Module Help CSV Reference
Complete reference for the module-help.csv file — the central registry that makes your module’s agents, workflows, and commands discoverable and accessible.
What Is module-help.csv?
Section titled “What Is module-help.csv?”The module-help.csv file is a registry that maps all of your module’s functionality to discoverable entries. When users interact with your module, this file tells the BMad help system what’s available — workflows, agents, commands, and when to use each.
Think of it as your module’s table of contents — but with structured data that enables CLI integration, command discovery, and documentation generation.
CSV Structure (13 columns)
Section titled “CSV Structure (13 columns)”module,phase,name,code,sequence,workflow-file,command,required,agent,options,description,output-location,outputs,| Column | Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
module | string | Module code from module.yaml | mwm, bmad-custom |
phase | string | anytime or phase-1, phase-2, etc. | anytime, phase-1 |
name | string | Display name of the feature | Daily Check In |
code | string | Short code for commands (2-3 chars) | DCI, MJ |
sequence | number | Order within phase — empty for anytime | 10, 20, or empty |
workflow-file | path | Path to workflow.md — empty for agent-only | _bmad/mwm/workflows/... |
command | string | Internal command name | mwm_daily_checkin |
required | boolean | Whether this feature is required | false |
agent | string | Associated agent name (if any) | wellness-companion |
options | string | Mode or action type | Chat Mode, Create Mode |
description | string | User-facing description | Explain what and when to use |
output-location | string | Where output goes (folder name) | mwm_output_folder |
outputs | string | What is produced | journal entry |
Phase and Sequencing Rules
Section titled “Phase and Sequencing Rules”anytime — Use For Standalone Features
Section titled “anytime — Use For Standalone Features”Features that users can run independently, in any order.
| Use anytime for… | Example |
|---|---|
| Agent menu triggers that don’t route to workflows | Chat with agent, quick actions |
| Independent utilities | Status checks, one-off tools |
| User-choice features | Multiple format options where user picks one |
** anytime entries always:**
- Go at the TOP of the file
- Have EMPTY
sequencecolumn - Let users choose what to run — no order imposed
Phases (phase-1, phase-2, phase-3…) — Use For Sequential Journeys
Section titled “Phases (phase-1, phase-2, phase-3…) — Use For Sequential Journeys”Features that should be run in a specific order as part of a guided process.
| Use phases for… | Example |
|---|---|
| Multi-step journeys | Morning routine, project phases |
| Progressive workflows | Planning → drafting → revising |
| Cumulative processes | Beginner → intermediate → advanced |
Phased entries always:
- Go BELOW anytime entries
- Phases start at
-1(phase-1, not phase-0) - Have
sequencenumbers (10, 20, 30…) defining order within phase
Agent-Only Entries
Section titled “Agent-Only Entries”Features handled entirely by an agent’s menu — no separate workflow file.
| Agent-only entries… | Have… |
|---|---|
Empty workflow-file column | Agent handles via its menu |
agent column populated | Which agent to invoke |
Usually anytime phase | User can trigger anytime |
Complete Examples
Section titled “Complete Examples”Example 1: Wellness Module (Phased Journey)
Section titled “Example 1: Wellness Module (Phased Journey)”A mental wellness module with a sequential journey plus standalone features.
module,phase,name,code,sequence,workflow-file,command,required,agent,options,description,output-location,outputs,mwm,anytime,Chat with Wellness Companion,CWC,,"mwm_chat_wellness",false,wellness-companion,Chat Mode,"Have a supportive conversation with Riley, your wellness companion - get emotional support, gentle guidance, and a listening ear",,,mwm,anytime,Quick Breathing Exercise,QBE,,"mwm_breathing",false,meditation-guide,Breathing Action,"Quick 4-7-8 breathing exercise: Inhale 4, hold 7, exhale 8 - repeat 3 times for instant calm",,,mwm,anytime,Mood Check,MC,,"mwm_mood_check",false,wellness-companion,Mood Check,"Take a moment to check in with how you're feeling right now - no judgment, just awareness",,,mwm,phase-1,Daily Check In,DCI,10,_bmad/mwm/workflows/daily-checkin/workflow.md,mwm_daily_checkin,false,wellness-companion,Daily Check In Mode,"Start your day with a gentle wellness check-in to set intentions and connect with how you're feeling",mwm_output_folder,"wellness check-in summary",mwm,phase-2,Wellness Journal,WJ,20,_bmad/mwm/workflows/wellness-journal/workflow.md,mwm_wellness_journal,false,wellness-companion,Journal Mode,"Reflect on your wellness journey by writing in your personal journal - track patterns, insights, and growth over time",mwm_output_folder,"journal entry",mwm,phase-3,Guided Meditation,GM,30,_bmad/mwm/workflows/guided-meditation/workflow.md,mwm_guided_meditation,false,meditation-guide,Meditation Mode,"Experience a guided meditation session to find calm, center yourself, and cultivate mindfulness",mwm_output_folder,"meditation session",Structure explained:
- anytime entries (top, no sequence) — Chat, breathing exercises, mood check — user can do these anytime
- phase-1, phase-2, phase-3 (below, with sequence) — Daily checkin → journal → meditation — a recommended morning routine
Example 2: Cooking Module (All anytime)
Section titled “Example 2: Cooking Module (All anytime)”A collection of unrelated cooking utilities — user picks what they need.
