Clod (Claude Loader) is a utility for preparing and uploading files to Claude AI's Project Knowledge feature. It tracks file changes, respects .gitignore and .clodignore patterns, and optimizes filenames for Claude's UI. Key features: Process all files on first run, only modified files on subsequent runs Respect .gitignore and .clodignore patterns Handle binary vs. text files automatically Use system temporary directories for staging files Create optimized filenames for Claude's UI Generate a path manifest for mapping optimized names back to original paths Color-coded, user-friendly terminal interface Path-restricted file access to prevent unauthorized operations Clod is particularly useful for reducing AI development costs while working with Claude. By handling file selection, staging, and tracking efficiently, it can cut API costs by 50% or more. This makes powerful AI tools accessible to students, bootstrappers, and developers on tight budgets, leveling the playing field between the wealthiest and the scrappiest. Clod implements a capability-based security model to ensure safe AI interactions with the file system, and uses checksum-based file tracking with XXH3 hashes for detecting modified or renamed files. It uses libmagic for robust, content-based file type detection.