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Command reference · Aider

/add

Adds one or more files to the chat so Aider can edit them or use them as detailed context.

/add adds files to the current chat session. Aider can only edit files that are in the chat. If a new file that doesn't exist yet is given to /add, Aider remembers the filename and writes to it later instead of accidentally changing an existing file. Besides the added files, Aider also uses a map of the whole git repo, so it's aware of code outside the chat too.

🎬 AS A SHORT VIDEO

Adds one or more files to the chat so Aider can edit them or use them as detailed context.

✅ WHEN TO USE IT?

Make a file editable

/add payment.py — add the file to the chat before asking Aider to change it

Safely create a new file

/add utils/newfile.py before asking Aider to write a new helper function there — this way the change lands in the new file instead of an existing one

⛔ WHEN NOT TO?

Adding many files just in case

Too much irrelevant code in the chat distracts the LLM; the docs recommend adding only the files actually needed.

Better: Add only the 1-2 truly relevant files and let the automatic repo map cover the rest

Only wanting to show a file as reference, not edit it

/add makes files directly editable — unnecessary if the file should only serve as context.

Better: Use /read-only to add the file for reference only

SOURCES