model-effort-shortcuts

Claude Code Model Effort Shortcuts

A Claude Code plugin that changes the reasoning effort level and the model from the keyboard.

- The footer shows the model and level that the next request uses, for example Sonnet 5.5 · effort: high.
- Each key press adds a dim line to the transcript, for example Set to Sonnet 5.5 · effort: high. The model does not read it.
- The plugin saves your last model and your effort pick for each model. New sessions start with them.

Requirements

- Claude Code 2.1.287 or later. Hook modules are on by default. You do not need to turn them on.
- This plugin uses an early-access plugin API. The API can change between releases.
- claude plugin validate . passes on Claude Code 2.1.287.

Install

1. Add the marketplace and install the plugin in Claude Code:

2. Bind the keys in ~/.claude/keybindings.json:

   You can bind any key to the plugin's actions: strip:jump9 (effort up), strip:jump8 (effort down), strip:jump7 (next model), and strip:jump6 (previous model).

   Option+P opens the model picker by default. The Chat entry removes that default so that Option+P goes to the plugin. Use /model to open the model picker.

3. Set up your terminal (next section), then restart Claude Code.

Terminal setup

In Claude Code, meta is the Option key on macOS and the Alt key on other keyboards. Every shortcut must reach Claude Code as a Meta key.

- Option keys. The terminal must send Option as Meta. If it does not, the keys type characters, for example π for Option+P.
- Cmd keys. Terminals keep Cmd shortcuts for themselves. To use Cmd+E, Cmd+Shift+E, and Cmd+P, map each one in the terminal to send Esc followed by e, E, or p.

Ghostty (tested). Ghostty sends Option keys as Meta with no setup. For the Cmd keys, add these lines to the Ghostty config, then…