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Prerequisites

  • Node.js v20.17.0 or higher
  • npm or pnpm
  • A Claude Pro or ChatGPT Plus subscription (for local inference on Path B)
BossMode’s cockpit runs in your browser. One command seeds the local SQLite brain and opens the workspace.
1

Install and initialize

npx @acelabs/bossmode-cli init
This seeds the local SQLite brain, starts the GUI in detached mode, and opens the cockpit in your browser at localhost:5173/app.No email, token, or cloud dependency required for free local mode.
2

Open the cockpit

The CLI opens your browser automatically. If it doesn’t:
http://localhost:5173/app
3

Run the setup wizard (optional)

npx @acelabs/bossmode-cli init --wizard
The wizard walks you through setting business context, adding your first buyer profile, and queuing your first directive.

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Path B — Cloud workspace

Connect to bossmode.ing/app for multi-device sync, cloud-backed directives, and the full consigliere brain.
1

Sign up

Go to bossmode.ing/signup and create a free account.
2

Get your token

After signup, your API token is in Settings → API Token. Copy it.
3

Set your environment variable

export BOSSMODE_API_TOKEN=your_token_here
Or add it to your .env.local:
BOSSMODE_API_TOKEN=your_token_here
4

Verify the connection

curl -sH "x-bossmode-token: $BOSSMODE_API_TOKEN" \
  https://bossmode.ing/api/pro/context | jq

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MCP server integration

For Claude Code, Codex CLI, or any MCP-compatible runtime: 
npm i -g @acelabs/bossmode-mcp-server
Then in your MCP config: 
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "bossmode": {
      "command": "bossmode-mcp-server",
      "env": {
        "BOSSMODE_API_TOKEN": "your_token_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

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Environment variables

VariableRequiredDescription
BOSSMODE_API_TOKENYes (cloud)Your operator API token
NEXT_PUBLIC_CONVEX_URLYes (self-host)Convex deployment URL
CONVEX_ADMIN_TOKENYes (self-host)Convex admin token
RESEND_API_KEYOptionalEmail delivery

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Verify installation

npx @acelabs/bossmode-cli status
Expected output: 
✓ BossMode v0.x.x
✓ Local brain: seeded
✓ Provider: claude_code_local
✓ Standing orders: 0 loaded

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Next

Run your first directive

Issue a directive and watch the consigliere execute.

Write standing orders

Define the rules the consigliere follows when the boss is away.