Anthropic (Claude) DESIGN.md

Brands

AI safety research company with warm editorial elegance. Cream backgrounds (#FAF9F5) and warm terracotta accents (#DA7756, #C4553D), dark charcoal text (#1F1915), Styrene typeface with clean letter-spacing, research…

Raw DESIGN.md

At a glance

Group
Brands
Main color
#da7756Orange design systems
Fonts
Styrene AJetBrains MonoTiempos TextSegoe UI

Colors in this file

  • #da7756

    background

  • #fffffe

    background

  • #1f1915

    background

  • #faf9f5

    background

  • #f5f3ef

    background

  • #c4553d

    background

  • #ebe8e2

    background

  • #ddd9d1

    background

  • #b5afa5

    border-color

  • #8a8279

    --text-tertiary

AI safety research company with warm editorial elegance. Cream backgrounds (#FAF9F5) and warm terracotta accents (#DA7756, #C4553D), dark charcoal text (#1F1915), Styrene typeface with clean letter-spacing, research paper aesthetic meets thoughtful product design—trustworthy, warm, and safety-focused.

1. Visual Theme & Atmosphere

Overall Aesthetic

Anthropic embodies thoughtful research meets human warmth. The interface feels like a carefully crafted academic journal—warm, considered, and intellectually rigorous. Every element communicates trustworthiness while maintaining approachability. The design balances the gravitas of AI safety research with an inviting, human-centered experience that distinguishes Claude from purely technical competitors.

Mood & Feeling

  • Scholarly warmth: Research paper refinement with inviting, human tones
  • Trustworthy intelligence: Safety-first ethos reflected in considered design choices
  • Conversational depth: Claude's interface invites thoughtful dialogue and reflection
  • Editorial precision: Every element has purpose, nothing is superfluous
  • Optimistic restraint: Warm coral accents suggest capability with responsibility
  • Minimal chrome: Content-first approach, interface fades to support conversation

Design Density

Low-to-medium density with generous breathing room. The Claude interface prioritizes conversation clarity, while documentation uses academic journal-style margins. Information is presented with ample whitespace to encourage focused, thoughtful engagement without feeling sparse or clinical.

Visual Character

  • Warm cream backgrounds (#FAF9F5) as foundation
  • Dark warm gray text (#1F1915) for excellent readability
  • Terracotta/coral accent (#DA7756) as trust indicator
  • Typography-first design with editorial sensibility
  • Subtle rounded corners creating approachable feel
  • Minimal shadows, relying on subtle tonal shifts
  • Card-based content with warm borders
  • Research paper influence throughout documentation
  • Deliberate absence of visual noise

2. Color Palette & Roles

Core Foundation

TokenHexRole
--bg-cream#FAF9F5Primary background, page base
--bg-cream-deep#F5F3EDSubtle surface differentiation
--bg-warm-white#FFFFFECards, elevated surfaces
--text-primary#1F1915Primary text, headlines
--text-warm-dark#2D2825Strong secondary text

Brand Colors

TokenHexRole
--anthropic-coral#DA7756Primary accent, Claude brand
--anthropic-terracotta#C4553DDarker coral, CTAs, active states
--anthropic-coral-light#F5DDD4Coral backgrounds, highlights
--anthropic-coral-subtlergba(218, 119, 86, 0.12)Subtle coral tints
--anthropic-coral-hover#E88B6AHover state for coral elements

Warm Gray Scale (Light Theme)

TokenHexRole
--warm-50#FAF9F7Lightest background
--warm-100#F5F3EFSubtle backgrounds, hover states
--warm-200#EBE8E2Dividers, borders
--warm-300#DDD9D1Disabled states, secondary borders
--warm-400#B5AFA5Placeholder text
--warm-500#8A8279Secondary text, metadata
--warm-600#6B6359Tertiary text
--warm-700#4D463EBody text (light mode)
--warm-800#2D2825Strong secondary text
--warm-900#1F1915Primary text, maximum emphasis

Dark Theme

TokenHexRole
--dark-bg#1A1816Page background
--dark-surface#242220Elevated surfaces
--dark-surface-hover#2E2C29Hover states
--dark-card#1F1D1BCard backgrounds
--dark-border#3A3634Borders, dividers
--dark-text-primary#F5F3EFPrimary text
--dark-text-secondary#B5AFA5Secondary text
--dark-text-tertiary#8A8279Tertiary text

