How to get shorter Claude Code answers with the Concise output style

If Claude Code's answers feel long, switch the output style to Concise. The first sentence of a response states the result or the answer, and the lead-in, step-by-step narration and closing recap are left out. A simple question gets one to three sentences. The engineering work is done as thoroughly as in the Default style.

Inside a session, switch with the command.

/output-style concise

You can also pick Output style in /config. Both save your choice to the project's .claude/settings.local.json.

To make it the default across projects, set it in ~/.claude/settings.json.

{
  "outputStyle": "Concise"
}

The value in a settings file is case-sensitive. concise gives you the Default style, so write Concise. The /output-style command ignores case. A project's own settings files take precedence over the value in your user settings.

Claude still answers at full length when you ask for an explanation, and error reports, failing test output, security warnings and confirmations for destructive actions keep their complete content. The Concise style requires Claude Code v2.1.237 or later.