01What Is Free Claude Code and How It Works

Free Claude Code is an open source project that lets you use Claude Code without paying. It uses the same harness as the original Claude Code but lets you point it to any API, including free ones. This means you get the same command-line experience and workflow for free.

Here's how it works: you take the Free Claude Code CLI, plug in a free model API like Alpha from OpenRouter, and you're ready to go. The model handles the thinking, and the CLI gives you the interface. This setup is free and gets more powerful as new free models come out.

02Main Features of Free Claude Code

Free Claude Code has several key features that make it powerful. First, it works with any model that speaks the OpenAI-compatible chat API. You're not stuck with Anthropic models.

You can use free models like Alpha, Nexus Research, or even local models.

  • Workspace preview – view what you build inside the agent operating system, not just in the terminal.
  • Persistent conversation history – your chats and projects stay even if you reload the tab.
  • Active project scoping – each chat is pinned to a project folder, so files stay organized.
  • Memory integration – connect it to Obsidian to remember everything about you and your business.

03How to Set Up Free Claude Code

Setting up Free Claude Code is simple. You need the open source project, a free API key from OpenRouter, and optionally an agent operating system for extra features.

  1. Get the Free Claude Code open source project from its repository.
  2. Sign up for OpenRouter and get a free API key for a model like Alpha.
  3. Install the Free Claude Code CLI on your computer.
  4. Configure it to use the free API endpoint.
  5. Optionally, install an agent operating system to get workspace previews and memory.
  6. Test it by running a simple command or building a small app.

04How to Use Free Claude Code in an Agent OS

Using Free Claude Code inside an agent operating system changes everything. You see it in the sidebar as its own agent, next to Claude, Hermes, Gemini, and others.

Start by opening the workspace tab. Anything Free Claude Code builds appears there as an inline preview. You can open it in a new tab to see the full app.

You have a chat, a file list, and a history of all your conversations.

The command center lets you control every agent from one place. You can switch between Free Claude Code and other agents without losing context. The memory system, built on Obsidian, takes notes automatically and stores them in a knowledge tree.

This means your agent knows your brand voice, your clients, and your projects.

05Results and Comparisons from the Episode

In the episode, Julian showed what Free Claude Code can do. He had it build a full app that was ready to use, and the preview looked clean. He compared it to using the regular Claude Code CLI, which only shows the terminal.

With the agent operating system, you get a visual workspace.

He also compared free models. Alpha has a 1 million token context window and native tool use, making it good for agentic work. Nexus Research uses a different model (step 3.5) and is also free.

New models like QEM 3.6 appear weekly, so the setup stays fresh.

06Tips, Limits, and Mistakes to Avoid

One big mistake is not using a memory system. Free Claude Code on its own is stateless – every session starts cold, and you spend 20% of your time re-explaining yourself. Wire it to Obsidian to avoid this.

  • Don't rely on one model – new free models come out often, so be ready to swap.
  • Don't skip the workspace – the preview feature is a major advantage over the plain CLI.
  • Don't think it's complex – it's just one terminal command, and templates are available.
  • Don't worry about losing history – with Obsidian, your memory is stored better than anywhere else.

07Who Should Use Free Claude Code and Why

Free Claude Code is for anyone who wants the power of Claude Code without the cost. It's great for beginners and experts alike. You can start with the beginner-to-expert automation course if you're new.

It matters because it turns a paid tool into a free system. You get the same engine, and it's yours forever. You can build an agent operating system around it, making it part of a larger workflow.

Whether you're a solo creator or a business owner, this setup saves money and boosts productivity.

08How to Get Help and Extend Your Setup

If you get stuck, help is available. Inside the community, members can ask questions and get video tutorials almost daily. Julian answers questions with breakdowns of exactly how to implement solutions.

In the classroom, you'll find the full readme, guides, and prompts used to build this. You can give those to your agent, and it will build the system for you. There are also weekly coaching calls and a map to connect with local builders.

For a full stack, you can get the agent operating system with Free Claude Code wired in, a 30-day roadmap, and a video tutorial.