---
url: https://cuonghuunguyen.github.io/features/prompt-box.md
---
# The prompt box

The box at the bottom of a session. You type prompts here, and pick the model, mode and effort.

## Keys

| Key | Does |
| --- | --- |
| Enter | Send |
| Shift+Enter | New line |
| Enter while Claude works | **Steer**: your message joins the running turn right away |
| Alt+Enter while Claude works (Option+Enter on a Mac) | **Queue**: your message waits and starts its own turn when Claude is idle |
| Esc | Stop the running turn (same as the **Stop** button) |
| Shift+Tab | Next [permission mode](permissions) |
| Ctrl+L | Jump to the prompt box from anywhere |

In **Settings > General > Sending** you can swap the two: Enter queues and Alt+Enter steers. The send button follows the same choice, and a hint above it shows the keys.

## Bash mode: `!`

1. Type `!` as the first character. The box turns into a shell prompt.
2. Type a command, for example `! npm test`, and press Enter.
3. It runs in the session's folder. The output shows in the timeline, and Claude sees it in the next turn.
4. **Stop** kills a command that hangs. To keep a long command running while you go on, click **Run in background** (Ctrl+Shift+B, see [Background shells](background-shells)).
5. Esc (or Backspace in an empty box) leaves bash mode.

While Claude works, a `!` command waits in the queue like a message and runs when the session is idle.

`!` also works in a new session's box: it starts the session and runs the command.

## Slash commands: `/`

* Type `/` to list commands and skills. Pick one with the arrows and Enter. Tab inserts it.
* A `/command` works in the middle of a message too, like in Claude Code.
* Some open a dialog instead of being sent: `/mcp`, `/skills` (or `/help`), `/plugins`, `/resume`. See [MCP, skills & plugins](config-dialogs).
* `/clear` starts a fresh session in the same tab.
* `/btw <question>` asks an [aside](aside) in a floating popup, also while Claude works.
* `/tasks` (or `/bashes`) opens the [Background shells](background-shells) list.

## Files and images

* Type `@` and part of a file name to mention a file.
* Paste or drop images into the box, or click **+** (**Add images and files**). PNG, JPEG, GIF and WebP go to Claude as images.
* Other files are uploaded and added to the prompt as a path.
* A large text paste (more than 800 characters or more than 2 line breaks) shows as a block `[Pasted text #1 +120 lines]` in the box and in the sent message. Click the block to read the text. Delete it like one character (Backspace). Claude gets the whole text. Several pastes get numbers #1, #2…

## Pickers under the box

Permission mode (see [Permissions & modes](permissions)), model, and thinking effort. On a phone they fold into one settings chip.

## Good to know

* The formatting row above the box writes plain Markdown. Its keys are on the [shortcuts page](../reference/shortcuts#in-the-prompt-box).
* What you type is saved as a draft in this browser. It survives a reload. Images are not saved in drafts.
* The ring next to the send button is the context meter. See [Usage & context](usage).