Gemini CLI: `GEMINI.md` location, format and template

Where Gemini CLI reads project instructions, whether it reads AGENTS.md, and what the format allows. From the official documentation, checked Oct 7, 2026. See also Gemini CLI: pricing, popularity and alternatives.

Project files

GEMINI.md in the project and its parent folders
GEMINI.md in a subfolder loads when a tool touches a file there

Global (all projects)

~/.gemini/GEMINI.md

AGENTS.md

– Only if you add it: set context.fileName in settings.json, e.g. ["AGENTS.md", "GEMINI.md"].

Format and limits

Import files with @file.md; imports nest up to 5 levels.
/memory show prints the combined context; /memory reload re-reads the files.
.geminiignore keeps files out of context.

Sources: geminicli.com/docs/cli/gemini-md/

Templates

Make Gemini CLI read AGENTS.md.gemini/settings.json

{
  "context": {
    "fileName": ["AGENTS.md", "GEMINI.md"]
  }
}

AGENTS.md for a TypeScript projectAGENTS.md

# AGENTS.md

## Project
One paragraph: what this repository does and who uses it.

## Commands
- Install: `pnpm install`
- Dev server: `pnpm dev`
- Tests: `pnpm test` (run before you finish)
- Lint and types: `pnpm lint && pnpm typecheck`

## Layout
- `src/app/`: routes and pages
- `src/lib/`: shared logic, no UI code
- `tests/`: mirrors `src/`

## Conventions
- TypeScript strict mode; avoid `any`.
- Follow the patterns already in `src/` before adding new ones.
- Small, focused functions; name things for what they do.

## Boundaries
- Never read or edit `.env*` files or commit secrets.
- Ask before adding a dependency or changing a public API.

## Done means
Tests pass, lint is clean, and the change is explained in the PR description.

Written by AgentGid as a starting point; swap in your own commands and folders.

Gemini CLI: GEMINI.md location, format and template