Claude Chat Interface Colors

TokenHexRole
--chat-bg-light#FAF9F5Conversation background (light)
--chat-user-bg#FFFFFEUser message background
--chat-assistant-bg#F5F3EDClaude message background (light)
--chat-input-bg#FFFFFEInput area background
--claude-avatar#DA7756Claude avatar accent
--user-avatar#4D463EUser avatar default

Semantic Colors

TokenHexRole
--error-red#D84C4CErrors, destructive actions
--error-bg#FDF2F2Error backgrounds
--warning-amber#D4883AWarnings, caution states
--warning-bg#FDF8F0Warning backgrounds
--success-green#3D8B6ESuccess, confirmation
--success-bg#F0F7F4Success backgrounds
--info-blue#4A7FB5Information, links
--info-bg#F0F5FAInfo backgrounds

Documentation & Code Colors

TokenHexRole
--code-purple#8B5CF6API endpoints, keywords
--code-blue#3B82F6Method names, attributes
--code-green#059669Strings, success states
--code-orange#EA580CWarnings, deprecated
--code-coral#DA7756Important highlights

3. Typography Rules

Font Stack

css/* Primary UI Font - Styrene */
--font-sans: 'Styrene A', 'Styrene B', -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 
             'Segoe UI', 'Roboto', 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;

/* Alternative Web Font - Tiempos or fallback */
--font-editorial: 'Tiempos Text', 'Georgia', 'Times New Roman', serif;

/* Monospace */
--font-mono: 'JetBrains Mono', 'SF Mono', 'Fira Code', 
             'Roboto Mono', 'Menlo', monospace;

/* Fallback System Stack */
--font-system: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', 
               'Roboto', 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;

Type Scale

ElementSizeWeightLine HeightLetter SpacingColor
Hero Display52px5001.1-0.02em--warm-900
Page Title36px5001.2-0.015em--warm-900
Section Title28px5001.25-0.01em--warm-900
Card Title22px5001.3-0.005em--warm-800
Subsection18px5001.350--warm-800
Large Body17px4001.650.005em--warm-700
Body15px4001.650.005em--warm-700
Small Body14px4001.550.005em--warm-600
Caption13px4001.450.01em--warm-500
Label12px5001.40.02em--warm-500
Chat Message15px4001.70.005em--warm-800
Code Inline14px4001.60--code-coral
Code Block13px4001.60--warm-800

Font Weights

WeightNameUsage
400RegularBody text, chat messages, descriptions
450BookExtended reading, documentation
500MediumHeadlines, titles, buttons, emphasis
600SemiboldStrong emphasis, critical UI

Typography Philosophy

Anthropic's typography embodies editorial warmth with technical precision. The Styrene typeface provides a distinctive, modern yet approachable feel—geometric foundations softened with humanist details. Headlines use subtle negative tracking for refinement, while body text employs slight positive tracking for enhanced readability during extended conversations.

css/* Letter spacing scale */
--tracking-tight: -0.02em;   /* Hero headlines */
--tracking-snug: -0.01em;    /* Section titles */
--tracking-normal: 0;        /* Buttons, labels */
--tracking-relaxed: 0.005em; /* Body text */
--tracking-wide: 0.02em;     /* Small caps, labels */

Monospace Typography

ElementSizeWeightUsage
Code Block13px400Multi-line code, API examples
Inline Code13px400Technical terms, parameters
Terminal13px400CLI commands
API Endpoint14px500API documentation

4. Component Stylings

Buttons

Primary Button (Coral)

css.button-primary {
  background: #C4553D;
  color: #ffffff;
  font-size: 14px;
  font-weight: 500;
  padding: 10px 18px;
  height: 40px;
  border-radius: 8px;
  border: none;
  letter-spacing: 0.005em;
  transition: all 150ms ease;
}

.button-primary:hover {
  background: #DA7756;
}

.button-primary:active {
  background: #B34A35;
}

.button-primary:focus-visible {
  outline: none;
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px #FAF9F5,
              0 0 0 4px #DA7756;
}

.button-primary:disabled {
  background: #DDD9D1;
  color: #8A8279;
  cursor: not-allowed;
}

