Ctrl+C in Claude Code

Interrupt a running operation, or clear the input. A second press on empty input exits.

Mac

Ctrl+C

Windows

Ctrl+C

Option-key shortcuts need your terminal to send Option as Meta on macOS. Source: Claude Code interactive mode docs, checked 2026-10-24.

More shortcuts

  • Ctrl+D: Exit the session (press twice). With text in the prompt it deletes the next character.
  • Ctrl+G: Open the prompt in your default text editor.
  • Ctrl+L: Redraw the screen, keeping input and history.

All keyboard shortcuts

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