Composez CLI
Your fiction writing from the power of a terminal CLI. Supported by AI.
What is Composez CLI?
Composez CLI is a terminal tool purpose-built for writing long-form fiction with AI assistance. It adds structure to your manuscript, making well organized for git version control, AI review and editing – and you!
Instead of dumping an entire novel into a single prompt, Composez lets you work at the right level of granularity: summarize a scene, write a chapter, reorganize your structure, and lint your prose–all through simple slash commands in the terminal.
Composez CLI is based on and forked from the Aider software development CLI.
Where is the User Interface?
This is the documentation for the Composez CLI, a terminal companion you can use alongside your favourite editor. If you’re looking for a more ready-made novel editing solution, try out our cloud application, Composez, featuring the raw power of Composez CLI along other features – all ready-to-go in a browser application.
Narrative Hierarchy
Organize your manuscript into acts, chapters, and scenes with configurable level names. Each scene has dedicated PROSE.md and SUMMARY.md files. The structure is enforced automatically.
Reference Database
Keep character sheets, location descriptions, style guides, and world-building notes in a structured db/ directory. Core entries are loaded as context automatically so the AI maintains consistency.
Smart Context Management
Auto-context automatically identifies relevant files before each LLM call, or use /add with narrative locations to load specific scenes, summaries, or database entries. Write and summarize commands spin up isolated sessions with just the right context.
Import & Export
Import existing manuscripts from Novelcrafter or plain Markdown. Export your finished work to Markdown, DOCX, or EPUB with proper formatting, chapter breaks, and scene separators.
Prose Linting
Integrated Vale-based linting catches passive voice, cliches, AI-tells, and style issues. The linter is tuned for fiction—no false positives on invented names or literary conventions.
Flexible Modes
Direct editing, two-phase compose mode, and autonomous agent mode—combine any edit mode with any autonomy level. Use /feedback for structured critique and /analyze-style to capture your voice.
Full Git Integration
Every edit is version-controlled. You can review diffs, roll back changes, and branch your manuscript. Auto-commits keep a clean history without getting in your way.
Works With Any LLM
Use Claude, GPT-4, Gemini, local models, or any provider Aider supports. Composez inherits Aider’s full model compatibility, including architect mode with separate planning and editing models.
Quick Example
# Start composez in your project
composez
# Create your narrative structure
> /new act The Beginning
> /new 1 chapter Arrivals
> /new 1 1 scene The Train Station
# Add a scene and write prose from its summary
> /add 1 1 1
> /write 1 1 1
# Summarize what you've written
> /summarize 1 1 1
# Check your prose for style issues
> /lint 1 1 1
# Export when you're ready
> /export epubHow It Works
Your narrative structure lives in your filesystem as plain directories and Markdown files—no proprietary formats, no databases, no lock-in. Your manuscript is always readable, diffable, and yours.
From there, our tools let you work with your prose, summaries and database of characters, locations, and other material. The AI chat knows how all this works and you can simply ask it for help!