diff --git a/CLAUDE.md b/CLAUDE.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..1ec1b54fb5398581f19fa7490bfaee526fbe046b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/CLAUDE.md
@@ -0,0 +1,90 @@
+# CLAUDE.md - Hive Account Creator
+
+## Project Overview
+
+Hive Account Creator is a Node.js microservice that enables anonymous, fee-free account creation on the Hive blockchain. Users redeem one-time tokens to create accounts, with network fees covered by the API operator via configured creator accounts.
+
+**Key functionality:**
+- Token-based account creation (one token = one account)
+- Automatic cryptographic key generation (owner, active, posting, memo)
+- Web-based signup UI with real-time validation
+- SQLite token management
+
+## Tech Stack
+
+- **Runtime:** Node.js 18 LTS
+- **Framework:** Express.js 4.18
+- **Database:** SQLite3
+- **Blockchain:** @hiveio/dhive (Hive blockchain client)
+- **Frontend:** Bootstrap 5, jQuery 3.7.1
+- **Linting:** ESLint with airbnb-base config
+
+## Directory Structure
+
+```
+├── server.js           # Main Express application, API endpoints
+├── static/             # Frontend UI (index.html, CSS, JS, assets)
+├── db/                 # SQLite database storage
+├── Dockerfile          # Container build configuration
+├── docker-compose.yml  # Container orchestration
+├── env.example         # Environment variable template
+└── .eslintrc           # ESLint configuration
+```
+
+## Development Commands
+
+```bash
+npm install             # Install dependencies
+npm start               # Start server (node server.js)
+npm test                # Not implemented
+```
+
+**Docker deployment:**
+```bash
+docker-compose up -d    # Start containerized service
+```
+
+## Key Files
+
+| File | Purpose |
+|------|---------|
+| `server.js` | Express app, all API endpoints, token/account logic |
+| `static/index.html` | Single-page signup UI with 3-step flow |
+| `env.example` | Configuration template (copy to `.env`) |
+| `.eslintrc` | ESLint rules (airbnb-base with relaxed settings) |
+
+## Configuration
+
+Environment variables (set in `.env`):
+
+| Variable | Description |
+|----------|-------------|
+| `TEST_MODE` | If "true", logs operations instead of broadcasting |
+| `NUM_TOKENS` | Number of tokens to generate on first run |
+| `HTTP_PORT` | Server port (default: 3000) |
+| `CREATOR` | Hive account used to create new accounts |
+| `CREATOR_KEY` | Private key for creator account (WIF format) |
+
+## API Endpoints
+
+| Endpoint | Method | Purpose |
+|----------|--------|---------|
+| `/signup/check` | POST | Validate token and account name availability |
+| `/signup/confirm` | POST | Create account, return generated keys |
+| `/ui/` | GET | Serve signup web interface |
+
+## Coding Conventions
+
+- **JavaScript only** (no TypeScript)
+- **ESLint airbnb-base** with relaxed rules:
+  - `console.log` allowed for diagnostics
+  - No line length limit
+  - camelCase not enforced (snake_case OK)
+- **Account name validation:** 3-16 chars, lowercase alphanumeric with `-` and `.`
+- **Token format:** 16-char hex strings from `crypto.randomBytes(8)`
+
+## CI/CD Notes
+
+No CI/CD configuration present. Deploy via:
+- Docker Compose (recommended for production)
+- Direct `npm start` with reverse proxy for SSL