Configuration and environment

Most people can use PromptBranch without changing any configuration. This page covers the few settings useful for the CLI, MCP server, or provider setup.

Use a different library

The desktop app, CLI, and MCP server use the same local library by default. Set PROMPTBRANCH_DB when you want an entry point to use a different database:

export PROMPTBRANCH_DB="/path/to/my-library.db"
promptbranch list

The default location is:

System	Library path
macOS	~/Library/Application Support/PromptBranch/library.db
Linux	$XDG_CONFIG_HOME/promptbranch/library.db (or ~/.config/promptbranch/library.db)
Windows	%APPDATA%\PromptBranch\library.db

Older PROMPTHUB_DB and PROMPTBUILDER_DB variables still work as fallback names if PROMPTBRANCH_DB is not set.

Use an environment API key

Set one of these before starting PromptBranch, then use Use environment key in Settings → AI Providers:

Variable	Provider
OPENAI_API_KEY	OpenAI
ANTHROPIC_API_KEY	Anthropic
GOOGLE_GENERATIVE_AI_API_KEY	Google

Sync connectivity

For device sync, allow PromptBranch to communicate with your other devices on your local network or VPN. On macOS, allow the system Local Network permission when prompted. If nearby discovery does not work, use Pair by address in Settings → Sync.