gh-devstefancho-claude-plugins-scaffold-claude-feature/skills/scaffold-claude-feature/references/output-styles.md

Output Styles Reference

Quick reference for creating custom output styles.

Structure

Markdown file with frontmatter:

---
name: My Style
description: Brief description shown in UI
keep-coding-instructions: false
---

# Custom Style Instructions

Your custom system prompt additions here.
Define how Claude should behave in this style.

Location

• Project: .claude/output-styles/style-name.md
• Personal: ~/.claude/output-styles/style-name.md

Key Fields

• name - Display name (optional, defaults to filename)
• description - Shown in /output-style menu
• keep-coding-instructions - Keep Claude's coding instructions (default: false)

Activation

• /output-style - Open menu to select
• /output-style style-name - Switch directly
• Saved in .claude/settings.local.json

How It Works

Output styles modify the system prompt:

• Removes efficiency instructions (concise output)
• Removes coding instructions (unless keep-coding-instructions: true)
• Adds your custom instructions

Simple Examples

Teacher mode:

---
name: Teacher
description: Educational mode with explanations
keep-coding-instructions: true
---

# Teacher Mode

You help users learn while coding.

Behavior:
- Explain your reasoning
- Share insights between tasks
- Ask questions to check understanding
- Encourage hands-on practice

Formal mode:

---
name: Formal
description: Professional, detailed responses
---

# Formal Mode

You provide formal, professional assistance.

Style:
- Use formal language
- Provide detailed explanations
- Structure responses clearly
- Include relevant references

Quick mode:

---
name: Quick
description: Minimal, direct responses
keep-coding-instructions: true
---

# Quick Mode

Provide minimal, direct responses.

- Short answers
- Code only when needed
- No extra explanations

Tips

• Set keep-coding-instructions: true for coding tasks
• Clear behavior guidelines work best
• Test with different request types
• Use for non-coding tasks (research, writing, etc.)

Built-in Styles

• Default - Standard software engineering
• Explanatory - Adds educational insights
• Learning - Collaborative learn-by-doing

Comparison

• Output Styles - Change system prompt, affect all responses
• CLAUDE.md - Add context, doesn't change system prompt
• Subagents - Separate tasks, own context
• Slash Commands - Reusable prompts