Start Your First Claude Code Session
Time to actually launch Claude Code. You'll open a terminal, run one command, sign in, and pick a model. Three minutes from here to a working session.
Start Your First Claude Code Session
Open Terminal
- Mac: Command + Space → "Terminal" → Enter
- Windows: Windows logo → "Command Prompt" → Enter
Launch Claude Code
Type this command and press Enter:
claudeSign In (if you haven't already)
The first time you run claude, you'll sign in, either through the browser with your Claude subscription or by pasting the API key you saved. After that, Claude Code remembers you.
If you're pasting an API key, it won't appear as you type. That's normal for security!
Choose a Model
Claude Code uses the sonnet model (Claude Sonnet 5) by default, the best balance of speed and quality for design work. Switch anytime with the /model command; try opus (Claude Opus 4.8) for heavier reasoning, or haiku for quick, simple tasks.
A few built-in shortcuts worth knowing. Type /model to switch models, /clear to start a fresh chat while keeping your project, /code-review to have Claude Code check your code for issues, and /help to see everything. Press Shift + Tab to toggle plan mode, where Claude Code shows its plan before it changes any files, which is great while you are learning.
You're inside Claude Code
- Opened a terminal session
- Launched Claude Code with the claude command
- Signed in and chose your model
Next: giving Claude Code a project folder to work in so your files don't end up scattered.