Checkpoints and permission modes

Every file edit is reversible. Before Claude edits any file, it snapshots the current contents. Press Esc twice to rewind, or ask Claude to undo. Checkpoints are local to your session and separate from git — they only cover file changes. Actions with external side effects (databases, APIs, deployments) can't be checkpointed, which is why Claude asks first.

Press Shift+Tab to cycle permission modes:

Mode	Behavior
Default	Claude asks before file edits and shell commands
Auto-accept edits	Edits files and runs common filesystem commands (mkdir, mv) without asking
Plan mode	Explores and proposes a plan without editing source files
Auto mode	Evaluates all actions with background safety checks (research preview)

You can also allow specific trusted commands in .claude/settings.json so Claude doesn't ask each time:

{
  "permissions": {
    "allow": [
      "Bash(npm test *)",
      "Bash(git status)"
    ],
    "deny": [
      "Bash(rm -rf *)"
    ]
  }
}

Check your understanding

Question 1What can checkpoints NOT undo?

Question 2Which keystroke cycles permission modes?

Question 3What does Plan mode do?