Appendix C: Sample CLAUDE.md Templates#
Template 1: General Project#
Example CLAUDE.md (general project template):
# Project: [Name]
## Overview
[One paragraph describing the project, its goals, and expected output]
## Key Stakeholders
- [Name/Role]: [Their involvement]
## Deliverables
- [ ] [Deliverable 1]
- [ ] [Deliverable 2]
## Decisions Made
- [Date]: [Decision and rationale]
## Rules
- [Rule 1]
- [Rule 2]
## File Structure
- /data/ — Raw inputs and source files
- /output/ — Final deliverables
- /memory/ — Supplementary context for Claude
## Progress
- [Phase 1]: [Status]
- [Phase 2]: [Status]
## Known Issues
- [Issue and workaround]
Template 2: Content Project#
Example CLAUDE.md (content project template):
# Content Project: [Name]
## Overview
[What content we're producing, for what platform, targeting what audience]
## Writing Style
- Tone: [e.g., Conversational but authoritative]
- Format: [e.g., Bold topic headers, concise bullets, data-forward]
- Length: [e.g., 800-1200 characters for LinkedIn]
- Output format: RTF (not markdown)
## Anti-patterns (DO NOT)
- Do not use exclamation points
- Do not use cliches like "in today's fast-paced world"
- Do not use the word "leverage" or "synergy"
## Source Material
- [File path to reference material]
- [File path to style examples]
## Content Pipeline
1. Research/gather raw material
2. Create analysis/visualization if data-driven
3. Write caption/post with 3+ hook options
4. Review and refine
5. Save as RTF to /output/
## Completed Pieces
- [Date]: [Topic] — [File path]
Template 3: Website Project#
Example CLAUDE.md (website project template):
# Website Project: [Name]
## Overview
[What the website is for, target audience, design direction]
## Design Direction
- Aesthetic: [e.g., Modern editorial, hand-drawn sketch, minimal corporate]
- Color palette: [Primary, secondary, accent colors]
- Typography: [Font preferences or style]
- References: [URLs of sites with similar aesthetic]
## Pages
- Homepage: [Description]
- [Page 2]: [Description]
- [Page 3]: [Description]
## Technical Setup
- Framework: [e.g., Static HTML, Astro, Next.js]
- Hosting: Vercel (free tier)
- Repository: [GitHub URL]
- Analytics: Vercel Analytics enabled
## Deployment Process
1. Make changes in Claude Code
2. /commit-commands:commit
3. git push origin main
4. Vercel auto-deploys
## Design Decisions
- [Decision]: [Rationale]
## Known Issues
- [Issue]: [Status/workaround]