# How to use Claude Code with Subconscious

> To use Claude Code with Subconscious, install the Subconscious CLI with `npm install -g subconscious-cli`, run `subc login`, then run `subc claude`. subc points Claude Code at the Anthropic-compatible Subconscious API, so it runs on open models like GLM-5.3 Marathon, billed per token.

Canonical page: https://www.subconscious.dev/agents/terminal-and-ide/claude-code
Category: [Terminal and IDE agents](https://www.subconscious.dev/agents/terminal-and-ide)
Last verified: 2026-09-30
Claude Code: https://code.claude.com/docs/en/overview

## Before you start

- Node.js and npm, to install the subc CLI
- A Subconscious account

## Set up Claude Code

### 1. Install the Subconscious CLI

subc is the open-source Subconscious CLI. It signs you in, stores your API key, and wires coding agents to the Subconscious API.

```bash
npm install -g subconscious-cli
```

### 2. Log in

This opens your browser to sign in or create an account, then saves your API key and a ready-to-use default profile on your machine.

```bash
subc login
```

### 3. Launch Claude Code

subc launches your normal claude executable with the Subconscious gateway environment, context limits, subagent limits and usage reporting applied to that process. If Claude Code is not installed, subc offers to install it first.

```bash
subc claude
```

### 4. Pass Claude Code arguments through

Anything after the subcommand goes straight to Claude Code, so your usual flags keep working.

```bash
subc claude --continue
```

## Connection details

- OpenAI-compatible base URL: https://api.subconscious.dev/v1
- Anthropic-compatible base URL: https://api.subconscious.dev
- API key: From subc login or the Subconscious dashboard
- Model: subconscious/glm-5.3-marathon
- Multimodal, high-throughput model: subconscious/deepseek-v4.1-flash-marathon

Full API reference: https://docs.subconscious.dev

## Frequently asked questions

### Which model does Claude Code use on Subconscious?

The default model on your subc profile, subconscious/glm-5.3-marathon unless you change it. subconscious/deepseek-v4.1-flash-marathon is a cheaper, high-throughput alternative that also takes image input. Run subc with no arguments and choose Set default model to switch.

### Does subc change my Claude Code configuration?

subc launches your normal claude executable with the Subconscious gateway environment, context limits, subagent limits and usage reporting applied to that process. Any persistent change is a merge: subc never replaces your existing Claude Code config files.

### Is Claude Code on Subconscious OpenAI- or Anthropic-compatible?

This guide connects Claude Code through the Anthropic-compatible Subconscious API. Subconscious serves both formats: OpenAI Chat Completions at https://api.subconscious.dev/v1 and Anthropic Messages at https://api.subconscious.dev.

### How is Claude Code usage on Subconscious billed?

Per token by default, with no commitment. Heavy users can switch to a monthly token plan: a fixed price for a large daily token allowance shared across your team.