Secondary Button (Outline)

css.button-secondary {
  background: transparent;
  color: #1F1915;
  font-size: 14px;
  font-weight: 500;
  padding: 10px 18px;
  height: 40px;
  border-radius: 8px;
  border: 1px solid #DDD9D1;
  transition: all 150ms ease;
}

.button-secondary:hover {
  background: #F5F3EF;
  border-color: #B5AFA5;
}

.button-secondary:active {
  background: #EBE8E2;
}

Ghost Button

css.button-ghost {
  background: transparent;
  color: #6B6359;
  font-size: 14px;
  font-weight: 500;
  padding: 8px 14px;
  height: 36px;
  border-radius: 6px;
  border: none;
}

.button-ghost:hover {
  background: #F5F3EF;
  color: #1F1915;
}

Dark Mode Button

css.button-dark-primary {
  background: #DA7756;
  color: #1F1915;
}

.button-dark-primary:hover {
  background: #E88B6A;
}

.button-dark-secondary {
  background: transparent;
  color: #F5F3EF;
  border: 1px solid #3A3634;
}

.button-dark-secondary:hover {
  background: #2E2C29;
}

Button Sizes

SizeHeightPaddingFont Size
Small32px8px 14px13px
Medium (default)40px10px 18px14px
Large48px12px 24px15px

Inputs

Text Input

css.input {
  background: #FFFFFE;
  color: #1F1915;
  font-size: 15px;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  padding: 10px 14px;
  height: 44px;
  border-radius: 8px;
  border: 1px solid #DDD9D1;
  transition: all 150ms ease;
  width: 100%;
}

.input:hover {
  border-color: #B5AFA5;
}

.input:focus {
  outline: none;
  border-color: #DA7756;
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(218, 119, 86, 0.12);
}

.input::placeholder {
  color: #B5AFA5;
}

.input:disabled {
  background: #F5F3EF;
  color: #8A8279;
  cursor: not-allowed;
}

.input-error {
  border-color: #D84C4C;
}

.input-error:focus {
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(216, 76, 76, 0.12);
}

Claude Chat Input

css.chat-input {
  background: #FFFFFE;
  color: #1F1915;
  font-size: 15px;
  line-height: 1.5;
  padding: 14px 48px 14px 16px;
  border-radius: 12px;
  border: 1px solid #DDD9D1;
  min-height: 52px;
  max-height: 200px;
  resize: none;
  box-shadow: 0 1px 3px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.04);
}

.chat-input:focus {
  outline: none;
  border-color: #DA7756;
  box-shadow: 0 1px 3px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.04),
              0 0 0 3px rgba(218, 119, 86, 0.12);
}

.chat-input::placeholder {
  color: #B5AFA5;
}

Cards

Standard Card

css.card {
  background: #FFFFFE;
  border-radius: 12px;
  padding: 24px;
  border: 1px solid #EBE8E2;
  transition: all 200ms ease;
}

.card:hover {
  border-color: #DDD9D1;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(31, 25, 21, 0.06);
}

Feature Card

css.card-feature {
  background: #FFFFFE;
  border-radius: 16px;
  padding: 28px;
  border: 1px solid #EBE8E2;
}

.card-feature-icon {
  width: 44px;
  height: 44px;
  background: #F5DDD4;
  border-radius: 10px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  margin-bottom: 16px;
}

.card-feature-icon svg {
  color: #C4553D;
  width: 22px;
  height: 22px;
}

Research Card (Academic)

css.card-research {
  background: #FFFFFE;
  border-radius: 8px;
  padding: 24px 28px;
  border: 1px solid #EBE8E2;
  border-left: 3px solid #DA7756;
}

.card-research-category {
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 500;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: #DA7756;
  margin-bottom: 8px;
}

.card-research-title {
  font-size: 18px;
  font-weight: 500;
  color: #1F1915;
  line-height: 1.35;
  margin-bottom: 12px;
}

Chat Messages

User Message

css.message-user {
  background: #FFFFFE;
  border-radius: 16px;
  padding: 16px 20px;
  margin: 12px 0;
  max-width: 75%;
  margin-left: auto;
  border: 1px solid #EBE8E2;
}

