What is the claude:// URL scheme?

The claude:// URL scheme is a custom deep linking protocol for the Claude Desktop app on macOS and Windows. It allows other applications, websites, or scripts to trigger the app and navigate directly to specific features. This functions similarly to how standard web links work but targets the local desktop application instead of a browser.

How do I pre-fill a prompt in Claude Desktop using a link?

You can pre-fill a prompt by adding the q parameter to a claude:// URL. When the link is opened, Claude Desktop launches and populates the message field with your text. The system supports up to approximately 14,000 characters of URL-encoded text for these automated prompt compositions.

Can I use deep links to start a Claude Code session?

Yes, you can start a new Claude Code session using the claude://code/new path. These links support parameters for the initial prompt and the working directory folder path. This allows developers to build custom buttons in their own tools that instantly launch the AI coding agent with the correct repository context already loaded.

Are deep links in Claude Desktop secure for local files?

Anthropic treats any folder path supplied through a deep link as untrusted for security reasons. Even if you have previously trusted a specific directory, Claude Desktop will always display a confirmation dialog before adopting it as a working directory. This ensures that external links cannot force the AI to access local files without your explicit permission.

Which versions of Claude support deep links?

Deep links are specifically designed for the Claude Desktop application on macOS and Windows. While the links use the claude.ai domain structure, they require the installed desktop app to function correctly. If the app is not currently running when a link is clicked, the operating system will automatically launch it before navigating to the requested session.

Anthropic Adds Deep Links to Trigger Claude Desktop From External Apps

Agentic Coding

Claude

Claude Code

AI Agent

Performance

Published Apr 24, 2026

Anthropic Adds Deep Links to Trigger Claude Desktop From External Apps

Anthropic added support for the claude:// URL scheme to its Claude Desktop applications for macOS and Windows. This deep linking capability (launching specific app content via a URL) allows external software to programmatically open the app. Users can now trigger sessions from a terminal command or browser link.

This update bridges the gap between local operating systems and AI assistants. It builds on the parallel agentic sessions recently introduced to the desktop app by allowing those sessions to be initiated from external developer tools. Anthropic is simplifying the handoff between workspaces and AI agents.

You can now create "Open in Claude" buttons that pre-fill prompts using the q parameter. For agentic coding tasks, links can specify a working directory via the folder parameter. The app always prompts for confirmation before accessing local files. These links are available now for all desktop users.

Read the full update →

Frequently asked questions

What is the claude:// URL scheme?: The claude:// URL scheme is a custom deep linking protocol for the Claude Desktop app on macOS and Windows. It allows other applications, websites, or scripts to trigger the app and navigate directly to specific features. This functions similarly to how standard web links work but targets the local desktop application instead of a browser.
How do I pre-fill a prompt in Claude Desktop using a link?: You can pre-fill a prompt by adding the q parameter to a claude:// URL. When the link is opened, Claude Desktop launches and populates the message field with your text. The system supports up to approximately 14,000 characters of URL-encoded text for these automated prompt compositions.
Can I use deep links to start a Claude Code session?: Yes, you can start a new Claude Code session using the claude://code/new path. These links support parameters for the initial prompt and the working directory folder path. This allows developers to build custom buttons in their own tools that instantly launch the AI coding agent with the correct repository context already loaded.
Are deep links in Claude Desktop secure for local files?: Anthropic treats any folder path supplied through a deep link as untrusted for security reasons. Even if you have previously trusted a specific directory, Claude Desktop will always display a confirmation dialog before adopting it as a working directory. This ensures that external links cannot force the AI to access local files without your explicit permission.
Which versions of Claude support deep links?: Deep links are specifically designed for the Claude Desktop application on macOS and Windows. While the links use the claude.ai domain structure, they require the installed desktop app to function correctly. If the app is not currently running when a link is clicked, the operating system will automatically launch it before navigating to the requested session.

Frequently asked questions

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