Configuration breakdown
What lean disables by default, how profiles compare, and what Custom mode can re-enable.
Four profiles (+ Both)
| # | Profile | Tools | System prompt | Thinking | Command |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ultra | 6 core | Custom minimal (.) | Off | claude-lean |
| 2 | Regular | 6 core | Claude Code default lean | Off | claude |
| 3 | Balanced ★ | 6 + Glob/Grep/TodoWrite | Claude Code default lean | On | claude |
| 4 | Both | 6 core | Ultra or Regular | Off | either |
| 5 | Custom | You choose | Wizard | Optional | Wizard |
Ultra → Regular → Balanced → Custom are the four profiles. Option 4 installs Ultra + Regular launchers together. Balanced is the recommended everyday default.
Files to edit later
| Path | Purpose |
|---|---|
~/.claude/settings.json | Deny list, effort, thinking, memory, disables |
~/.claude/output-styles/lean.md | Short output style |
~/.local/bin/claude-lean | Ultra launcher |
~/.claude/system-prompt-lean.txt | Ultra system prompt text |
~/.claude/claude-lean.conf | Custom tool list for claude-lean |
Always enabled (lean base)
Six tools: Bash · Read · Write · Edit · WebSearch · WebFetch
Defaults: effortLevel: medium, outputStyle: lean, OAuth kept (no --bare).
Balanced extras
Also enables: Glob · Grep · TodoWrite · thinking UI on. Still blocks MCP, Agent, skills, Task*, LSP, memory, hooks, CLAUDE.md, etc.
Disabled by default (lean base)
Environment flags
All set to off: auto memory, org memory, CLAUDE.md injection, skills, agents, advisor, attachments, git instructions, cron, background tasks, thinking.
Feature toggles
Hooks, bundled skills, workflows, remote control, connectors, artifact view, agent view, auto memory, thinking summaries — all off (Balanced turns thinking on).
Denied tools
Everything except the six core tools, including: Glob, Grep, Agent, Skill, TodoWrite, Task*, mcp__*, plan/worktree modes, LSP, and more.
Custom wizard packs
| Pack | Enables |
|---|---|
| search | Glob, Grep |
| todos | TodoWrite |
| tasks | TodoWrite, Task* |
| agents | Agent, plan/worktree modes |
| skills | Skill, bundled skills |
| mcp | MCP servers & tools |
| memory | Auto + org memory |
| claude_md | CLAUDE.md injection |
| thinking | Extended thinking UI |
| git | Git instructions |
| hooks | User hooks |
| cron | Cron & background tasks |
| comms | AskUserQuestion, messaging |
| extra | LSP, NotebookEdit, workflows, … |