▍ Free local generator · official docs checked

Set up Claude Code SSH on your remote server.

Build one reviewable OpenSSH alias and the matching Claude Desktop connection for a Linux or macOS machine you control. Test the alias first, then open that remote environment from Anthropic’s Code tab.

No account No private key upload Inputs stay in this browser
01 · Describe the host

Use values you can verify.

This creates a local alias. It does not test the host, open a network connection, or modify files.

02 · Review and copy

Your connection bundle.

Add to

~/.ssh/config

Host claude-dev
  HostName dev.example.com
  User developer
  Port 22
  IdentityFile ~/.ssh/id_ed25519
  IdentitiesOnly yes
  ServerAliveInterval 30
  ServerAliveCountMax 3
Test locally

OpenSSH command

ssh claude-dev
Merge into

~/.claude/settings.json

{
  "sshConfigs": [
    {
      "id": "claude-dev",
      "name": "Development server",
      "sshHost": "claude-dev",
      "startDirectory": "~/projects"
    }
  ]
}

Merge the JSON—do not overwrite existing Claude settings. Prefer the Desktop dialog when you do not need a checked-in or centrally managed connection list.

03 · Connect

Test OpenSSH before Claude Desktop.

  1. 1

    Add and test the alias.

    Append the host block to ~/.ssh/config, confirm the identity-file permissions, then run ssh claude-dev.

  2. 2

    Add the environment.

    In Claude Desktop’s Code tab, open the environment dropdown and choose + Add SSH connection. Use claude-dev as SSH Host.

  3. 3

    Choose the remote project.

    Select the connection, open the project directory, and start with Manual or Plan permissions while you verify the remote environment.

Read Anthropic’s current SSH session docs ↗
Choose the actual host

SSH is an interface, not the server.

Claude Desktop still needs somewhere to run. Pick the smallest option that matches the work instead of buying infrastructure by default.

You already have a server

Use this free setup.

Keep the machine patched and reachable, and let its existing SSH policy do the work.

Generate the connection →
You only need asynchronous work

Try Claude Cloud first.

Anthropic says Cloud sessions continue after the app closes and carry no separate compute charge beyond plan usage.

Check current availability →
Managed host available

Bring Claude Desktop. Terminalbox supplies the SSH host.

Add your public key, use the paid pane slug as the SSH username, and connect through terminalbox.ai on port 2222. The private key remains on your device. The gateway is intentionally limited to shell and remote-command sessions.

See setup and plans from €6/month
Before connecting

Practical questions.

Can Claude Desktop connect to any remote machine?

Anthropic currently documents SSH sessions for remote Linux and macOS machines. The machine must be reachable over SSH with credentials available on the computer running Claude Desktop.

Does Claude Desktop install Claude Code remotely?

Anthropic says Desktop installs Claude Code automatically on the first connection. The remote account still needs permission to install and run the required software.

Does this page receive my host or key?

No. The generator runs in your browser. It never asks for a private key value—only the local path that OpenSSH should use.

Can I paste the generated settings over my existing file?

Do not overwrite an existing settings file. Merge the generated sshConfigs entry into ~/.claude/settings.json, or use the Desktop dialog and the generated SSH alias instead.

Can Claude Desktop connect directly to Terminalbox today?

Yes, through a paid pane. Terminalbox provides a key-only SSH endpoint at terminalbox.ai on port 2222, with the pane slug as the username. The gateway supports shell and remote-command sessions, but not port, agent, X11, or filesystem forwarding.