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Quick Start Guide

Get BMad Method installed and running in your project in just a few minutes. This guide will walk you through installation, first commands, and basic usage.
Prerequisites: You need Node.js v20 or higher installed on your system.

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Installation

1

Run the installer

Open your terminal and navigate to your project directory, then run:
npx bmad-method install
If you’re getting a stale beta version, use: npx [email protected] install
2

Answer configuration prompts

The installer will ask you a few questions to configure BMad for your project:Core Configuration:
  • What should agents call you? (Your name or team name)
  • What language should agents use when chatting?
  • Preferred document output language?
  • Where should output files be saved? (default: _bmad-output)
BMad Method Configuration:
  • Project name (defaults to your directory name)
  • Your development experience level (beginner/intermediate/expert)
  • Where to store planning artifacts (default: _bmad-output/planning-artifacts)
  • Where to store implementation artifacts (default: _bmad-output/implementation-artifacts)
  • Where to store project knowledge (default: docs)
What should agents call you? Alex
What language should agents use? English  
Project name: my-saas-app
Experience level: Intermediate
3

Select modules to install

Choose which BMad modules you want to install:
  • BMad Method (BMM) — Core framework with 34+ workflows (recommended)
  • BMad Builder (BMB) — Create custom agents and workflows
  • Test Architect (TEA) — Risk-based test strategy and automation
  • Game Dev Studio (BMGD) — Game development workflows
  • Creative Intelligence Suite (CIS) — Innovation and brainstorming
Start with just BMM (the core framework). You can add other modules anytime by running the installer again.
4

Select your AI IDE

Choose which AI IDE(s) you’re using:
  • Claude Code (recommended)
  • Cursor
  • GitHub Copilot
  • Windsurf
  • And more…
The installer will configure slash commands for your selected IDE(s).
5

Wait for installation to complete

The installer will:
  • Create necessary directories
  • Install selected modules
  • Generate agent files
  • Configure IDE integrations
  • Set up workflow commands
This usually takes 30-60 seconds.

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Verify Installation

After installation completes, verify everything is working:
1

Check for the _bmad directory

You should see a new _bmad directory in your project with this structure:
_bmad/
├── core/              # Core BMad functionality
├── bmm/               # BMad Method module
│   ├── agents/        # Agent definitions
│   └── workflows/     # Workflow files
└── manifest.yaml      # Installation manifest
2

Check for IDE integration

Depending on your IDE, you should see:Claude Code:
.claude/
└── commands/
    └── bmad/          # BMad slash commands
Cursor:
.cursor/
└── commands/
    └── bmad/          # BMad slash commands
3

Open your AI IDE

Open your AI IDE (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.) in your project directory.

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Your First Commands

Now you’re ready to use BMad Method! Here are your first commands:

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Get Help

The most important command is /bmad-help — it tells you exactly what to do next: 
/bmad-help
You can also ask questions: 
/bmad-help I just finished the architecture, what do I do next?

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Invoke an Agent

Agents are your specialized collaborators. Try invoking the Product Manager: 
/pm
You’ll see a menu with options like:
  • [CP] Create PRD — Create a Product Requirements Document
  • [VP] Validate PRD — Validate an existing PRD
  • [EP] Edit PRD — Update your PRD
  • [CE] Create Epics and Stories — Break down requirements

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Run a Workflow

Workflows can also be called directly: 
/create-prd
This launches the PRD creation workflow with guided facilitation.

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Quick Development Flow

For rapid iteration on small features or bug fixes: 
/quick-flow-solo-dev
This specialized agent helps you ship quickly while maintaining quality.

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Common First Tasks

Here are typical first tasks based on your project stage:

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Starting from Scratch

1

Brainstorm ideas

/bmad-help brainstorming
2

Create a product brief

/pm
# Select "Create Product Brief"
3

Write a PRD

/create-prd
4

Design UX

/ux-designer
# Select "[CU] Create UX Design"
5

Create architecture

/architect
# Select "[CA] Create Architecture"

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Understanding the Workflow

BMad Method organizes work into 4 phases:

Phase 1: Analysis

Research and Discovery
  • Domain research
  • Market research
  • Technical research
  • Competitive analysis

Phase 2: Planning

Requirements & Design
  • Product briefs
  • PRD creation
  • UX design
  • Validation

Phase 3: Solutioning

Architecture & Breakdown
  • Architecture documentation
  • Epics and stories
  • Implementation readiness

Phase 4: Implementation

Development & Delivery
  • Sprint planning
  • Story development
  • Code review
  • Retrospectives
You don’t need to follow all phases for every project! Small features can jump straight to quick-flow. The framework adapts to your needs.

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Pro Tips

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Use Party Mode

Bring multiple agents into a discussion: 
/party-mode
Example: Get PM, Architect, and Dev in the same conversation to discuss a complex feature.

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Customize Agent Behavior

You can customize how agents communicate with you by editing: 
_bmad/core/config.yaml
Change experience level, language, or output preferences.

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Non-Interactive Installation

For CI/CD pipelines or automation: 
npx bmad-method install \
  --directory /path/to/project \
  --modules bmm \
  --tools claude-code \
  --yes

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Check Installation Status

See what’s currently installed: 
npx bmad-method status

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What’s Next?

Installation Guide

Learn about all installation options and troubleshooting

Agent Reference

Meet all the specialized agents and their capabilities

Workflow Guide

Explore all 34+ workflows in detail

Tutorials

Step-by-step tutorials for common scenarios

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Need Help?

Stuck or confused? Remember: /bmad-help is your friend! It provides context-aware guidance based on your current project state.
Congratulations! You’re now ready to use BMad Method to build better software faster. Start with /bmad-help and let the agents guide you.

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