Project instructions with AGENTS.md

ZeroTwo reads project instruction files before doing Work or ZeroCode work in a local folder. Use them to set repository norms, test commands, and working agreements so every run starts with the same context.

Which file ZeroTwo uses

In a local project folder, ZeroTwo loads exactly one instruction file, chosen by priority:

ZEROTWO.md
AGENTS.md
CLAUDE.md

The first file that exists at the project root with non-empty content wins. Lower-priority files are ignored — they do not merge. Instruction files can include other markdown with @include paths. Content is capped for prompt size; very large files are truncated. You can also keep global defaults under ~/.zerotwo/ for preferences that apply across projects.

Create project instructions

In your repository root, add AGENTS.md (or ZEROTWO.md if you want ZeroTwo-specific guidance to win over other tools’ files):

# AGENTS.md

## Repository expectations

- Run `npm run lint` before opening a pull request.
- Prefer `pnpm` when installing dependencies.
- Ask before adding new production dependencies.
- Document public utilities in `docs/` when you change behavior.

Open the folder in the ZeroTwo desktop app (Work or ZeroCode).
Start a task and ask ZeroTwo what instructions it loaded to confirm the file is active.

Global guidance

Create reusable defaults in your ZeroTwo home directory:

mkdir -p ~/.zerotwo

# ~/.zerotwo/AGENTS.md

## Working agreements

- Always run tests after modifying application code.
- Prefer focused diffs over broad refactors unless asked.

Project-root ZEROTWO.md / AGENTS.md / CLAUDE.md still take precedence for that folder when present.

What to put in instruction files

Good instruction content is short, actionable, and stable:

Build, lint, and test commands for the repo
Style or architecture constraints
Files or directories to avoid
How to open PRs or name branches
Links to deeper docs the agent should read when needed

Avoid pasting large API references or generated docs into AGENTS.md. Point ZeroTwo at those files instead.

Overview

Customization

Config file

Agent configuration

Extend ZeroTwo

Environments

Permissions

Windows

Connections

Project instructions with AGENTS.md

Which file ZeroTwo uses

Create project instructions

Global guidance

What to put in instruction files

​Which file ZeroTwo uses

​Create project instructions

​Global guidance

​What to put in instruction files

​Related

Which file ZeroTwo uses

Create project instructions

Global guidance

What to put in instruction files

Related