AGENTS.md

AGENTS.md is an open format that provides a dedicated file for developers to include instructions, build steps, and conventions for AI coding agents.

AGENTS.md is a dedicated file format designed to provide AI coding agents with the context they need to work on software projects. By creating a specific file for agent guidance, developers can keep their project READMEs focused on human contributors while offering agents clear, predictable instructions. The format supports details like project overviews, build and test commands, code style guidelines, and security considerations. It allows for the use of nested files in subprojects for large monorepos. Stewarded by the Agentic AI Foundation, the format aims to improve compatibility across various AI coding tools.

AGENTS.md at a glance

Best for: Software engineer
Runs on: Open source
Pricing: Free
Released: August 2025
Category: AI coding tool
Website: agents.md

Key features

Open format for coding agent instructions
Separates agent context from human documentation
Supports nested files for subprojects
Compatible with multiple AI coding agents and tools
Provides standard sections for build and test commands
Allows for project-specific security and style guidelines

Use it for

Defining build and test commands for AI agents
Documenting code style guidelines for automated tools
Providing project overviews to coding assistants
Managing instructions for large monorepos with nested files

Companions

Tools that articles about AGENTS.md recommend using with it, each with its job.

Context7 — Provides up-to-date documentation for AI agents and code editors.
Ollama — Run local models at zero marginal cost, with code kept on your machine.
OpenRouter — Access over 500 models and 80 providers through one unified API.
Daytona — Runs sessions in isolated sandboxes synced to git branches.
Composio — Equips AI agents with tools, managed user auth, and sandboxes across 1,500+ apps
Oh My OpenCode Slim — Lightweight multi-agent orchestration and background tasks.

Alternatives to AGENTS.md

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AgentGrid — Centralize multiple AI coding agents and development tools on one interactive canvas.
Command Code — Repairs open model tool calls and learns developer patterns automatically.
Factorai — Manages multiple independent AI coding agents in parallel from one interface.
DotMD — Reviews documents like code with line-specific agent fixes.
Agentation — It translates clicks into CSS selectors and source paths for agents.

All AGENTS.md alternatives