Claude Code settings are JSON-based configuration files that define how Claude Code operates within your development environment. Stored at .claude/settings.json for project-level configuration or ~/.claude/settings.json for global defaults, these files control everything from tool permissions and model selection to MCP server connections, hook automations, and security policies. Settings are the foundation of a customized, secure, and team-consistent Claude Code deployment.
The settings architecture in Claude Code follows a layered precedence model. At the base layer, Anthropic provides sensible defaults that work for most individual developers. The global settings file at ~/.claude/settings.json sits on top of those defaults and applies personal preferences across every project on your machine. Project-level settings at .claude/settings.json override global values for that specific repository, enabling teams to enforce consistent configurations through version control. Finally, .claude/settings.local.json provides machine-specific overrides that stay out of version control for sensitive values like local paths or API tokens.
Permissions management is the most critical aspect of Claude Code settings. The allowedTools array defines which tools Claude can use without asking for approval. Common entries include Read, Write, Bash, Glob, and Grep. You can use glob-style patterns to restrict scope, for example allowing Write(src/**) to permit file writes only within the source directory while blocking writes to configuration files at the project root. The denyTools array provides an explicit blocklist that takes precedence over all allow rules, giving security teams a hard stop for dangerous operations.
Model selection through settings allows teams to standardize which AI model Claude Code uses. While Claude Code defaults to the latest available model, enterprise teams often pin to a specific model version for consistency and cost predictability. The model key in settings accepts any supported Anthropic model identifier, and project-level overrides let performance-critical repositories use more capable models while routine projects use cost-efficient alternatives.
MCP server configuration is where settings become particularly powerful. The mcpServersobject defines connections to Model Context Protocol servers that extend Claude Code's capabilities with external tools and data sources. Each server entry specifies a command to launch the server, optional arguments, and environment variables. Teams use MCP servers to connect Claude Code to databases, internal APIs, documentation systems, project management tools, and custom toolchains. Project-level MCP configurations ensure that every developer on a team has access to the same extended capabilities without manual setup.
Hook configuration within settings defines automated scripts that run at specific points during Claude Code operations. The hooks object maps event names like PreToolUse and PostToolUse to arrays of hook definitions. Each hook specifies a matcher pattern to filter which tools trigger it and a command to execute. Hooks configured in settings are more reliable than ad-hoc scripts because they load automatically when Claude Code starts and apply consistently across all sessions. Security-conscious teams use settings-based hooks to enforce code scanning, secret detection, and compliance logging on every tool invocation.
Telemetry and privacy settings give developers control over what data Claude Code collects and transmits. The settings file can disable telemetry entirely, restrict data collection to specific categories, or configure custom endpoints for enterprise logging systems. These controls are essential for teams working under data governance regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, or SOC 2, where understanding and limiting data flow is a compliance requirement rather than a preference.
This directory contains 7 curated settings templates covering the most common configuration patterns. Each template has been validated for correctness, documented with inline comments explaining every key, and categorized by use case. Whether you need a security-hardened configuration for enterprise deployment, a streamlined setup for solo development, or a team-shared template that balances productivity with guardrails, you will find production-ready solutions below.