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Model Configuration

Control which Claude model powers your sessions and agents. Choose between Opus for maximum capability, Sonnet for speed, or Haiku for lightweight tasks.

Configuration·2 sections·1 min read

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Install Prompt

Paste this into Claude Code to set it up:

Set your default model in Claude Code with /model or in your CLAUDE.md with explicit instructions. For agents, set the model in the agent frontmatter (model: opus, sonnet, or haiku). Each model has different strengths: Opus for complex reasoning and architecture, Sonnet for fast iteration, Haiku for simple lookups.

01What It Does

Pick the right brain for the job

Claude Code supports multiple Claude models, each optimized for different workloads. You can set a default model for your main session using the /model command, specify a model per agent in the YAML frontmatter, and even instruct Claude Code to use a specific model through your CLAUDE.md file. The model choice affects reasoning depth, response speed, and token cost. Choosing the right model for each task is one of the highest leverage configuration decisions you can make.

02Model Comparison

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OpusMaximum reasoning capability. Best for complex architecture decisions, multi file refactors, nuanced code review, and tasks requiring deep context understanding. Slower and more expensive, but produces the most thorough and accurate results.

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SonnetThe balanced choice for everyday development. Fast enough for interactive coding sessions while maintaining strong reasoning. Ideal for feature implementation, debugging, writing tests, and general purpose development work.

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HaikuLightweight and fast. Designed for simple, well defined tasks: quick lookups, basic file operations, straightforward edits, and repetitive tasks where speed matters more than depth. The most cost effective option for high volume, low complexity work.