module,phase,name,code,sequence,workflow-file,command,required,agent,options,description,output-location,outputs,kitchen,anytime,Recipe Generator,RG,,"kitchen_recipe_gen",false,,Recipe Mode,"Generate a recipe based on ingredients you have, dietary restrictions, and cuisine preferences",kitchen_output,"recipe",kitchen,anytime,Meal Planner,MP,,"kitchen_meal_plan",false,,Plan Mode,"Create a weekly meal plan with grocery list organized by store section",kitchen_output,"meal plan",kitchen,anytime,Substitution Finder,SF,,"kitchen_substitute",false,chef-agent,Substitute Mode,"Find ingredient substitutions for allergies, preferences, or when you're missing something",,,kitchen,anytime,Timer Helper,TH,,"kitchen_timer",false,chef-agent,Timer,"Get multiple concurrent timer reminders for different dishes",,,kitchen,anytime,Pairing Suggester,PS,,"kitchen_pairing",false,sommelier-agent,Pairing Mode,"Wine and food pairing suggestions based on your main dish",,,Structure explained:
- All anytime — These are independent tools
- No sequence numbers — User chooses what they need
- Two agents —
chef-agenthandles cooking questions,sommelier-agenthandles wine pairings
Example 3: Fitness Module (Phased Training Program)
Section titled “Example 3: Fitness Module (Phased Training Program)”A workout module with progressive training phases.
module,phase,name,code,sequence,workflow-file,command,required,agent,options,description,output-location,outputs,fit,anytime,Quick Workout,QW,,"fit_quick",false,trainer,Quick Mode,"10-minute workout when you're short on time - no equipment needed",,,fit,anytime,Exercise Library,EL,,"fit_library",false,,Library,"Browse exercises by muscle group, equipment, or difficulty",,,fit,phase-1,Assessment & Goals,AG,10,_bmad/fit/workflows/assessment/workflow.md,fit_assess,false,trainer,Assessment,"Evaluate current fitness level and set achievable goals",fit_output,"assessment report",fit,phase-2,Build Foundation,BF,20,_bmad/fit/workflows/foundation/workflow.md,fit_foundation,false,trainer,Foundation,"4-week beginner program building basic strength and habit",fit_output,"workout plan",fit,phase-3,Progressive Training,PT,30,_bmad/fit/workflows/progressive/workflow.md,fit_progressive,false,trainer,Progressive,"8-week progressive overload program with increasing intensity",fit_output,"workout plan",fit,phase-4,Peak Performance,PP,40,_bmad/fit/workflows/peak/workflow.md,fit_peak,false,trainer,Peak,"Advanced training for specific goals - strength, endurance, or aesthetics",fit_output,"workout plan",Structure explained:
- anytime entries — Quick workout and reference tools, available anytime
- phase-1 through phase-4 — Sequential training journey: assess → build → progress → peak
Example 4: Travel Planning Module (Journey Phases)
Section titled “Example 4: Travel Planning Module (Journey Phases)”Plan a trip from inspiration to packed bags.
