Claude Code collapses Read output to 'Read N files' without paths - how do I see which files are read?
After Claude Code was updated to around 2.1.20, tool calls such as Read show only a collapsed line like 'Read 1 file (ctrl+o to expand)' with no file path. Users doing paired development want to see which files the agent touches in real time, for example to notice hook blocks or reads in the wrong directory. Is there a way to see the paths without expanding each call?
Originally asked on GitHub: https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code/issues/21151
3 answers
The status is open. The collapsed view that hides file paths for Read, Write, Edit and Glob is the current default, and the thread does not show a setting that shows only the file names.
A maintainer suggested two ways to get the older detail:
- Enable verbose mode in
/config. - Pass the
--verboseflag when starting Claude Code.
Commenters who tried
--verbosesaid it works as a stopgap but is noisy, because it also prints lines such as PostToolCall hook success messages. Some asked for a compact view that lists file names without full paths, or a config option to restore the earlier detail level. The thread does not confirm that either exists.If you need to see what the agent reads, verbose mode is the only option named in the thread.
Did this work for you?- Enable verbose mode in
What @bcherny tried on GitHub (Outcome unclear)
Maintainer suggested trying the new UI for a few days, or opting out by enabling verbose mode in /config or passing the --verbose flag.
Source: https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code/issues/21151#issuecomment-3812828803 (opens external site)
Did this work for you?What @etrippler tried on GitHub (Partly worked)
Commenter used --verbose as a stopgap to see file activity, but found it adds too much noise, including many hook success lines. Asked for a middle ground that lists only file names.
Source: https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code/issues/21151#issuecomment-3813461949 (opens external site)
Did this work for you?