.message-user-text {
  font-size: 15px;
  line-height: 1.65;
  color: #1F1915;
}

Claude Message

css.message-claude {
  background: #F5F3ED;
  border-radius: 16px;
  padding: 20px 24px;
  margin: 12px 0;
  max-width: 85%;
}

.message-claude-avatar {
  width: 28px;
  height: 28px;
  background: #DA7756;
  border-radius: 8px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  margin-bottom: 12px;
}

.message-claude-avatar svg {
  color: #FFFFFE;
  width: 16px;
  height: 16px;
}

.message-claude-content {
  font-size: 15px;
  line-height: 1.7;
  color: #2D2825;
}

/* Dark mode Claude message */
.message-claude-dark {
  background: #242220;
  color: #F5F3EF;
}

Navigation

Top Navigation

css.nav-header {
  height: 60px;
  background: #FAF9F5;
  border-bottom: 1px solid #EBE8E2;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  padding: 0 24px;
}

.nav-logo {
  font-size: 18px;
  font-weight: 500;
  color: #1F1915;
  letter-spacing: -0.01em;
}

.nav-logo-claude {
  color: #DA7756;
  font-weight: 500;
}

.nav-item {
  font-size: 14px;
  font-weight: 450;
  color: #6B6359;
  padding: 8px 14px;
  border-radius: 6px;
  transition: all 150ms ease;
}

.nav-item:hover {
  color: #1F1915;
  background: #F5F3EF;
}

.nav-item-active {
  color: #1F1915;
}

Sidebar Navigation

css.sidebar {
  width: 280px;
  background: #FFFFFE;
  padding: 16px 12px;
  border-right: 1px solid #EBE8E2;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  height: 100vh;
}

.sidebar-new-chat {
  background: #C4553D;
  border-radius: 10px;
  padding: 12px 16px;
  color: #FFFFFE;
  font-size: 14px;
  font-weight: 500;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 10px;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: background 150ms ease;
  margin-bottom: 16px;
}

.sidebar-new-chat:hover {
  background: #DA7756;
}

.sidebar-section-label {
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 500;
  letter-spacing: 0.06em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: #8A8279;
  padding: 8px 12px;
  margin-top: 8px;
}

Code Blocks

css.code-block {
  background: #1F1D1B;
  border-radius: 10px;
  overflow: hidden;
  font-family: var(--font-mono);
  font-size: 13px;
  line-height: 1.6;
}

.code-block-header {
  background: #2A2826;
  padding: 10px 16px;
  font-size: 12px;
  font-weight: 500;
  color: #B5AFA5;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  align-items: center;
  border-bottom: 1px solid #3A3634;
}

.code-block-body {
  padding: 16px;
  overflow-x: auto;
  color: #F5F3EF;
}

.code-inline {
  background: #F5DDD4;
  padding: 2px 6px;
  border-radius: 4px;
  font-family: var(--font-mono);
  font-size: 13px;
  color: #C4553D;
}

Badges & Status

css.badge {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  padding: 4px 10px;
  border-radius: 6px;
  font-size: 12px;
  font-weight: 500;
}

.badge-coral {
  background: #F5DDD4;
  color: #C4553D;
}

.badge-success {
  background: #E3F1EA;
  color: #2D7A5E;
}

.badge-warning {
  background: #FDF3E4;
  color: #B87320;
}

.badge-error {
  background: #FDE8E8;
  color: #C43C3C;
}

.badge-neutral {
  background: #F5F3EF;
  color: #6B6359;
}

.badge-safety {
  background: #E8F4F0;
  color: #2D7A5E;
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 500;
  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
}

Tooltips

css.tooltip {
  background: #1F1915;
  color: #F5F3EF;
  font-size: 13px;
  font-weight: 400;
  padding: 8px 12px;
  border-radius: 8px;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(31, 25, 21, 0.2);
  max-width: 260px;
  line-height: 1.45;
}

.tooltip-arrow {
  fill: #1F1915;
}

Modals

css.modal-overlay {
  background: rgba(31, 25, 21, 0.5);
  backdrop-filter: blur(4px);
}

.modal {
  background: #FFFFFE;
  border-radius: 16px;
  box-shadow: 0 24px 48px rgba(31, 25, 21, 0.18);
  max-width: 480px;
  width: 100%;
  overflow: hidden;
}

