How to Use i-have-adhd with Gemini CLI Extension: Complete Setup Guide

Install i-have-adhd in Gemini CLI as either an on-demand custom command or an always-on extension to get ADHD-friendly formatted responses in every session.

The i-have-adhd repository by ayghri provides a Gemini CLI integration that reformats LLM output for easier reading. This guide covers both installation methods—the opt-in command for temporary use and the permanent extension for automatic activation—based on the official source code.

Installation Options for i-have-adhd Gemini CLI Integration

The repository offers two distinct ways to integrate with Gemini CLI. Choose based on how frequently you want ADHD-optimized output.

Integration Mode	Behavior	Best For
Custom Command (/i-have-adhd)	Activate per session with a slash command	Occasional use, testing, or shared machines
Extension	Automatic loading in every Gemini session	Daily use, consistent ADHD-friendly formatting

Both methods reference the same underlying skill definition in skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md—the difference is how Gemini loads it.

Method 1: Custom Command (Opt-In)

This approach installs a single TOML file that defines a /i-have-adhd slash command. The skill rules only apply when you explicitly invoke the command during a session.

Step 1: Download the Command Definition

mkdir -p ~/.gemini/commands
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/main/skills/i-have-adhd/agents/gemini.toml \
  -o ~/.gemini/commands/i-have-adhd.toml

The gemini.toml file contains the command metadata and embeds the full ADHD-style prompt rules. According to the source at skills/i-have-adhd/agents/gemini.toml lines 1-25, this TOML block tells Gemini-CLI:

• The command name (/i-have-adhd)
• Description and usage hints
• The complete prompt text that shapes ADHD-friendly output

Step 2: Activate in a Session

gemini          # launch the CLI

/i-have-adhd    # enable for this session only

The skill remains active until you exit that Gemini session. As documented in INSTALL.md lines 181-245, no persistent changes are made to your default Gemini behavior.

Method 2: Extension (Always-On)

Install i-have-adhd as a Gemini extension for automatic loading in every new session.

Install the Extension

gemini extensions install https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd

This command reads gemini-extension.json from the repository root, which declares:

• Extension name and version
• Pointer to GEMINI.md as the context file

Per gemini-extension.json lines 1-6, the manifest directs Gemini to load GEMINI.md on startup. That file simply imports the skill: @./skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md (GEMINI.md lines 1-6).

How the Extension Works

The extension architecture uses three linked files:

1. gemini-extension.json — Extension manifest loaded by Gemini
2. GEMINI.md — Context file that imports the skill
3. skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md — Complete rule set for ADHD-optimized formatting

When you start Gemini with this extension installed, the rules from SKILL.md lines 13-40 apply immediately to all responses. No slash command needed.

Verification and Management

Check Installation Status

For the command route:

ls ~/.gemini/commands

# Expected output: i-have-adhd.toml

For the extension route:

gemini extensions list

# Expected output: i-have-adhd with version

Both verification steps are confirmed in INSTALL.md lines 334-340.

Update the Integration

Route	Command
Custom command	Re-run the curl download command
Extension	gemini extensions update i-have-adhd

Uninstall Completely

# Remove extension

gemini extensions uninstall i-have-adhd

# Remove custom command (if installed)

rm ~/.gemini/commands/i-have-adhd.toml

Update and uninstall procedures are documented in INSTALL.md lines 443-455.

Complete Workflow Examples

Quick Test: Command Route

# One-time setup

mkdir -p ~/.gemini/commands
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/main/skills/i-have-adhd/agents/gemini.toml \
  -o ~/.gemini/commands/i-have-adhd.toml

# Use in any session

gemini
/i-have-adhd

# Now type your queries—responses use ADHD-friendly formatting

Daily Driver: Extension Route

# Single install, permanent effect

gemini extensions install https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd

# Every new gemini session now has ADHD formatting by default

gemini

# First response already uses the skill—no command needed

What the ADHD Formatting Actually Does

The SKILL.md file defines specific output rules that Gemini follows when the skill is active. While the exact rules depend on the version you're running, the implementation at skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md lines 13-40 typically includes:

• Structured summaries with clear visual hierarchy
• Bite-sized information chunks
• Emphasis on actionable items
• Reduced cognitive load through formatting choices

The TOML command and JSON extension are thin wrappers—they don't modify these rules; they only deliver SKILL.md to the LLM as context.

Summary

• Two installation modes: opt-in /i-have-adhd command (temporary) or always-on extension (permanent)
• Core files: gemini.toml defines the command; gemini-extension.json + GEMINI.md + SKILL.md power the extension
• Same underlying rules: Both paths ultimately load skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md
• Easy management: Standard gemini extensions subcommands handle updates and removal
• Verified paths: All file references and line numbers match the ayghri/i-have-adhd repository

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use both the command and extension simultaneously?

Yes, but the extension takes precedence since it loads automatically. If you have the extension installed, /i-have-adhd becomes redundant. The command route exists specifically for users who want occasional access without permanent installation, as noted in INSTALL.md lines 113-150.

Does i-have-adhd modify my Gemini CLI installation?

No. The extension loads context files into the LLM conversation—it doesn't alter Gemini's core code or configuration beyond standard extension management. The custom command is simply a TOML file in ~/.gemini/commands that Gemini reads at startup.

How do I temporarily disable the extension without uninstalling?

Gemini CLI doesn't currently support per-session extension disabling. To stop the always-on behavior, uninstall with gemini extensions uninstall i-have-adhd and reinstall when needed. For flexible on/off control, use the custom command route instead.

Where are the actual formatting rules defined?

All ADHD-specific output rules live in skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md lines 13-40. Both the TOML command file and the extension manifest ultimately point to this single source of truth.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "instagit": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "instagit@latest"]
    }
  }
}