Clash — 基于规则的跨平台网络代理工具 Clash — Rule-Based Cross-Platform Proxy Tool

Clash is a rule-based cross-platform proxy tool. Here's a detailed 4-step explanation:

1. Understanding Clash's Core: Clash operates at the network and application layers, using YAML configuration files to execute traffic routing strategies. Unlike traditional VPNs that route all traffic through a single tunnel, Clash intelligently decides which traffic should go through proxies and which should connect directly based on predefined rules. It acts as a client connecting to your existing proxy servers, supporting protocols like Shadowsocks, VMess, and Trojan.
2. For Beginners: Clash offers user-friendly graphical interfaces where beginners can simply import a subscription link to get started. The automatic configuration process removes the complexity of manual setup, making it accessible even for users with limited technical knowledge.
3. For Advanced Users: Power users can leverage Clash's sophisticated rule system and proxy group management. By writing detailed YAML configurations, they can implement multi-dimensional traffic routing based on domain names, IP ranges, and process names, even incorporating dynamic scripts for automated rule updates.
4. For Developers & Contributors: Licensed under GPL-3.0 with all source code publicly available on GitHub, developers can audit the code, contribute improvements, or build custom clients based on the Clash kernel. Its comprehensive API also facilitates third-party integrations.

Follow these 5 steps to install and configure Clash:

1. Identify Your OS and Choose a Client: Determine your operating system. Windows users should choose Clash for Windows, macOS users can pick ClashX or ClashX Pro, Android users use Clash for Android. iOS users should consider Stash or Shadowrocket as alternatives since there's no official iOS client. Linux/OpenWrt users can use the Clash kernel directly or install OpenClash.
2. Download from Official Sources: Always download installation packages from official GitHub repositories or the links provided on this website. Run the installer for Windows, drag the .app file to Applications on macOS, install the APK on Android with necessary permissions, or use command-line package managers on Linux.
3. Obtain a Valid Configuration File or Subscription Link: Clash doesn't provide proxy services itself. You need to obtain a configuration file (usually YAML format) or a subscription link from your service provider. The subscription link allows Clash to automatically download and update proxy node information.
4. Import the Configuration: Open your Clash client and find the configuration import section. Paste your subscription link for URL-based import, or select a local YAML file for manual import. Wait for the client to download and parse the configuration data.
5. Verify and Connect: After successful import, check that proxy nodes and strategy groups are displayed correctly. Select an available node, enable the system proxy switch, and visit a website to verify the proxy is working properly.

Subscription links are the most convenient way to configure Clash. Here's a 6-step guide:

1. Get the Subscription Link from Your Provider: Your proxy service provider typically offers a subscription link in their user dashboard, usually a URL starting with http or https. Always use trusted providers and avoid unknown sources for security. Some providers offer multiple links for different node combinations.
2. Copy the Link to Your Clipboard: Find the subscription link area on your provider's website and click the copy button, or manually select and copy the full URL. Ensure you copy the complete link without missing any characters.
3. Open Clash Client and Navigate to Config Management: Launch your Clash client and find the Config or Subscription section, usually located in the settings menu or sidebar.
4. Choose URL Subscription Import: Select the URL subscription import option and paste your copied link into the URL input field. Some clients also allow you to set a custom name for easier identification of multiple subscriptions.
5. Download and Wait for Sync: Click the download or sync button. The client will automatically fetch the latest node information and rule configurations. This usually takes just a few seconds.
6. Set Auto-Update and Verify: Enable automatic subscription updates in client settings with a reasonable interval (e.g., every 12 hours). After updating, manually test several nodes to verify connectivity and rule functionality.

Proxy groups and rule systems are Clash's core features. Here's a 5-step explanation:

1. Understanding Rules: Rules are the criteria Clash uses for traffic routing. Each rule consists of a matching condition and an action. Conditions can include domain keywords, full domains, IP ranges, or process names. Actions determine whether matched traffic goes direct, through a proxy, or gets rejected. Rules are evaluated top-to-bottom in order.
2. Understanding Proxy Groups: A proxy group organizes multiple proxy nodes into a logical unit with a selection strategy. Common strategies include manual selection, automatic failover, and load balancing. Users can create multiple groups for different purposes.
3. Manual Selection Groups: The most basic type where users manually pick which node to use from the group's list. This gives maximum control, ideal for scenarios where you want to switch between nodes based on real-time network conditions.
4. Automatic Failover Groups: This strategy automatically tests node availability in a user-defined order. If the current node fails or has high latency, the system switches to the next available node, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.
5. Load Balancing Groups with Rules: Load balancing distributes traffic across multiple nodes. Combined with the rule system, users can assign different traffic types to different groups for fine-grained network management.

Security and privacy are paramount. Follow these 6 steps for safe usage:

1. Always Download from Official Sources: Only download Clash clients from official GitHub repositories or links on this website. Avoid third-party sites that may distribute tampered installers with malware or backdoors. Verify SHA256 checksums after downloading.
2. Use Trusted Proxy Service Providers: Choose reputable providers with clear privacy policies, no-logging commitments, and transparent server jurisdiction information. These factors directly impact your privacy protection.
3. Regularly Update Client and Configurations: Keep your Clash client updated to the latest version to patch security vulnerabilities. Enable automatic subscription updates to ensure node information stays current.
4. Carefully Review YAML Configuration Files: If using local YAML files, inspect them for suspicious remote script calls or unknown external references. Every configuration item should be understood before use.
5. Understand Local-Only Data Storage: All Clash configuration data and logs are stored locally on your device by default. No data is uploaded to cloud servers, meaning your proxy node information and browsing habits are never collected or shared by Clash itself.
6. Combine with Other Security Measures: Proxy tools are just one component of network security. Use firewalls and antivirus software alongside Clash. For highly sensitive activities, consider end-to-end encrypted communication tools.

Connection issues are common. Here's a systematic 6-step troubleshooting process:

1. Check Basic Network Connectivity: First, verify your device can access the internet without Clash. Try visiting a website with the proxy turned off. If basic connectivity is broken, resolve that first by checking WiFi, router status, or contacting your ISP.
2. Verify Proxy Node Availability: Check the status of your currently selected node in the Clash client. If latency shows timeout or abnormally high values, the node may be down. Switch to another node in the same group or run a latency test on all nodes to find the fastest one.
3. Confirm System Proxy Settings: Ensure Clash's system proxy switch is turned on and the correct proxy mode is selected (rule-based or global). Also check your OS network settings to confirm Clash has properly configured the proxy, as other software may have conflicting modifications.
4. Troubleshoot DNS Issues: DNS resolution failures are a common cause. If using Premium with Fake-IP DNS, try temporarily disabling it. You can also specify public DNS servers (like 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1) in your configuration to rule out DNS pollution.
5. Check Firewall and Security Software Interference: Some firewalls or security software may block Clash's network requests. Try temporarily disabling them to test. If resolved, add Clash as an exception or trusted application in those programs.
6. Examine Log Files for Specific Errors: Clash clients typically provide log viewing functionality. Open the log panel, reproduce the connection issue, and observe the output. Use specific error messages to search for targeted solutions or seek community help.