---
name: zai-cli
description: |
  Execute z.AI CLI providing vision, search, reader, and GitHub exploration via CLI and MCP.
  Use when user needs image/video analysis, OCR, UI-to-code conversion, error diagnosis,
  real-time web search, web page to markdown extraction, or GitHub code exploration.
  Trigger with phrases like "analyze this image", "search the web for", "read this page",
  "explore this repo", or "use zai". Requires Z_AI_API_KEY.
allowed-tools: Read, Write, Edit, Bash(cmd:*), WebFetch
version: 1.0.0
license: Apache-2.0
author: Numman Ali <numman.ali@gmail.com>
compatibility: Designed for Claude Code, also compatible with Codex and OpenClaw
tags: [community, zai-cli]
---
# Zai Cli

## Overview

ZAI CLI provides access to Z.AI capabilities including image/video analysis, real-time web search, web page extraction, and GitHub code exploration. It integrates with Claude Code via MCP protocol for seamless AI-powered content analysis.

## Prerequisites

- Node.js 18+ installed
- Z_AI_API_KEY environment variable set
- API key from https://z.ai/manage-apikey/apikey-list
- Network access to Z.AI API endpoints

## Instructions

1. Obtain an API key from Z.AI platform
2. Export your API key: `export Z_AI_API_KEY="your-key"`
3. Run `npx zai-cli doctor` to verify setup
4. Use `npx zai-cli --help` to see available commands
5. Try basic commands like vision, search, read, or repo
6. Use `--help` on any subcommand for detailed options

Access Z.AI capabilities via `npx zai-cli`. The CLI is self-documenting - use `--help` at any level.

## Output

Default: **data-only** (raw output for token efficiency).
Use `--output-format json` for `{ success, data, timestamp }` wrapping.

## Error Handling

See `${CLAUDE_SKILL_DIR}/references/errors.md` for comprehensive error handling.

## Examples

See `${CLAUDE_SKILL_DIR}/references/examples.md` for detailed examples.

## Resources

- [Z.AI Platform](https://z.ai/)
- [Z.AI API Key Management](https://z.ai/manage-apikey/apikey-list)
- [zai-cli npm Package](https://www.npmjs.com/package/zai-cli)
- [Z.AI Documentation](https://docs.z.ai/)
- [MCP Protocol Reference](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/)