Command line

The directory passed to docwriter sets the workspace boundary. Confirm it before you create, rename, or delete files in DocWriter.

docwriter [options] [directory]

Option	Meaning
`-p, --port <n>`	Use this HTTP port. The default is 7723 or another free port. Changing it changes the browser address but does not change saved work.
`--host [address]`	Listen on this network address. A bare flag uses 0.0.0.0 and allows other devices on the local network to connect.
`--no-open`	Start the server without opening a browser. Saved work is unchanged.
`-w, --watch`	Reload the browser after supported files change outside DocWriter. A newer external file can replace saved tab state.
`--restart`	Start the server again one second after a crash. The active agent run does not resume.
`--root <dir>`	Use this directory as the workspace root. The positional directory does the same job.
`--new-session`	Clear the saved provider conversation at startup. Workspace files remain.
`--api-key <key>`	Set the Anthropic key for this process. The key can appear in shell history or process information.
`--model <name>`	Set the Claude default model alias for this process.
`--version`	Print the installed version without starting the server.

Common examples

docwriter ~/writing/book
docwriter --watch ~/writing/paper
docwriter --no-open --port 9000 ~/writing/notes
docwriter --host 0.0.0.0 ~/writing/shared

In DocWriter, you select among Claude, OpenAI, Codex, Cursor, and Pi through the provider and model controls. The --api-key and --model flags apply only to Claude. Use --host 0.0.0.0 only on a trusted network. Anyone who can reach the server may be able to view workspace data or use configured provider credentials through DocWriter. Use --watch when another program changes workspace files. A reload protects you from continuing with an old browser view. A newer file with different text can replace the tab’s saved comments, pending reviews, undo history, and AI provenance, so copy or finish that work first.

Environment

Useful environment values include DOCWRITER_ROOT, DOCWRITER_DEFAULT_MODEL, DOCWRITER_NEW_SESSION, ANTHROPIC_API_KEY, and provider keys described in Connect a provider. Environment values can override settings loaded from ~/.docwriter/keys.env. Restart DocWriter after changing an environment value so the new process uses it. Removing a key can stop provider requests. Your earlier transcripts and provider records remain.

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Common examples

Environment

​Common examples

​Environment

Common examples

Environment