Claude Code /statusline — Customize the Terminal's Bottom Status Line

When you're absorbed in work, a moment comes when you get confused: "which model am I working with right now, and in which folder?" /statusline is a command that customizes the status line to always display this information at the very bottom of the terminal.

Definition (what it is)

/statusline is a command that customizes the status line at the bottom of the terminal.

The status line is the area that sits as one line at the very bottom of the screen, showing current information. Displaying information there, such as the model in use or the working folder, keeps your work context always in view without covering the main content. Because it deals with display settings, it's classified as intermediate.

How to use it (by level)

Basic — Configure the status line

Type this in the input box.

/statusline

This starts the procedure for configuring what information to display in the status line. Just follow the guidance and choose the items to show.

Applied — Auto-configure based on the shell prompt

If you enter it as-is with no extra arguments, the status line is automatically configured based on the shape of your usual shell prompt (the guidance text that appears just before you enter a command in the terminal).

/statusline

The information is captured in the shape you're familiar with from your existing environment, so you can use it naturally without touching it separately.

Real-world example

It fits well when working across multiple folders and models. Keeping the current model and working folder always shown in the status line reduces the mistake of running a command in the wrong place and keeps you from losing context.

Taking it further

Touching it alongside /config, which handles overall screen settings, or /theme, which sets colors and themes, lets you refine the status line to your taste for better viewing. Once configured, it stays in place, so we recommend spending some time early to cleanly set it up around the information you need.

Wrap-up

/statusline is a command that customizes the terminal's bottom status line. Keeping work information like model and folder always shown means you won't lose context. Typing it with no arguments auto-configures it based on the shell prompt, so try it as-is first and then refine it to your needs.

Based on Claude Code v2.1.154 (2026.05)