scratch

Store ephemeral session context in a gitignored markdown scratch file.

Updated Jun 3, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/mgreenly/ikigai --skill scratch
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: scratch
Source: https://github.com/mgreenly/ikigai/tree/main/.claude/library/scratch
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/mgreenly/ikigai --skill scratch

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Scratch provides a simple, temporary storage file to carry information between sessions, enabling continuity of prompts, decisions, and notes.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Overwrite-only storage: the scratch.md file is replaced entirely when new content is written.
  • Cross-session handoff: preserve decisions, prompts, and notes across sessions.
  • Freeform content: content supports markdown and various note formats for flexibility.

Quick Start

Simply say "write X to scratch" to overwrite the scratch file with X.

Frequently Asked Questions about scratch

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I carry notes and decisions across different Claude sessions?

To carry notes across sessions, write key decisions and markdown context to a scratch file. This ephemeral storage survives session boundaries, preserving your prompts and notes for future interactive conversations.

What happens to previous notes when I write new content to a scratch file?

Previous notes are completely replaced when writing new content to a scratch file. The system uses an overwrite-on-write behavior, meaning the scratch.md file is replaced entirely rather than appended to with new markdown data.

Can I use markdown formatting when saving session context?

Yes, you can use markdown formatting when saving session context. The scratch storage accepts freeform markdown, allowing you to structure notes, decisions, and prompts in various note formats for maximum flexibility.

Where is session context stored and is it tracked by git?

Session context is stored in a scratch.md file located in the .claude/data/ directory. This file is gitignored, ensuring your ephemeral notes and cross-session handoff data remain local and untracked by version control.

What is the best way to preserve key prompts for my next interactive conversation?

The best way to preserve key prompts is to write them to a scratch file before your session ends. This provides a simple, temporary storage mechanism to carry information between sessions effortlessly.

Why does my scratch file not keep a history of previous session notes?

Your scratch file does not keep history because it implements overwrite-only storage. The scratch.md file is replaced entirely when new content is written, meaning it only holds the most recently saved session context.