/context vs /compact
/context shows how full the context window is and what fills it; /compact frees space by summarizing the conversation.
Visualizes current context usage as a colored grid, offering optimization suggestions for context-heavy tools and memory bloat. It also displays capacity warnings, including how far over the limit you are and commands to free space when the conversation exceeds the context window.
Use it when
To see the usage grid and suggestions for context-heavy tools or memory bloat before deciding what to do.
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
To actually free space while keeping the conversation going.
More comparisons
Never mix them up again
/cards has a scenario quiz that asks which command fits the situation.