Command reference Β· Claude Code
/theme
Changes the color theme.
The /theme command opens the color scheme selector for Claude Code. Options include an auto setting that adapts to the light or dark terminal background, fixed light and dark variants, colorblind-friendly (daltonized) themes, and ANSI themes that use the terminal's own color palette. Custom themes from ~/.claude/themes/ and themes from installed plugins also appear. The "New custom themeβ¦" entry lets you interactively create your own theme: give it a name, then override individual color tokens; Ctrl+E on a selected custom theme reopens the editor. Technically, each custom theme is a JSON file with the optional fields name, base (a preset like dark or light-daltonized), and overrides. Claude Code watches the folder and picks up changes without a restart, except if the folder didn't exist yet at first launch β then a one-time restart is needed. Custom themes require Claude Code v2.1.118 or newer.
β WHEN TO USE IT?
Switching to a dark or light theme that matches the terminal
Call /theme and choose auto so the scheme automatically follows the terminal background
Creating a custom color scheme with adjusted accent colors
Open /theme, choose New custom themeβ¦, and override individual color tokens like error or success color
β WHEN NOT TO?
Changing the terminal's font, font size, or window size
/theme only controls colors within Claude Code, not the terminal display itself
Better: Use the terminal application's own settings
Customizing the status line with model, directory, or git branch
That's not part of /theme, but a separate status line configuration
Better: Use /statusline to set up a custom status line
SOURCES
- Claude Code docs (official) β code.claude.com