best-claude-hud CLI
A Claude Code status line displays the current model, Git state and context usage directly in the terminal
- 995 ★ on the repository
- Last commit
- Apache-2.0
Extended access
Why this level
- The utility reads project state and may consult the active transcript
- Setup replaces the user’s status-line command
- An optional patcher modifies an installed Claude Code file
Install
- Works in
In your terminal, with SkillFoxx CLI
npx skillfoxx add cli/best-claude-hudDetects the agents on your machine, shows the access level and pins the version.
Other ways to install
Access and checks
How we reviewExtended accessThe tool runs code or makes network calls and only reads external data.
- The utility reads project state and may consult the active transcript
- Setup replaces the user’s status-line command
- An optional patcher modifies an installed Claude Code file
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
best-claude-hud adds a configurable status line to Claude Code. It reads data the client supplies through standard input. The terminal footer shows the model, working directory and context usage. The line also shows the Git branch, uncommitted changes and conflicts. Optional segments display session and cost information when the client supplies it. A terminal menu lets you change segment order and appearance. Use `--theme` to choose a different theme for one rendering. A separate settings file controls third-party model names and displayed context sizes.
Who it is for. For terminal Claude Code users who want context and project status without separate commands.
Good fit when
- You need context usage visible during a long conversation
- Agent commands change directories but the status line should retain the launch workspace
- Different terminals need their own colors and segment selections
- Git branch and conflict status should appear alongside the model
Not a fit when
- You use another coding agent without Claude Code’s `statusLine` format
- You need a published native Linux ARM64 or Windows ARM64 build: those remain planned
- You require an exact provider invoice calculated from a status line
Example request
Configure best-claude-hud with a minimal theme and show the `statusLine` changes while retaining other Claude Code settings.Limitations
npm setup needs Node.js 18 or later, Claude Code with statusLine support and an ANSI-color terminal; no Rust compiler is needed. Setup edits ~/.claude/settings.json and backs it up when a status line exists; start a new session afterward. The optional patcher changes client code for context warnings, without increasing the model’s real limit; review the patch after client updates. Native Linux ARM64 and Windows ARM64 builds remain planned.
How to disable. Remove the utility’s `statusLine` block or restore the previous line from the settings backup. Run `npm uninstall -g best-claude-hud` and restart Claude Code. Restore any separately patched client file as a distinct step.
FAQ
How do I install best-claude-hud?
Run `npm install -g best-claude-hud@latest`, then `best-claude-hud --setup`. Start a new Claude Code session after setup.
How do I change status-line contents?
Run `best-claude-hud --config`. The menu selects segments, their order and the theme.
Where does context information come from?
Claude Code’s own `statusLine` data is preferred. If it is missing or temporarily empty, the program consults the active conversation transcript.
Do I need a Nerd Font?
Only for themes using those glyphs. Ordinary rendering works in a color-capable terminal.
How do I configure a third-party model name?
Edit `~/.claude/best-claude-hud/models.toml`. Each model pattern has a display name and context-window size. These values affect the status display, not the model’s capabilities.
What license does the utility use?
Apache-2.0.
Discussion
No questions or reviews yet.
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Comparison with similar tools
Cards that share the main search query, and how they differ.
| Tool | Official | Repository stars | Main difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| best-claude-hud (this card) | no | 995 | |
| ccstatusline | no | 13,533 | configures status widgets through a JavaScript utility; best-claude-hud uses a prebuilt Rust binary |
| Claude HUD | no | 29,113 | a plugin shows tool and subagent activity; best-claude-hud focuses on configurable status segments |
README in short
Themes can be stored in separate files. A declarative configuration is available for Nix installation. If Home Manager owns all of `~/.claude/settings.json`, migrate previous settings into the Nix configuration before activating it.