.modal-header {
  padding: 24px 24px 0;
}

.modal-title {
  font-size: 20px;
  font-weight: 500;
  color: #1F1915;
}

.modal-body {
  padding: 16px 24px 24px;
}

.modal-footer {
  padding: 16px 24px;
  background: #FAF9F5;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: flex-end;
  gap: 12px;
  border-top: 1px solid #EBE8E2;
}

5. Layout Principles

Spacing Scale

TokenValueUsage
--space-14pxTight gaps, icon padding
--space-28pxSmall gaps, inline spacing
--space-312pxCompact element spacing
--space-416pxStandard element spacing
--space-520pxCard content spacing
--space-624pxSection padding
--space-732pxLarge section gaps
--space-848pxMajor section separation
--space-964pxPage section breaks
--space-1096pxHero spacing

Core Layout Structure

Claude Chat Interface

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  ┌───────────┬────────────────────────────────────────────────┐   │
│  │           │                                                 │   │
│  │  Sidebar  │              Conversation Area                  │   │
│  │  (280px)  │              (#FAF9F5 background)              │   │
│  │           │     ┌────────────────────────────────────┐     │   │
│  │  History  │     │       Message Thread                │     │   │
│  │  List     │     │       (max-width: 720px)           │     │   │
│  │           │     │       (centered)                    │     │   │
│  │           │     └────────────────────────────────────┘     │   │
│  │           │                                                 │   │
│  │           │     ┌────────────────────────────────────┐     │   │
│  │           │     │    Composer Input Area              │     │   │
│  │           │     │    (fixed bottom, cream bg)        │     │   │
│  │           │     └────────────────────────────────────┘     │   │
│  └───────────┴────────────────────────────────────────────────┘   │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Documentation Layout

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │                    Top Navigation (60px)                     │  │
│  │  Anthropic    Research    Claude    API    Documentation     │  │
│  └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘  │
│                                                                    │
│  ┌───────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────────┐     │
│  │           │                                               │     │
│  │  Sidebar  │             Content Area                      │     │
│  │  (260px)  │             (max: 720px)                     │     │
│  │           │                                               │     │
│  │  Section  │    Editorial-style typography                 │     │
│  │  Nav      │    and academic spacing                       │     │
│  │           │                                               │     │
│  └───────────┴──────────────────────────────────────────────┘     │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Content Widths

ContextMax WidthCentering
Chat Messages720pxCentered
Documentation720pxCentered
Landing Page Content1120pxCentered
API Reference100%Split layout
Settings/Forms520pxLeft-aligned
Modal Content480pxCentered

Grid System

css/* Feature Grid */
.grid-features {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
  gap: 24px;
}

/* Research Grid */
.grid-research {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(320px, 1fr));
  gap: 24px;
}

/* Documentation Grid */
.grid-docs {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 260px 1fr;
  gap: 48px;
}

Whitespace Philosophy

Anthropic uses whitespace to create focus and contemplation. The Claude interface encourages thoughtful interaction with generous line heights and message spacing, while documentation follows academic journal conventions with generous margins, clear section demarcation, and breathing room that supports deep reading.

6. Depth & Elevation

Shadow System

css/* Level 0 - Flat */
.shadow-none {
  box-shadow: none;
}

/* Level 1 - Subtle lift */
.shadow-sm {
  box-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(31, 25, 21, 0.04);
}

/* Level 2 - Card default */
.shadow-md {
  box-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(31, 25, 21, 0.06);
}

/* Level 3 - Elevated card */
.shadow-lg {
  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(31, 25, 21, 0.08);
}

/* Level 4 - Dropdown/Popover */
.shadow-xl {
  box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(31, 25, 21, 0.1);
}

/* Level 5 - Modal */
.shadow-2xl {
  box-shadow: 0 24px 48px rgba(31, 25, 21, 0.18);
}

Border System

css/* Light theme borders */
--border-light: 1px solid #EBE8E2;
--border-light-subtle: 1px solid #F5F3EF;
--border-light-strong: 1px solid #DDD9D1;

/* Dark theme borders */
--border-dark: 1px solid #3A3634;
--border-dark-subtle: 1px solid #2E2C29;
--border-dark-strong: 1px solid #4A4644;

