Use this tool ONLY when explicitly instructed to work in a worktree — either by the user directly, or by project instructions (CLAUDE.md / memory). This tool creates an isolated git worktree and switches the current session into it.
- The user explicitly says "worktree" (e.g., "start a worktree", "work in a worktree", "create a worktree", "use a worktree")
- CLAUDE.md or memory instructions direct you to work in a worktree for the current task
- The user asks to create a branch, switch branches, or work on a different branch — use git commands instead
- The user asks to fix a bug or work on a feature — use normal git workflow unless worktrees are explicitly requested by the user or project instructions
- Never use this tool unless "worktree" is explicitly mentioned by the user or in CLAUDE.md / memory instructions
- Must be in a git repository, OR have WorktreeCreate/WorktreeRemove hooks configured in settings.json
- Must not already be in a worktree
- In a git repository: creates a new git worktree inside
.claude/worktrees/on a new branch. The base ref is governed by theworktree.baseRefsetting:fresh(default) branches from origin/;headbranches from your current local HEAD - Outside a git repository: delegates to WorktreeCreate/WorktreeRemove hooks for VCS-agnostic isolation
- Switches the session's working directory to the new worktree
- Use ExitWorktree to leave the worktree mid-session (keep or remove). On session exit, if still in the worktree, the user will be prompted to keep or remove it
Pass path instead of name to switch the session into a worktree that already exists (e.g., one you just created with git worktree add). The path must appear in git worktree list for the current repository — paths that are not registered worktrees of this repo are rejected. ExitWorktree will not remove a worktree entered this way; use action: "keep" to return to the original directory.
name(optional): A name for a new worktree. If neithernamenorpathis provided, a random name is generated.path(optional): Path to an existing worktree of the current repository to enter instead of creating one. Mutually exclusive withname.