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Configure Claude Code manually

Orbit AI API Team2026/07/113 min read

This is the manual alternative for configuring Claude Code. We recommend the graphical AI Toolbox guide for Claude Code for managing providers, models, and keys.

1. Confirm Claude Code is installed​

Complete the environment check, then run:

claude --version

Continue after the command returns a version number. The first launch of claude creates its user-level configuration directory.

2. Open the Claude Code configuration directory​

  1. Press Win + R, enter the following path, and press Enter:
%USERPROFILE%\.claude
Screenshot: Windows Run dialog and Claude configuration directoryShow Win + R, the directory path, and the contents of the .claude folder.
  1. If settings.json does not exist, create and open it. This is Claude Code's main user-level configuration file for relay addresses, API keys, hooks, plugins, and other features.

Linux users can use this path in a terminal:

~/.claude

3. Configure settings.json​

Add the following content to settings.json:

{
  "env": {
    "ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL": "https://orbitaiapi.site",
    "ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN": "YOUR_API_KEY",
    "CLAUDE_CODE_ATTRIBUTION_HEADER": "0"
  }
}

Claude Code uses the Anthropic-compatible format. Use the main site address as the Base URL, without the /v1 path used by OpenAI-compatible clients.

Review Create an API key, create a key for Claude Code in the console, and replace YOUR_API_KEY with the actual value. Never commit a real key to a repository or include it in screenshots.

4. Test the connection​

Save the file, reopen your terminal, and run:

claude

Send a message in the interactive interface. Receiving a response confirms the configuration works.

:::danger Important

If Claude Code still asks you to sign in or cannot connect to Anthropic services, check the settings.json syntax, API key, Base URL, and token status. See Claude Code cannot connect to Anthropic services for more troubleshooting.

:::