CLAUDE_CODE_DEBUG_LOGS_DIR

Updated October 13, 2026 by Alex Sorokoletov

CLAUDE_CODE_DEBUG_LOGS_DIR is a Claude Code environment variable: Custom directory for debug logs. Present since v2.1.69 or earlier and still present in v2.1.294. It is listed in the official reference.

Status	Present in v2.1.294
Added	Present since v2.1.69 or earlier
Category	Debugging
Official docs	Listed

How to set it

For one session, export it in the shell that starts Claude Code:

export CLAUDE_CODE_DEBUG_LOGS_DIR=<value>
claude

To apply it to every session, add it to the env object of a settings file:

// ~/.claude/settings.json
{
  "env": {
    "CLAUDE_CODE_DEBUG_LOGS_DIR": "<value>"
  }
}

Release notes that mention it

Related variables

CLAUDE_CODE_DEBUG_LOG_LEVEL: Set debug logging verbosity level.
CLAUDE_CODE_DEBUG_REPAINTS: Enables debug logging for terminal repaint operations.
CLAUDE_DEBUG: Enable debug logging.
DEBUG
CLAUDE_CODE_YOU_SHOULD_KNOW_DEBUG
CLAUDE_RUNNER_DEBUG_LOG_PATH
ANTHROPIC_LOG: SDK internal logging level.
ANTHROPIC_PROFILE

Frequently asked questions

What does CLAUDE_CODE_DEBUG_LOGS_DIR do?

Custom directory for debug logs

Which Claude Code version has CLAUDE_CODE_DEBUG_LOGS_DIR?

Present since v2.1.69 or earlier and still present in v2.1.294.

How do I set CLAUDE_CODE_DEBUG_LOGS_DIR?

Export it before starting Claude Code (export CLAUDE_CODE_DEBUG_LOGS_DIR=value), or add it to the "env" object in ~/.claude/settings.json to apply it to every session.

All variables, searchable: Claude Code environment variables.