/compact vs /autocompact

Frees up context by summarizing the conversation up to the current point. You can optionally provide focus instructions to guide the summary. This helps manage the context window without starting a new conversation.

Use it when

You want to compact at a natural break, with your own focus instructions.

Sets the auto-compact window, defining how full the context window gets before Claude Code automatically compacts it. You can specify a size or use "auto" for model-tuned settings. The value is saved to user settings and applied to the current session.

Use it when

You want to change the automatic threshold, or set it to auto for model-tuned settings. The value is saved to user settings.