Feature: Switch working directory and start new session via chat command in desktop app

[ydm1475]

Feature Request

Problem

In the Claude Code desktop app (Code mode), every time I want to work on a different project, I have to:

1. Manually click the "New Session" button
2. Manually browse and select the target directory

This is tedious when frequently switching between projects.

Proposed Solution

Allow users to switch the working directory and start a new session by sending a chat message directly in the desktop app's Code mode. For example:

open ~/Desktop/my-project

or

/cd ~/Desktop/my-project

Claude Code would then:

• Switch the working directory to the specified path
• Automatically start a new session in that directory (or offer to)

Why This Matters

• Efficiency: Power users switch between projects frequently. A chat-based command is much faster than clicking through UI dialogs.
• Consistency: The CLI version already supports cd /path && claude — the desktop app should have an equivalent workflow.
• Natural interaction: Users are already typing commands to Claude; directory switching fits naturally into this flow.

Current Workaround

Use the CLI version with aliases like:

alias cc-proj="cd ~/project && claude"

But this defeats the purpose of having a desktop app.

Environment

• Claude Code Desktop App (macOS)
• macOS 14.x

[github-actions]

Closing for now — inactive for too long. Please open a new issue if this is still relevant.

[github-actions]

This issue has been automatically locked since it was closed and has not had any activity for 7 days. If you're experiencing a similar issue, please file a new issue and reference this one if it's relevant.