Global CLAUDE.md

core no always-loaded rules -- loads on demand updated 2026-08-04

Slim global CLAUDE.md that serves as the root configuration reference. Points to rules, commands, hooks, and settings without duplicating their content.

README

Global CLAUDE.md Module

Installs a slim ~/.claude/CLAUDE.md that serves as the root configuration reference for Claude Code.

What it does

The global CLAUDE.md is loaded in every Claude Code session before any other configuration. This module installs a minimal version that describes the configuration structure and points to the actual rule files, commands, hooks, and settings where behavior is defined.

Why it's slim

All behavioral rules live in their own files under ~/.claude/rules/. Duplicating rules in CLAUDE.md wastes context tokens (the same instructions load twice) and creates maintenance drift. This module ensures CLAUDE.md is a clean reference, not a monolithic config file.

Manual installation

mkdir -p ~/.claude
cp CLAUDE.md ~/.claude/CLAUDE.md

Will install

Path	Action	Target	Type
`CLAUDE.md`	→	`CLAUDE.md`	doc

Dependencies

No dependencies.

Required by

No other module depends on this one.

Included in presets

Install this module

Agent prompt

Recommended for agent users -- hands the whole install off to your assistant.

Fetch https://cd23a9be.ccgm-site.pages.dev/modules/global-claude-md.md and install this module into my Claude Code setup.

Native plugin marketplace

One command via the native plugin marketplace -- additive, does not merge settings.json.

claude plugin install global-claude-md@ccgm

The marketplace path is additive, not a replacement: it installs commands, agents, and skills as native plugin components, but it does not perform the bash installer's deep settings.json merge, and it does not write the always-loaded global CLAUDE.md context. Rules are only injected via an opt-in SessionStart hook rather than being auto-loaded. Use the bash installer when those pieces matter to you.

Manual, per file

Full control -- copy exactly the files you want from the sections below.

Files

doc (1)

CLAUDE.md

# Global Claude Code Instructions

These instructions apply to ALL repositories. Project-specific instructions go in each repo's `CLAUDE.md`.

## Configuration Structure

Global behavior is defined across these locations, all loaded automatically:

| Location | Purpose |
|----------|---------|
| `~/.claude/rules/soul.md` | AI personality, philosophy, reasoning principles, communication style |
| `~/.claude/rules/human-context.md` | User identity, goals, domain knowledge, working preferences |
| `~/.claude/rules/*.md` | Behavioral rules (autonomy, git workflow, code quality, debugging, etc.) |
| `~/.claude/commands/*.md` | Slash commands (/startup, /commit, /xplan, etc.) |
| `~/.claude/hooks/*.py` | Workflow automation (auto-approve, issue enforcement, tracking) |
| `~/.claude/settings.json` | Tool permissions and plugin configuration |

All rule files are managed by CCGM modules. To modify rules, edit the rule file directly or update the source module in the CCGM repo.

View source on GitHub

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