Writing Hookify Rules
Overview
Hookify rules are markdown files with YAML frontmatter that define patterns to watch for and messages to show when those patterns match. Rules are stored in .claude/hookify.{rule-name}.local.md files.
Rule File Format
Basic Structure
---
name: rule-identifier
enabled: true
event: bash|file|stop|prompt|all
pattern: regex-pattern-here
---
Message to show Claude when this rule triggers.
Can include markdown formatting, warnings, suggestions, etc.
Frontmatter Fields
| Field | Required | Values | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| name | Yes | kebab-case string | Unique identifier (verb-first: warn-, block-, require-*) |
| enabled | Yes | true/false | Toggle without deleting |
| event | Yes | bash/file/stop/prompt/all | Which hook event triggers this |
| action | No | warn/block | warn (default) shows message; block prevents operation |
| pattern | Yes* | regex string | Pattern to match (*or use conditions for complex rules) |
Advanced Format (Multiple Conditions)
---
name: warn-env-api-keys
enabled: true
event: file
conditions:
- field: file_path
operator: regex_m…
