Usage Guide

This page provides a comprehensive reference for all of ani-cli's command-line options and features.

Command-Line Options

ani-cli [options] [query]

Flag(s) Argument Description
-c, --continue Continue watching from your history.
-d, --download Download the video instead of playing it.
-D, --delete Delete the history file.
-l, --logview Show playback logs.
-s, --syncplay Use Syncplay to watch with friends (requires syncplay and mpv).
-S, --select-nth <index> Automatically select the nth search result.
-q, --quality <quality> Specify the video quality (e.g., 720p, 1080p, best, worst).
-v, --vlc Use VLC as the video player.
-V, --version Show the script version.
-h, --help Display the help message.
-e, -r, --episode, --range <episode(s)> Specify episode number(s) to watch (e.g., 5, 5-10, "5 6 7").
--dub Play the dubbed version if available.
--rofi Use rofi instead of fzf for interactive menus.
--skip Use ani-skip to automatically skip intros (mpv only).
--skip-title <title> Provide a specific title for the ani-skip query.
--no-detach Do not detach the player from the terminal (mpv only).
--exit-after-play Exit ani-cli after the player closes (mpv only).
-N, --nextep-countdown Show a countdown for the next episode release.
-U, --update Update ani-cli to the latest version.

Usage Examples

Search for an anime and specify quality: 

ani-cli -q 720p "banana fish"

Download a specific range of episodes: 

ani-cli -d -e 10-15 "blue lock"

Use VLC to play episode 4 of a specific search result: 

ani-cli --vlc -q 1080p -e 4 "cyberpunk edgerunners"

Use intro skipping with a custom title: 

ani-cli --skip --skip-title "one piece" -S 1 "one piece"

Post-Playback Controls

After an episode finishes, ani-cli will prompt you with a menu of options:

  • next: Play the next episode in the series.
  • replay: Play the same episode again.
  • previous: Play the previous episode.
  • select: Go back to the episode selection list.
  • change_quality: Select a different quality for the current or next episode.
  • quit: Exit ani-cli.

FAQ

  • Can I change the subtitle language or turn them off? No, the subtitles are hardcoded (baked into the video).

  • Can I watch dubs? Yes, use the --dub flag.

  • Can I change the dub language? No, only the default English dub is available.

  • Can I change the media source? No, ani-cli is hardcoded to use a specific source. See the Hacking Guide to learn how to change it yourself.

  • How do I download episodes? Use the -d flag. By default, files are saved to your current working directory.

  • Can I change the download folder? Yes, set the ANI_CLI_DOWNLOAD_DIR environment variable. See the Configuration page for details.

  • How can I bulk download? Use the -d and -e flags with a range. For example, to download the first 1000 episodes of One Piece: 

    ani-cli "one piece" -d -e 1-1000