CLAUDE_PROJECT_DIR
Updated by Alex Sorokoletov
CLAUDE_PROJECT_DIR is a Claude Code environment variable: Override project directory. Present since v2.1.69 or earlier and still present in v2.1.294. It is not in the official reference.
| Status | Present in v2.1.294 |
|---|---|
| Added | Present since v2.1.69 or earlier |
| Category | Other |
| Official docs | Not listed |
How to set it
For one session, export it in the shell that starts Claude Code:
export CLAUDE_PROJECT_DIR=<value>
claudeTo apply it to every session, add it to the env object of a settings file:
// ~/.claude/settings.json
{
"env": {
"CLAUDE_PROJECT_DIR": "<value>"
}
}Release notes that mention it
- Claude Code v2.1.143 — 27 New Env Vars, /goal, Agent View, and a Free Model Upgrade
- Claude Code Version Tracker: Undocumented Env Vars, Feature Gates & Models
- 83 Undocumented Claude Code Environment Variables (v2.1.19)
Related variables
CLAUDE_CODE_PROJECT_DIR_NAMECLAUDE_TEST_PROJECT_DIRCLAUDE_CONFIG_DIR: Custom config directory.CLAUDE_JOB_DIR: Working directory for a background job, independent of the daemon's own cwd.CLAUDE_CODE_DIR_SYNC_ARCHIVECLAUDE_CODE_DIR_SYNC_ENGINECLAUDE_CODE_DIR_SYNC_FFWDCLAUDE_CODE_DIR_SYNC_GIT
Frequently asked questions
What does CLAUDE_PROJECT_DIR do?
Override project directory
Which Claude Code version has CLAUDE_PROJECT_DIR?
Present since v2.1.69 or earlier and still present in v2.1.294.
How do I set CLAUDE_PROJECT_DIR?
Export it before starting Claude Code (export CLAUDE_PROJECT_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.