---
topic: configuration
source_keys:
  - agents-md-official
  - context7-websites-agents-md
---

## General Setup

No installation is required. Create a file named `AGENTS.md` at the root of the repository. Most agents that support the standard read it automatically without any configuration.

## Tool-Specific Configuration

Some tools require an explicit opt-in to read AGENTS.md:

**Aider** — add to `.aider.conf.yml`:
```yaml
read: AGENTS.md
```

**Gemini CLI** — add to `.gemini/settings.json`:
```json
{
  "context": {
    "fileName": "AGENTS.md"
  }
}
```

For all other tools in the compatibility list (GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Codex, Claude Code, etc.), AGENTS.md is read automatically when present at the repository root or in the nearest parent directory.

## Conflict Resolution

- Nearest file wins: the AGENTS.md closest to the file being edited takes precedence over files higher in the directory tree.
- User prompt wins over all: explicit instructions given in the chat interface override any AGENTS.md rule.
- No merge across files: only the nearest file applies; inner files do not inherit from outer ones unless the agent explicitly implements that behavior.