — who it's for (if applicable)
• Essential Files — one-line role for each important file, including cross-folder references (use @path/file.md import syntax)
• Constraints (MUST NOT) — explicit hard negatives. Highest-ROI content in the file.
• Conventions — the user's lingo, status emojis (✅ 🟡), naming patterns, "usually do" patterns
• Locked Decisions — things agreed + dated, must not re-litigate
• Context — history, authority, credibility that frames the work
• How to work with the user — collaboration style for this specific folder
• Marketing Angles / Positioning — if public-facing
• Top Insights — 3-5 most glaring signals from research (if research exists)

Step 4: Iterate with the user

• Keep answers short. The user will edit directly in the IDE.
• When they edit the file, RE-READ it and flag: contradictions, typos, missing rules, wrong categorization.
• Do not revert their edits unless asked.

Step 5: Write the file

• Path: <folder>/CLAUDE.md
• Start with a one-line header explaining the file's purpose.
• Subdir file marker: if this is a subdirectory file (parent folder already has its own CLAUDE.md), open with Apply root CLAUDE.md first, then this file.
• Use ## section headers matching the sections the user approved.
• Bullets over prose. Short bullets.
• Cross-folder references: use @relative/path/file.md import syntax, not prose mentions.
• Heavy reference docs: annotate with **Read when:** triggers (e.g. "Read when: writing offer copy"). Prevents loading every session.

Step 6: Create the AGENTS.md symlink

cd <folder> && ln -s CLAUDE.md AGENTS.md

Verify with ls -la CLAUDE.md AGENTS.md.

Step 7: Commit only when asked

Do NOT stage or push unless the user says to. When they do: git add -A, commit with a Day N: style message, push.

Rules

• Never invent content. Every bullet must trace back to something you read in the folder or something the user said. No generic boilerplate.
• Brevity wins. The user edits aggressively to make things shorter. Start tight.
• Folder-scoped only. Don't duplicate the global CLAUDE.md (personality, dates, ports, etc.). Only include what's specific to this folder.
• No file trees, no directory dumps, no stack details the code already shows. Anything an agent can derive from ls or grep rots fast and wastes tokens. Pin decisions, rules, and context — not structure.
• Constraints vs Conventions. Hard "MUST NOT" rules go in Constraints (explicit negatives). "Usually do X" patterns go in Conventions. Splitting these improves adherence.
• No absolute ALWAYS/NEVER without explicit exceptions. Edge cases make absolute rules get ignored. "Never commit secrets EXCEPT .env.example" beats "never commit secrets."

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