CLI flags
Flags override config and defaults for a single run. This page lists the global flag and the common per-command flags for pipemason start and pipemason program start.
Global flags
| Flag | Meaning |
|---|---|
--max-tier <haiku|sonnet|opus|fable> | Set the model-tier ceiling for this run. Overrides the cost_controls.max_model_tier ceiling in config; the runner applies whichever ceiling is more restrictive. The tier ladder is haiku < sonnet < opus < fable. |
Common run flags
These apply to pipemason start (a single feature) and, except where noted, to program runs as well:
| Flag | Meaning |
|---|---|
--base <branch> | Override base-branch detection and branch from the given branch. |
--pr | Open a pull request at the finalize phase. Implies --push. |
--push | Push the branch at finalize (off by default). |
--stash | Auto-stash a dirty working tree instead of refusing to start. |
--no-cloud | Run without registering the run with the cloud control plane (no live dashboard). |
--use-api-key | Use ANTHROPIC_API_KEY from the environment for agent execution instead of your subscription. |
--scope <scope> | Constrain the run to a specific scope. |
--stop-after <phase> | Stop the pipeline after the named phase rather than running to completion. |
Program flags
Additional flags for pipemason program start, which drives a multi-story program:
| Flag | Meaning |
|---|---|
--mode <mode> | Program mode: greenfield-system, greenfield-mobile, brownfield-upgrade, or brownfield-extension. |
--parallelism <n> | How many stories may run concurrently. |
--branch-strategy <strategy> | How story branches relate (stacked by default). |
--max-cost <usd> | Cumulative program spend ceiling; pauses the program once reached. |
--max-daily-cost <usd> | Per-day spend ceiling (resets at midnight UTC); 0 disables it. |
--dry-run | Plan the program (story DAG) without executing the stories. |
--force-new | Start a fresh program rather than resuming an existing one. |
Examples
# Open a PR and cap the model tier at sonnet pipemason start "add a /version endpoint" --pr --max-tier sonnet # Plan a greenfield program with a daily spend cap, without executing pipemason program start "build an issue tracker" \ --mode greenfield-system --max-daily-cost 40 --dry-run
Note
Flags persist only for the run they are passed to. To make a setting permanent for a repo, put it in
.pipeline/config.yml instead.