Kilocode Mode Creator

Kilocode Mode Creator

Create custom modes for Kilocode with proper structure and validation.

Argument Parsing

Parse arguments to detect:

• -a flag: Auto mode (no questions, generate based on description)
• Everything else: Mode description/requirements

Workflow

If -a flag is present (Auto Mode)

Generate the mode immediately based on the description provided. Infer all fields intelligently:

1. Parse the description to extract mode purpose
2. Generate all required fields:
   • slug: kebab-case identifier derived from name
   • name: Display name with appropriate emoji
   • description: Short summary
   • roleDefinition: Detailed role description
   • groups: Appropriate tool access based on mode purpose
3. Add optional fields if relevant:
   • whenToUse: If the mode has specific trigger conditions
   • customInstructions: If special behaviors are needed
4. Output the YAML configuration

If -a flag is NOT present (Interactive Mode)

Ask clarifying questions for anything not specified. Questions to consider:

1. Mode purpose: What should this mode do? What's its specialty?
2. Name and emoji: What should it be called? Any preferred emoji?
3. Tool access: Which capabilities does it need?
   • read - Read files
   • edit - Edit files (can restrict with fileRegex)
   • browser - Web browsing
   • command - Run commands
   • mcp - MCP tools
4. File restrictions: Should editing be limited to specific file types?
5. Behavior guidelines: Any specific instructions or personality traits?

Ask only about what's missing or unclear. Don't ask about things already specified.

Output Format

Generate YAML format for .kilocodemodes (project) or custom_modes.yaml (global):

customModes:
  - slug: mode-slug
    name: "Emoji Mode Name"
    description: Short description for mode selector
    roleDefinition: |
      Detailed description of the mode's role, expertise, and personality.
      Can be multiple lines for comprehensive role definition.
    groups:
      - read
      - [edit, {fileRegex: '\\.ext$', description: "File type restriction"}]
      - browser
      - command
      - mcp
    whenToUse: Optional guidance for automated mode selection
    customInstructions: |
      Optional additional behavioral guidelines.

Validation Rules

• slug: Only letters, numbers, hyphens. Must be unique.
• fileRegex in YAML: Single backslash (\.md$)
• fileRegex in JSON: Double backslash (\\.md$)

Reference

See references/mode-schema.md for complete field documentation and examples.