/* Focus border */
--border-focus: 1px solid #DA7756;

/* Accent border (research/editorial) */
--border-accent: 3px solid #DA7756;

Surface Hierarchy (Light Theme)

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Modal (Elevated)                    #FFFFFE + shadow-2xl │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Dropdown/Popover                    #FFFFFE + shadow-xl  │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Cards (Hover)                       #FFFFFE + shadow-lg  │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Cards (Default)                     #FFFFFE + border     │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Subtle Surface                      #F5F3ED              │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Page Background                     #FAF9F5              │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Surface Hierarchy (Dark Theme)

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Modal (Elevated)                    #2E2C29 + shadow     │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Dropdown/Popover                    #242220 + shadow     │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Cards                               #1F1D1B + border     │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Input Area                          #242220              │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Page Background                     #1A1816              │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Z-Index Scale

LayerZ-IndexElements
Base0Main content, messages
Sticky100Navigation headers
Dropdown200Menus, autocomplete
Sidebar Overlay250Mobile sidebar
Modal300Dialogs
Toast400Notifications
Tooltip500Tooltips

7. Do's and Don'ts

Do's

GuidelineRationale
Use warm cream (#FAF9F5) as primary backgroundBrand distinction, warmth, eye comfort
Apply coral (#DA7756) sparingly for emphasisMaintains warmth without overwhelming
Use generous line-height (1.65-1.7) for textEnhanced readability, editorial quality
Keep message containers centered and constrainedOptimal reading width, focused experience
Use subtle rounded corners (8-12px)Approachable without being playful
Implement warm gray tones throughoutCohesive visual language, softened contrast
Show Claude attribution clearlyTransparency about AI interaction
Use subtle borders over heavy shadowsClean, academic aesthetic
Apply consistent warm color temperatureBrand coherence across all elements
Provide safety-focused messaging patternsCore to Anthropic's mission and values

Don'ts

Anti-PatternWhy to Avoid
Never use pure white (#FFFFFF) as page backgroundContradicts warm aesthetic, appears clinical
Avoid cool-toned graysBreaks warm color harmony
Don't use multiple bright accent colorsCoral is the singular brand accent
Never hide safety-related informationTransparency is core to trust
Avoid aggressive animationsThoughtful, calm environment
Don't use overly small text for messagesReadability is paramount
Never auto-submit without user reviewRespect for deliberate interaction
Avoid pure black (#000000) textUse warm dark gray for softer contrast
Don't use heavy shadows for primary UIFlat, editorial aesthetic preferred
Never create urgent/aggressive UI patternsCounter to safety-focused brand

Content Guidelines

DoDon't
Use thoughtful, considered AI responsesProvide instant, unconsidered answers
Acknowledge limitations honestlyAssert false certainty
Show examples with contextProvide abstract explanations only
Indicate when Claude is uncertainPretend omniscience
Use consistent model naming (Claude, Sonnet, etc.)Use internal codenames
Explain capabilities and limitations clearlyOverpromise functionality
Reflect safety values in UI copyIgnore safety considerations
Use warm, conversational toneBe cold or robotic

8. Responsive Behavior

Breakpoints

NameWidthBehavior
Mobile<640pxFull-width chat, collapsible sidebar
Tablet640px - 1024pxOverlay sidebar, centered content
Desktop1024px - 1440pxFull layout, persistent sidebar
Wide>1440pxMaximum content width, centered

Mobile Adaptations

ComponentDesktopMobile
SidebarPersistent 280pxFull-screen overlay
Chat Messages720px max-widthFull width with 16px padding
NavigationFull itemsHamburger menu
Input AreaSingle row expandableFull width, larger touch targets
Code BlocksHorizontal scrollHorizontal scroll, smaller text
ModalCentered 480pxFull screen or bottom sheet

Touch Targets

ElementMinimum SizeNotes
Buttons44px heightiOS guidelines
Send Button48px × 48pxCritical action
Navigation Items48px heightEasy thumb access
Conversation ItemsFull width × 56pxEasy selection
Input Field52px min-heightComfortable typing

Responsive Typography

ElementDesktopMobile
Hero Display52px32px
Page Title36px26px
Section Title28px22px
Chat Message15px15px
Body15px15px
Caption13px13px