module,phase,name,code,sequence,workflow-file,command,required,agent,options,description,output-location,outputs,travel,anytime,Currency Converter,CC,,"travel_currency",false,,Convert,"Real-time currency conversion with offline capability",,,travel,anytime,Language Helper,LH,,"travel_language",false,,Translate,"Common phrases and translations for your destination",,,travel,phase-1,Dream & Discover,DD,10,_bmad/travel/workflows/dream/workflow.md,travel_dream,false,explorer,Dream,"Explore destinations based on your interests, budget, and travel style",travel_output,"destination ideas",travel,phase-2,Plan Itinerary,PI,20,_bmad/travel/workflows/plan/workflow.md,travel_plan,false,planner,Plan Mode,"Build day-by-day itinerary with activities, restaurants, and logistics",travel_output,"itinerary",travel,phase-3,Book & Organize,BO,30,_bmad/travel/workflows/book/workflow.md,travel_book,false,planner,Book Mode,"Track bookings, create packing lists, organize documents",travel_output,"booking summary",Structure explained:
- anytime entries — Utility tools useful during travel
- phase-1 through phase-3 — Sequential journey: dream → plan → book
Phase Naming Variations
Section titled “Phase Naming Variations”While phases typically follow phase-1, phase-2, etc., you can use descriptive names that still end with dash numbers:
| Traditional | Descriptive | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
phase-1 | prep-1, design-1 | Multi-part processes with named stages |
phase-2 | draft-1, cook-1 | When the stage name adds clarity |
phase-3 | revise-1, bake-1 | Descriptive names help users understand |
Rule: End with dash number so the sequence is clear.
Module Integration Patterns
Section titled “Module Integration Patterns”Add-On Module — Adding to Existing Phases
Section titled “Add-On Module — Adding to Existing Phases”Your module extends another module by inserting into its phase sequence.
module,phase,name,code,sequence,workflow-file,command,required,agent,options,description,output-location,outputs,story-extension,phase-2,Character Backstories,CB,15,_bmad/story-ext/workflows/backstory/workflow.md,story_backstory,false,novelist,Backstory Mode,"Add deep character backstories - best used after initial character creation but before plot outlining",story_output,"backstory docs",Why sequence 15? Inserts between existing phase-2 entries (10, 20, 30…) to run at the right point in the journey.
Unitary Module — Unrelated Collection
Section titled “Unitary Module — Unrelated Collection”A bundle of independent tools with no sequential relationship.
module,phase,name,code,sequence,workflow-file,command,required,agent,options,description,output-location,outputs,bmad-custom,anytime,Quiz Master,QM,,"bmad_quiz",false,,Trivia,"Interactive trivia quiz with gameshow atmosphere",bmad_output,"results",bmad-custom,anytime,Wassup,WS,,"bmad_wassup",false,,Status,"Check uncommitted changes and suggest commits",bmad_output,"summary",All anytime, no sequence — User chooses one tool based on current need.
Validation Rules
Section titled “Validation Rules”Morgan checks these when validating modules:
| Check | Rule |
|---|---|
| File exists | module-help.csv must be at module root |
| Valid header | 13 columns in correct order |
| anytime placement | All anytime entries at top |
| Sequence for anytime | Must be EMPTY for anytime entries |
| Sequence for phases | Required for phased entries |
| Phase numbering | Starts at -1 (phase-1, not phase-0) |
| Agent-only entries | Empty workflow-file when agent handles |
Command Code Format
Section titled “Command Code Format”Internal command names follow this pattern:
{module_code}_{feature_code}| Module | Feature | Command |
|---|---|---|
mwm | Daily Check In (DCI) | mwm_daily_checkin |
kitchen | Recipe Generator (RG) | kitchen_recipe_gen |
fit | Assessment (AG) | fit_assess |
Keep codes short (2-3 letters) but memorable.
Description Guidelines
Section titled “Description Guidelines”The description column should answer:
| Question | Example |
|---|---|
| WHAT does it do? | ”Start your day with a gentle wellness check-in…” |
| WHEN should I use it? | “…best used after initial character creation but before plot outlining” |
| WHO is it for? | (implied by module, but can clarify) “…for beginners starting their fitness journey” |
For phased entries, include context about when in the journey to use this step.
Common Mistakes
Section titled “Common Mistakes”| Mistake | Problem | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Forgetting the file | Module features undiscoverable, validation fails | Always generate via module-help-generate.md workflow |
| Phased entries above anytime | Help system shows in wrong order | Put all anytime entries first |
| Sequence numbers for anytime | Implies order where there is none | Leave sequence empty for anytime |
| Hardcoded paths | Breaks on different installations | Use relative paths like _bmad/mwm/... |
| Missing agent for agent features | Can’t route to agent | Populate agent column |
Resources
Section titled “Resources”| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Create Your First Module | Module creation tutorial |
| Module YAML | Module configuration |
| What Are Modules | Module concepts |