[BUG] @ File Reference Feature Not Working on macOS

[simonfunk]

Environment

• Platform (select one):
  • [x] Anthropic API
  • [ ] AWS Bedrock
  • [ ] Google Vertex AI
  • [ ] Other:
• Claude CLI version: 1.0.21 (Claude Code)
• Operating System: macOS 15.5
• Terminal: Terminal App (also tested in VS Code and VS Code Insiders)

Bug Description

The @ symbol file reference feature does not work in any environment - it doesn't show the file picker/autocomplete list when typing @ in chat messages.

Steps to Reproduce

1. Open Claude Code in terminal, VS Code, or VS Code Insiders
2. Start typing a message to Claude
3. Type the @ symbol
4. Wait for file picker/autocomplete to appear

Expected Behavior

After typing @, a file picker or autocomplete list should appear showing available files in the workspace/directory that can be referenced.

Actual Behavior

Nothing happens when typing @. No file picker, no autocomplete, no visual indication that file referencing is available.

Additional Context

• Tested across multiple environments: Terminal, VS Code, VS Code Insiders
• Performed complete uninstall/reinstall of Claude Code extension
• Manually removed all Claude Code related files from macOS
• Issue persists across all clean installations
• Have active workspace/folder open in VS Code when testing

[wcygan]

Mine works without a claude command specified, but not when a command is specified (on MacOS):

I would like to choose from files especially when using commands, but right now I can't

good	bad

[shanecp]

Can confirm this bug exists.

[lukefronadaptive]

+1

[raysubham]

+1 this broke recently, I'm on v11.4.2

[bitomule]

I have been facing this issue for weeks now. At some point is just stopped working.

[gabewillen]

+1

[amirna2]

Same issue on version Claude CLI 1.0.30, Ubuntu 22.04

[liby]

As an alternative way to mitigate this issue, you can use File reference shortcuts within the file you want to cite to send the file to Claude Code.

File reference shortcuts: Use Cmd+Option+K (Mac) or Alt+Ctrl+K (Linux/Windows) to insert file references (e.g., @File#L1-99)

[HarborMind-Eddie]

I'm having the same issue on v1.0.35 macOS 15.5.

[simonfunk]

Looks like there was an update and now with the hint " ※ Tip: Open the Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P) and run "Shell Command: Install 'code' command in PATH" to enable IDE integration" i was able to make it work again :)

[HarborMind-Eddie]

Looks like there was an update and now with the hint " ※ Tip: Open the Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P) and run "Shell Command: Install 'code' command in PATH" to enable IDE integration" i was able to make it work again :)

That didn't work for me, but I am working around it with the file reference shortcut. Hopefully they patch this soon though.

[github-actions[bot]]

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.