Chat Interface Responsive

css/* Mobile: Full width */
@media (max-width: 640px) {
  .chat-container {
    max-width: 100%;
    padding: 0 16px;
  }
  
  .sidebar {
    position: fixed;
    z-index: 250;
    width: 100%;
    transform: translateX(-100%);
    background: #FFFFFE;
  }
  
  .sidebar-open {
    transform: translateX(0);
  }
  
  .message-claude {
    max-width: 95%;
  }
}

/* Tablet: Overlay sidebar */
@media (min-width: 640px) and (max-width: 1024px) {
  .sidebar {
    position: fixed;
    z-index: 250;
    width: 300px;
  }
  
  .chat-container {
    max-width: 640px;
  }
}

/* Desktop: Persistent sidebar */
@media (min-width: 1024px) {
  .sidebar {
    position: relative;
    flex-shrink: 0;
  }
  
  .chat-container {
    max-width: 720px;
  }
}

9. Agent Prompt Guide

Quick Reference

yaml# Brand Colors
Primary Coral: #DA7756
Terracotta: #C4553D
Coral Light: #F5DDD4
Coral Hover: #E88B6A

# Light Mode
Background: #FAF9F5
Surface: #FFFFFE
Surface Alt: #F5F3ED
Border: #EBE8E2
Text Primary: #1F1915
Text Secondary: #6B6359
Text Tertiary: #8A8279

# Dark Mode
Background: #1A1816
Surface: #242220
Card: #1F1D1B
Border: #3A3634
Text Primary: #F5F3EF
Text Secondary: #B5AFA5

# Typography
Font Primary: 'Styrene A', system-ui, sans-serif
Font Mono: 'JetBrains Mono', monospace
Body Line Height: 1.65
Chat Line Height: 1.7

# Radii
Small: 6px
Medium: 8px
Large: 12px
XL: 16px

# Focus
Focus Ring: 0 0 0 2px #FAF9F5, 0 0 0 4px #DA7756
Focus Shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(218, 119, 86, 0.12)

Example Prompts

Claude Message Component

Create a Claude-style message using Anthropic's design system:
- Container: max-width 720px, centered, padding 20px 24px
- Background: #F5F3ED (Claude messages), 16px border-radius
- User message: #FFFFFE background with 1px #EBE8E2 border
- Claude avatar: 28px square, #DA7756 background, 8px radius
- Message text: 15px Styrene, line-height 1.7, #2D2825
- Page background: #FAF9F5 (warm cream)
- Spacing between messages: 12px
- Warm, editorial feel throughout

Claude Chat Input

Design the Claude chat input component:
- Container: bottom of screen, #FAF9F5 background
- Inner wrapper: max-width 720px, centered
- Input: #FFFFFE background, 12px border-radius
- Border: 1px solid #DDD9D1, subtle shadow
- Focus: coral border #DA7756 with soft coral glow
- Placeholder: "Message Claude..." in #B5AFA5
- Send button: 40px circle, #C4553D when active
- Disabled send: #DDD9D1
- Font: 15px Styrene, #1F1915
- Min-height: 52px, max-height: 200px (expandable)

Research/Documentation Page

Create a research page in Anthropic's editorial style:
- Background: #FAF9F5 (warm cream)
- Content max-width: 720px, generous margins
- Heading hierarchy: 28px/22px/18px, weight 500
- Body: 15px, line-height 1.65, #4D463E
- Left accent border: 3px solid #DA7756 for callouts
- Code blocks: #1F1D1B dark background
- Inline code: #F5DDD4 bg, #C4553D text
- Links: #C4553D, underline on hover
- Research card: white bg, coral left border
- Academic, journal-like atmosphere

Safety Callout

Design a safety-focused callout component:
- Background: #E8F4F0 (soft green tint)
- Border-left: 3px solid #3D8B6E
- Padding: 16px 20px
- Icon: Shield or similar, #3D8B6E
- Title: 14px weight 500, #2D7A5E
- Body: 14px weight 400, #4D463E
- Border-radius: 8px
- Conveys trust and responsibility

