# generate (Prisma CLI v7) (/docs/cli/v7/generate)

> For the complete Prisma documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.prisma.io/docs/llms.txt). A markdown version of any docs page is available by appending `.md` to its URL.

Generate artifacts like Prisma Client based on your Prisma schema

Location: CLI > v7 > generate

The `prisma generate` command generates assets like Prisma Client based on the [`generator`](https://www.prisma.io/docs/orm/v7/prisma-schema/overview/generators) and [`data model`](https://www.prisma.io/docs/orm/v7/prisma-schema/data-model/models) blocks defined in your `schema.prisma` file.

## Usage [#usage]

```bash
prisma generate [options]
```

## How it works [#how-it-works]

1. Inspects the current directory to find a Prisma schema
2. Generates a customized Prisma Client based on your schema into the output directory specified in the generator block

## Prerequisites [#prerequisites]

Add a generator definition in your `schema.prisma` file:

```prisma
generator client {
  provider = "prisma-client"
  output   = "./generated"
}
```

## Options [#options]

| Option             | Description                                            |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------ |
| `-h`, `--help`     | Display help message                                   |
| `--config`         | Custom path to your Prisma config file                 |
| `--schema`         | Custom path to your Prisma schema                      |
| `--sql`            | Generate typed SQL module                              |
| `--watch`          | Watch the Prisma schema and regenerate after changes   |
| `--generator`      | Generator to use (can be provided multiple times)      |
| `--no-hints`       | Hide hint messages (still outputs errors and warnings) |
| `--require-models` | Do not allow generating a client without models        |

## Examples [#examples]

### Generate Prisma Client [#generate-prisma-client]

  

#### bun

```bash
bunx prisma generate
```

#### pnpm

```bash
pnpm prisma generate
```

#### yarn

```bash
yarn prisma generate
```

#### npm

```bash
npx prisma generate
```

Output:

```text
✔ Generated Prisma Client to ./node_modules/.prisma/client in 61ms

You can now start using Prisma Client in your code:

import { PrismaClient } from '../prisma/generated/client'

const prisma = new PrismaClient()
```

### Generate with a custom schema path [#generate-with-a-custom-schema-path]

  

#### bun

```bash
bunx prisma generate --schema=./alternative/schema.prisma
```

#### pnpm

```bash
pnpm prisma generate --schema=./alternative/schema.prisma
```

#### yarn

```bash
yarn prisma generate --schema=./alternative/schema.prisma
```

#### npm

```bash
npx prisma generate --schema=./alternative/schema.prisma
```

### Watch mode [#watch-mode]

Automatically regenerate when the schema changes:

  

#### bun

```bash
bunx prisma generate --watch
```

#### pnpm

```bash
pnpm prisma generate --watch
```

#### yarn

```bash
yarn prisma generate --watch
```

#### npm

```bash
npx prisma generate --watch
```

Output:

```text
Watching... /home/prismauser/prisma/schema.prisma

✔ Generated Prisma Client to ./node_modules/.prisma/client in 45ms
```

### Generate specific generators [#generate-specific-generators]

Run only specific generators:

  

#### bun

```bash
bunx prisma generate --generator client
```

#### pnpm

```bash
pnpm prisma generate --generator client
```

#### yarn

```bash
yarn prisma generate --generator client
```

#### npm

```bash
npx prisma generate --generator client
```

Multiple generators:

  

#### bun

```bash
bunx prisma generate --generator client --generator zod_schemas
```

#### pnpm

```bash
pnpm prisma generate --generator client --generator zod_schemas
```

#### yarn

```bash
yarn prisma generate --generator client --generator zod_schemas
```

#### npm

```bash
npx prisma generate --generator client --generator zod_schemas
```

## Generated assets [#generated-assets]

The `prisma-client` generator creates a customized client for working with your database. You can [customize the output folder](https://www.prisma.io/docs/orm/v7/reference/prisma-schema-reference#fields-for-prisma-client-provider) using the `output` field in the generator block.

## Related pages

- [`db`](https://www.prisma.io/docs/cli/v7/db): Manage your database schema and lifecycle during development
- [`debug`](https://www.prisma.io/docs/cli/v7/debug): Display Prisma debug information including schema paths, engine binaries, environment variables, and cache directories for troubleshooting
- [`dev`](https://www.prisma.io/docs/cli/v7/dev): Start a local Prisma Postgres server for development
- [`format`](https://www.prisma.io/docs/cli/v7/format): Format and validate your Prisma schema file with consistent structure
- [`init`](https://www.prisma.io/docs/cli/v7/init): Set up a new Prisma project in the current directory