Transcript
The saved file record of a session. See what it is, how it works, how it is used and what to watch for, with pictures and examples.
What it is
A transcript is the saved file record of a session. The conversation is what you and say to each other; the transcript is that conversation kept as a file. saves it continuously as you work, so you can come back after you exit or run /clear. When you resume, Claude Code reads the file back and restores the messages, and results.
How it works
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You work in a session
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Each message is saved as a line
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You exit or clear
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Resume reads the file back
How to use it
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~/.claude/projects/<project>/<session-id>.jsonlthe default place, one object per line.
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claude --continueorclaude --resumereopen the latest session or pick one from a list.
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/exportcopy the conversation or save it as a plain-text file people can read.
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cleanupPeriodDayschanges how long transcripts are kept (30 days by default).
Watch out
The line format is internal to Claude Code and changes between , so scripts that read these files directly can break; use /export or claude -p with JSON output instead. Old transcripts are deleted after the retention period. A transcript file is different from the on-screen transcript viewer, which only shows the same conversation.
Related terms
Original and official docs
This page explains the term in plain words. The original is the authority: if they differ, follow the original.
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