[FEATURE] Per-query effort level with auto-revert
Resolved 💬 3 comments Opened Mar 19, 2026 by avetisk Closed May 24, 2026
Preflight Checklist
- [x] I have searched existing requests and this feature hasn't been requested yet
- [x] This is a single feature request (not multiple features)
Problem Statement
Summary
Add the ability to set effort level for a single query, automatically reverting to the previous level afterward.
Use case
When working in interactive mode at medium effort, occasionally a complex question needs high or max effort. Currently you must manually /effort high, ask the question, then
/effort medium — easy to forget the revert.
Proposed Solution
A syntax like:
- /effort high --once — apply to next query only
- claude --effort-once high — in -p mode
- Or a keyboard shortcut that temporarily boosts effort for one turn
Alternative Solutions
- Skills can't modify session settings
- Hooks can't change effort programmatically
- Manual toggle works but is error-prone
Priority
High - Significant impact on productivity
Feature Category
Interactive mode (TUI)
Use Case Example
- I have a question which requires high effort
- Then I move to lots of simple questions.
- I will waste a lot of time and tokens because I would have forgetten to switch back to low effort.
Additional Context
_No response_
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