Image attachment behavior changed in v2.1.195: binary images now sent as file paths instead of inline

Description

Before v2.1.195, images pasted or dragged into the Claude Code terminal were sent as inline binary data (shown as [Image #N] in the conversation). Starting from v2.1.195 (released 2026-06-26), images are now sent as file paths instead, requiring Claude to read the file via the Read tool.

Steps to Reproduce

1. Use Claude Code v2.1.195
2. Take a screenshot and drag/paste it into the terminal input
3. The file path appears in the message instead of being embedded as binary

Expected Behavior

Image embedded as binary data (as in v2.1.193 and earlier)

Actual Behavior

File path is pasted as text (e.g. /var/folders/.../screenshot.png), and Claude must use the Read tool to view it — this adds an extra permission prompt each time

Version

• Claude Code: 2.1.195
• OS: macOS
• Last working version: 2.1.193