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How to stop watching tool calls scroll by in Claude Code (without missing errors)

Long Claude Code runs print every file read, edit and command. Here is how to fold that scroll away while keeping errors, permission prompts and answers in full view.

By Tom Daluzeau ·

In short

Claude Code prints every tool call by default. To fold them without losing anything that needs you, install Asciimood (/plugin install asciimood --marketplace tmdlz/asciimood): routine tool calls become one grey line each, an animation shows what Claude is doing, and errors, permission prompts, questions and the final answer always stay in full.

Why the scroll is tiring

An agentic coding session is mostly Claude working on its own: it reads a dozen files, edits a few, runs the tests, reads the failure, edits again. Claude Code shows all of it, line by line. That is useful when you are debugging the agent, but most of the time you are waiting, and a terminal that never stops scrolling pulls your eyes back every few seconds.

What you actually need while you wait is short: is it still working, what kind of thing is it doing, and does it need me?

What should never be hidden

Any approach that hides output has to keep four things visible, or it becomes dangerous:

  1. Errors: a failed command or edit is where you may need to step in.
  2. Permission prompts: Claude is blocked until you answer.
  3. Questions: when Claude asks you to choose, or to approve a plan.
  4. The final answer: what Claude did and what it found.

Folding the scroll with Asciimood

Asciimood is a free Claude Code plugin built for exactly this. Once installed:

  • each routine tool call shrinks to one grey line, such as · Read package.json or · Bash npm test;
  • above the prompt, an ASCII animation plays and changes with Claude's state: thinking, reading, writing, running, error, done;
  • a status line shows the current action and how long the turn has been running;
  • the four things above are never folded, and on an error the frame turns red.
/plugin install asciimood --marketplace tmdlz/asciimood

If you want the full output back for a while, switch folding off on your setup page (type /asciimood); it applies within seconds.

Other ways to quiet Claude Code

  • Run it in the background of your attention. Put Claude Code in its own terminal tab or window and check it when the animation or status changes, instead of reading along.
  • Use a status line. Claude Code supports a custom status line (see /statusline), handy for showing the model, the branch or the directory at the bottom of the screen.
  • Keep tasks small. Shorter, well-scoped prompts give shorter runs and less to watch, whatever you install.

Frequently asked questions

Can I hide tool calls in Claude Code?

Yes, with the free Asciimood plugin: each routine tool call folds into one grey line while an animation shows what Claude is doing. Errors, permission prompts, questions and the final answer are never folded.

Is hiding tool output risky?

Only if it hides what needs you. Asciimood never folds errors, failed tool calls, permission prompts, questions or Claude's answer, and you can switch folding off at any time from the setup page.

How do I see the full tool output again?

Type /asciimood in Claude Code to open your setup page and turn folding off. It applies within seconds, without a restart.