A Claude Code plugin, Claude HUD, provides real-time, always-visible insights into session activity, including context usage, tool execution, agent status, and task progress. It targets Claude Code users seeking enhanced visibility and control over their AI sessions, helping to prevent context exhaustion and monitor workflow efficiency.

How It Works

Claude HUD integrates directly with Claude Code's native statusline API, parsing JSON transcript data for tools, agents, and todos. This approach avoids external windows or tmux, providing real-time updates (~300ms) directly within the terminal using accurate, non-estimated token data.

Quick Start & Requirements

1. Add the marketplace: /plugin marketplace add jarrodwatts/claude-hud
2. Install the plugin: /plugin install claude-hud
3. Configure the statusline: /claude-hud:setup

• Prerequisites: Claude Code v1.0.80+, Node.js 18+ or Bun, Git. A Claude Pro, Max, or Team subscription is required to display usage limits.
• Setup: HUD appears immediately; no restart needed.
• Repository: https://github.com/jarrodwatts/claude-hud

Highlighted Details

• Real-time, native token data for context health, tool activity, agent tracking, and todo progress.
• Highly customizable via a guided setup or direct config file editing (~/.claude/plugins/claude-hud/config.json).
• Supports different layouts (default, separators) and configurable display elements (project path levels, git status, model, duration, usage limits).
• Usage limit tracking (5-hour and 7-day rates) for Pro/Max/Team subscribers.

Maintenance & Community

No specific details regarding notable contributors, sponsorships, or community channels (e.g., Discord, Slack) are provided in the README. Development guidelines are available in CONTRIBUTING.md.

Licensing & Compatibility

• License: MIT
• Compatibility: The MIT license permits commercial use and integration with closed-source projects.

Limitations & Caveats

Usage limit display is restricted to Claude Pro, Max, or Team subscribers; it is not available for API users. The plugin requires Claude Code v1.0.80+. Incorrect JSON configuration can lead to fallback defaults, and Git status requires the user to be within a Git repository. Tool, agent, and todo lines only appear when there is active processing to display.