# Claude Code mods to save tokens (cache + compact)

> A guide by Aashish Pahwa, behind a reel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DfXSeQ3vv20/.
> The page: https://aashishpahwa.com/bio/guides/claude-code-mods-token-savings

You can change how Claude Code behaves and how it uses tokens by installing small “mods.” At the end, you will know where to find mods, how to install them, and which two I actually keep running. This is worth doing because tiny changes can stop token burn during breaks and keep your context clean.

## What you need

- A Claude Code version that is 2.1.287 or later
- Access to the Claude Code plugin install command (so you can copy it from the library)
- The ability to run commands inside a Claude Code session (including /reload-plugins)
- A TYPESAFE_API_KEY (only if you install Jev Auto-Compact)

## The steps

### Step 1: Open the Claude Code mods library

Start with the mods library. It’s searchable, and each mod page shows what it does, what it can access and its install command.

You will see a list of mods, including the mod name, and when you click one, you will see its install command.

Library:
https://www.feedough.com/claude-code-mods/

What mods are (Anthropic's announcement, Oct 1 2026): small TypeScript functions that change how Claude Code works: rewrite a prompt, add new UI, replace a built-in feature. They ship inside plugins and work in the CLI and the desktop app. Only install mods from sources you trust: they run with the same access as Claude Code.
https://claude.com/resources/articles/claude-code-mods

```
Searchable library with mod pages showing what it does, what it can access and its install command
```

### Step 2: Update Claude Code

Before you install anything, update Claude Code.

Why this matters: mods require a newer Claude Code build, otherwise the install command won’t behave the way the mod pages expect.

You will see your Claude Code version in the app (or in the settings/about area). Make sure it is at least `2.1.287`.

Rule:
Update to Claude Code 2.1.287 or later.

- Update to Claude Code 2.1.287 or later.

### Step 3: How to install a mod

Pick a mod. Open it in the library and copy its install command.

How to install a mod:
1. Update to Claude Code 2.1.287 or later.
2. Open a mod in the library and copy its install command.
3. Run it in a Claude Code session, then run /reload-plugins

You will see an install command on the mod page. Copy the exact line the library gives you.

- Run it in a Claude Code session, then run /reload-plugins

### Step 4: Install the mod and reload plugins

Run the install command inside a Claude Code session. After that, run /reload-plugins.

Why this matters: the mod install alone is not always enough. /reload-plugins forces Claude Code to pick up the new plugin.

You will see plugin changes take effect after you run /reload-plugins.

- /reload-plugins

### Step 5: Favourite 1: cache-tax (keep the 1-hour prompt cache warm)

First, install `cache-tax` if you want to keep the one-hour prompt cache warm during breaks and show what a cold send would cost before you pay for it.

Saves thousands of tokens, so my Claude limits almost never run out.

You will see mod commands inside Claude Code after you install it.

Install:
`claude plugin install cache-tax@claude-code-mods`

Library page:
https://www.feedough.com/claude-code-mods/?mod=cache-tax-karanb192

GitHub:
https://github.com/karanb192/cache-tax

Commands:
/keepwarm to keep the cache warm while you step away, /cache-tax for the estimate.

Note:
Warming sends real model requests and costs a few tokens.

- claude plugin install cache-tax@claude-code-mods
- /keepwarm to keep the cache warm while you step away
- /cache-tax for the estimate

### Step 6: Favourite 2: Jev Auto-Compact (prune stale tool calls)

Second, install `Jev Auto-Compact` if you want to avoid writing a compaction summary. Instead, it prunes stale tool calls once the context reaches 60%, so the session keeps what matters.

You will see the context behavior change as the session reaches that 60% point.

Install:
`claude plugin install jev-auto-compact@jev-auto-compact`

Library page:
https://www.feedough.com/claude-code-mods/?mod=jev-auto-compact

GitHub:
https://github.com/notque/vexjoy-agent/tree/main/plugins/jev-auto-compact

Note:
it needs a TYPESAFE_API_KEY.

- claude plugin install jev-auto-compact@jev-auto-compact
- TYPESAFE_API_KEY

### Step 7: Browse the rest of the mods

There are over 7,000 more in the library (7,350 mods, searchable, each with what it does, what it can access and its install command).

You will find mods like status lines and HUDs, usage and cost meters, safety guards, git, subagents, fun pets.

Search for your use case and try them.

- Search for your use case

## Tips

- If you install a mod but nothing changes, run `/reload-plugins` again in the same Claude Code session.
- For `cache-tax`, remember: warming sends real model requests and costs a few tokens.
- For `Jev Auto-Compact`, remember: it needs a `TYPESAFE_API_KEY`. Without it, the mod won’t work as intended.

## Try next

- Try `cache-tax` first if your main pain is token burn during breaks.
- Try `Jev Auto-Compact` if your sessions bloat with stale tool calls.

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