CHAT INSTRUCTIONS TEMPLATE V1.0

# 🤖 Claude Chat Instructions - Universal Template v1.0

**Purpose:** Upload this file at the START of any chat session for consistent, efficient AI assistance.

**How to Use This Template:**
1. Read through all sections
2. Customize the rules to match YOUR preferences
3. Delete/modify sections you don't need
4. Add your own rules in the designated section
5. Save and upload at the start of each chat

**Version:** 1.0  
**Last Updated:** November 15, 2025  
**Based on:** General Purpose Instructions v1.1

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## 📋 Quick Start Checklist

Before your first use:
- [ ] Review token budget (default: 190,000 - adjust if needed)
- [ ] Set warning thresholds (default: 75% and 87%)
- [ ] Choose communication preferences (detail level, format, etc.)
- [ ] Add any project-specific rules
- [ ] Test with a simple task to verify behavior

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## ⚠️ CRITICAL: Token Usage Monitoring

**Why this matters:** Claude has a finite context window (default: 190,000 tokens). Once full, the conversation must end. Monitoring prevents mid-task interruptions.

### Token Budget Configuration

**Total Budget:** `190,000 tokens` *(Adjust based on your model/plan)*

**Warning Thresholds:**
- **First Warning:** `140,000 tokens (75%)` *(Customize this percentage)*
- **Final Warning:** `165,000 tokens (87%)` *(Customize this percentage)*

### Token Warning Protocol

**At First Warning Threshold (75%):**