Allow configurable auto-compact threshold for main conversation

Resolved 💬 2 comments Opened Feb 10, 2026 by aapatel Closed Mar 12, 2026

Feature Request

Problem

CLAUDE_AUTOCOMPACT_PCT_OVERRIDE currently only applies to subagents. The main conversation auto-compacts at a hardcoded ~95% context capacity threshold with no way to configure it.

For long sessions (complex multi-file features, debugging, etc.), by the time compaction kicks in at 95%, valuable context has already been competing for space and the compaction can be aggressive. Users who prefer earlier, gentler compaction have no option other than manually running /compact.

Proposed Solution

Extend CLAUDE_AUTOCOMPACT_PCT_OVERRIDE (or introduce a new setting like autoCompactThreshold) to also apply to the main conversation, not just subagents.

For example:

export CLAUDE_AUTOCOMPACT_PCT_OVERRIDE=60

or in settings.json:

{
  "autoCompactThreshold": 60
}

This would trigger auto-compaction at 60% context capacity for both the main conversation and subagents.

Why This Matters

  • Proactive compaction at a lower threshold keeps conversations more focused and avoids the "cliff edge" at 95%
  • Consistency — users expect the env var to apply globally, not just to subagents
  • Long sessions benefit from earlier compaction since it can preserve more relevant context when there's still headroom

Current Workaround

Manually running /compact periodically, which interrupts flow and requires the user to remember to do it.

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