Maximize Claude Context with TOON Format
Claude Projects offer powerful context capabilities. Learn how TOON format helps you fit more knowledge into Claude's context window while maintaining readability and reducing token usage.
Why TOON for Claude Projects?
More Data, Same Context
Claude 3 models have 200K token windows. TOON's efficiency lets you include 30-60% more information in the same space.
Better Understanding
Claude parses tabular TOON data more accurately than nested JSON, leading to better responses and fewer misunderstandings.
Lower API Costs
Reduced token usage means lower costs for Claude API usage, especially important for high-volume applications.
Context Window Optimization
| Model | Context Window | With JSON | With TOON (+40%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claude 3 Opus | 200K tokens | ~125K data tokens | ~175K data tokens |
| Claude 3 Sonnet | 200K tokens | ~125K data tokens | ~175K data tokens |
| Claude 3 Haiku | 200K tokens | ~125K data tokens | ~175K data tokens |
* Assuming typical project setup with system prompts and instructions
Practical Example: Knowledge Base Integration
Scenario:
You're building a customer support Claude Project with a product catalog of 500 items. Each item has name, SKU, price, category, and description.
{
"products": [
{
"id": "PRD-1001",
"name": "Wireless Mouse",
"price": 29.99,
"category": "Electronics",
"stock": 150
},
{
"id": "PRD-1002",
"name": "USB-C Cable",
"price": 12.99,
"category": "Electronics",
"stock": 300
}
// ... 498 more items
]
}JSON uses ~90 tokens per product × 500 = 45,000 tokens
products[500]{id,name,price,category,stock}:
PRD-1001,Wireless Mouse,29.99,Electronics,150
PRD-1002,USB-C Cable,12.99,Electronics,300
PRD-1003,Laptop Stand,49.99,Accessories,75
PRD-1004,Desk Lamp,34.99,Furniture,120
...
(496 more rows)TOON uses ~50 tokens per product × 500 = 25,000 tokens
Result: You save 20,000 tokens (44%) which can be used for:
- • More detailed product descriptions
- • Additional product attributes
- • Customer interaction history
- • Longer conversation context
Implementation Guide
Convert Your Data to TOON
Use our converter to transform your knowledge base from JSON to TOON format:
import { jsonToToon } from '@/lib/toon-converter';
const knowledgeBase = {
// your data here
};
const result = jsonToToon(JSON.stringify(knowledgeBase));
console.log('Token savings:', result.tokenSavings + '%');Add to Claude Project Knowledge
In Claude Projects, add your TOON-formatted data to the project knowledge section. Claude will understand and reference it naturally in conversations.
Optimize Your System Prompt
Include a brief explanation of TOON format in your system prompt:
You have access to product data in TOON format.
TOON uses tabular notation for arrays:
products[N]{field1,field2,...}:
val1,val2,...
This format is more compact than JSON while maintaining
all data relationships.Best Practices for Claude + TOON
Ready to Optimize Your Claude Project?
Convert your data to TOON format and see immediate improvements in context efficiency.
Try TOON Converter