Settings Modal

Create a settings modal for Claude:
- Overlay: rgba(31, 25, 21, 0.5) with backdrop blur
- Modal: #FFFFFE background, 16px border-radius
- Width: 480px max
- Header: 24px padding, "Settings" in 20px weight 500 #1F1915
- Sections: clear dividers with #EBE8E2
- Toggle switches: 40px wide, #DA7756 when active
- Footer: #FAF9F5 background, 1px top border
- Close button: ghost style, top right
- Save button: #C4553D primary style

CSS Variables Template

css:root {
  /* Core Brand Colors */
  --anthropic-coral: #DA7756;
  --anthropic-terracotta: #C4553D;
  --anthropic-coral-light: #F5DDD4;
  --anthropic-coral-hover: #E88B6A;
  
  /* Light Theme */
  --bg-primary: #FAF9F5;
  --bg-surface: #FFFFFE;
  --bg-surface-alt: #F5F3ED;
  --text-primary: #1F1915;
  --text-secondary: #6B6359;
  --text-tertiary: #8A8279;
  --border-color: #EBE8E2;
  --border-strong: #DDD9D1;
  
  /* Typography */
  --font-sans: 'Styrene A', 'Styrene B', -apple-system, sans-serif;
  --font-mono: 'JetBrains Mono', 'SF Mono', monospace;
  
  /* Tracking */
  --tracking-tight: -0.02em;
  --tracking-snug: -0.01em;
  --tracking-normal: 0;
  --tracking-relaxed: 0.005em;
  
  /* Spacing */
  --space-1: 4px;
  --space-2: 8px;
  --space-3: 12px;
  --space-4: 16px;
  --space-5: 20px;
  --space-6: 24px;
  --space-7: 32px;
  --space-8: 48px;
  
  /* Radii */
  --radius-sm: 6px;
  --radius-md: 8px;
  --radius-lg: 12px;
  --radius-xl: 16px;
  
  /* Shadows (warm tinted) */
  --shadow-sm: 0 1px 2px rgba(31, 25, 21, 0.04);
  --shadow-md: 0 2px 8px rgba(31, 25, 21, 0.06);
  --shadow-lg: 0 4px 12px rgba(31, 25, 21, 0.08);
  --shadow-xl: 0 8px 24px rgba(31, 25, 21, 0.1);
  --shadow-2xl: 0 24px 48px rgba(31, 25, 21, 0.18);
  
  /* Transitions */
  --transition-fast: 150ms ease;
  --transition-normal: 200ms ease;
}

/* Dark Theme */
[data-theme="dark"] {
  --bg-primary: #1A1816;
  --bg-surface: #242220;
  --bg-surface-alt: #1F1D1B;
  
  --text-primary: #F5F3EF;
  --text-secondary: #B5AFA5;
  --text-tertiary: #8A8279;
  
  --border-color: #3A3634;
  --border-strong: #4A4644;
}

Summary

Anthropic's design system embodies editorial warmth with safety-conscious intelligence through:

  1. Warm cream foundation (#FAF9F5) distinguishing from cold, clinical AI interfaces
  2. Terracotta/coral accent (#DA7756, #C4553D) as singular warm brand color
  3. Styrene typeface with generous line-heights (1.65-1.7) for thoughtful reading
  4. Warm gray palette (#1F1915 to #F5F3EF) maintaining color temperature harmony
  5. Subtle rounded corners (8-12px) creating approachable, non-aggressive UI
  6. Minimal shadows, border-focused depth for clean academic aesthetic
  7. Centered, constrained content (720px max) for optimal reading experience
  8. Research paper influence in documentation and editorial layouts

When implementing Anthropic/Claude-style interfaces, prioritize:

  • Warm color temperature throughout (no pure whites or cool grays)
  • Editorial, journal-like typography and spacing
  • Thoughtful, considered interaction patterns
  • Clear Claude/AI attribution and transparency
  • Safety-conscious messaging and UI patterns
  • Minimal chrome, content-first approach
  • Conversational warmth in both visual design and copy
  • Trust-building through honest, approachable design

Use it with your agent

Save the file as DESIGN.md in your project root, then ask your agent to follow it for UI work. Or let the agent fetch it over MCP.

Download

curl -o DESIGN.md https://www.uiskillbook.com/design-md/anthropic.md

MCP server

https://www.uiskillbook.com/mcp

MCP tool call

get_design_md({ "slug": "anthropic" })