Keep a handoff log for multi-session work in Claude Code

Record status, task completion, the immediate next action, open questions, and a dated change log.

Install in Claude Code

A Claude Code project with a handoff document in its working directory. Start each new session by reading the previous update.

Review `.claude/skills/handoff-log/SKILL.md` and its requirements at the pinned GitHub commit.
Create `.claude/skills/handoff-log/` in your project and save the reviewed file as `.claude/skills/handoff-log/SKILL.md`.
Start Claude Code from that project's root, then select `/handoff-log` in the slash menu.

Example task

A rehearsal sign-up sheet has a published preview, styles are being revised, and printing is unverified. Next, check the black-and-white print version. On 2026-07-08, the team confirmed a 24-row maximum per sheet but left the footer date format open. The shared sample fields are `limit=24, footer=undecided`.

What to check

In HANDOFF.md, keep the goal and current status. Record task states as `preview=done, styles=in-progress, print=todo`. Name the black-and-white print check as the next step. Log the 24-row limit on 2026-07-08 and keep the footer format open.

Original SKILL.md on GitHub · Updated 2026-11-14

Frequently asked question

What should a new session read first?

Read the goal, status, and next action before opening unfinished work and questions. Update task progress and the dated log at the end of each session.