Install SuperClaude Framework Step (2026)

SuperClaude adds 30 slash commands, 16 specialized agents, and 7 behavioral modes to Claude Code. Here is the full installation process with verification at each step.

Prerequisites

  • Python 3.10+ installed (python3 --version)
  • pipx installed (pipx --version) — if not: python3 -m pip install --user pipx
  • Claude Code installed and working
  • Terminal access

Step 1: Install SuperClaude

pipx install superclaude

This installs SuperClaude in an isolated Python environment. Verify:

superclaude --version

Step 2: Run the Installer

superclaude install

The installer does several things:

  • Detects your Claude Code installation
  • Installs slash command definitions
  • Configures agent personalities
  • Sets up behavioral mode switching
  • Creates configuration files

Watch the output for any errors. A clean install ends with a success message listing the installed components.

Step 3: Verify Slash Commands

Start a Claude Code session:

claude

Test a slash command:

/help

SuperClaude’s /help should list all 30 available commands. Key commands to know:

  • /architect — Design system architecture
  • /code — Generate code with context awareness
  • /review — Perform code review
  • /debug — Diagnose and fix issues
  • /test — Generate tests
  • /deploy — Deployment assistance
  • /plan — Create project plans
  • /refactor — Refactor existing code

Step 4: Test Behavioral Modes

Switch between modes to verify they work:

/mode careful

In careful mode, Claude is more thorough, asks more questions, and produces more detailed output. Test the difference:

/mode fast

In fast mode, Claude prioritizes speed over thoroughness. The 7 available modes:

  1. careful — Thorough, detail-oriented
  2. fast — Quick, minimal
  3. teaching — Explains reasoning
  4. pair — Collaborative style
  5. autonomous — Minimal questions, maximum action
  6. review — Critical, analytical
  7. planning — Strategic, forward-looking

Step 5: Test an Agent

Invoke a specialized agent:

/architect

The architect agent should shift Claude’s behavior to focus on system design, component relationships, and scalability considerations. Ask it to design something and verify the output matches the architectural focus.

Verification Checklist

  • superclaude --version returns a version number
  • superclaude install completed without errors
  • /help lists all 30 commands in Claude Code
  • /mode careful changes Claude’s behavior noticeably
  • /architect activates the architecture-focused agent

Choosing Your Default Mode

After installation, select a default mode that matches your typical work style:

For careful, methodical developers: Set careful as your default. Claude asks more questions, provides more detailed output, and catches more edge cases.

For fast-moving prototypers: Set fast as your default. Claude makes reasonable assumptions and produces code quickly with minimal back-and-forth.

For developers learning a new codebase: Set teaching as your default. Claude explains its reasoning and teaches you about the code as it works.

For pair programming sessions: Set pair as your default. Claude acts as a collaborative partner, discussing approaches before coding.

You can always override your default with /mode [mode-name] during any session.

Command Reference Quick Sheet

Keep this reference handy during your first week:

Command Use When
/architect Designing system components
/code Writing new code
/review Reviewing existing code
/debug Diagnosing bugs
/test Generating tests
/refactor Improving existing code
/deploy Deployment tasks
/plan Project planning
/doc Writing documentation
/security Security auditing

The other 20 commands cover more specialized tasks. Explore them as your needs arise.

Troubleshooting

“superclaude: command not found”: pipx may not be on your PATH. Run pipx ensurepath and restart your terminal. On macOS, you may need to add export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH" to your ~/.zshrc.

Install fails with permission errors: Do not use sudo. pipx should install to your user directory. If using a system Python, install pipx with --user flag first: python3 -m pip install --user pipx.

Slash commands not appearing in Claude: Restart Claude Code after installation. SuperClaude’s commands are loaded at session start. If they still do not appear, run superclaude install again and check for error messages.

Mode switching has no visible effect: The effect is subtle in short responses. Test with a complex task (e.g., “review this 100-line file”) to see the behavioral difference between careful and fast modes. The difference is more pronounced with longer outputs.

Conflicts with existing commands: If you have custom slash commands with the same names, SuperClaude may override them. Rename your custom commands or configure SuperClaude to use a prefix. Check .claude/commands/ for name collisions.

Next Steps

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See Also

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