---
id: alias
title: Alias Command
sidebar_position: 12
---
# Alias Command
Manage model aliases for simplified model selection. Aliases allow you to create short, memorable names for complex model specifications like `provider:model` combinations.
## Overview
Model aliases simplify the process of using models with long names or specific provider combinations. Instead of typing `openrouter:anthropic/claude-3.5-sonnet`, you can create an alias like `claude` and use it consistently.
## Usage
```bash
# Add a new alias
lc alias add <name> <target>
# Remove an alias
lc alias delete <name>
# List all aliases
lc alias list
# Using aliases
lc a a gpt4 "openai:gpt-4"
lc a d old-alias
lc a l
```
## Subcommands
| `add` | `a` | Add a new alias |
| `delete` | `d` | Remove an alias |
| `list` | `l` | List all aliases |
## Options
| `-h` | `--help` | Print help | False |
## Examples
### Create Aliases
```bash
# Simple model alias
lc alias add gpt4 "gpt-4"
# Provider:model alias
lc alias add claude "anthropic:claude-3.5-sonnet"
# Complex alias with specific provider
lc alias add llama "openrouter:meta-llama/llama-3.1-405b-instruct"
# Using aliases for short names
lc a a fast "gpt-3.5-turbo"
lc a a smart "gpt-4"
lc a a cheap "claude-haiku"
```
### List Aliases
```bash
lc alias list
# Output:
# Configured aliases:
# • gpt4 → gpt-4
# • claude → anthropic:claude-3.5-sonnet
# • fast → gpt-3.5-turbo
# • smart → gpt-4
# Short form
lc a l
```
### Use Aliases
```bash
# Use alias in prompts
lc -m gpt4 "Hello world"
# Use alias in chat
lc chat -m claude
# Set as default
lc config set model fast
```
### Practical Aliases
```bash
# By use case
lc alias add coding "gpt-4"
lc alias add writing "claude-3.5-sonnet"
lc alias add analysis "gpt-4-turbo"
# By speed/cost
lc alias add fast "gpt-3.5-turbo"
lc alias add balanced "gpt-4"
lc alias add premium "gpt-4-turbo"
# By provider preference
lc alias add openai-best "openai:gpt-4"
lc alias add anthropic-best "anthropic:claude-3.5-sonnet"
```
## Troubleshooting
### Common Issues
#### "Alias already exists"
- **Error**: Trying to create alias with existing name
- **Solution**: Use `lc alias delete <name>` first, or choose different name
#### "Target model not found"
- **Error**: Alias points to non-existent model
- **Solution**: Verify model name with `lc models -q <name>`
- **Solution**: Check provider:model format is correct
#### "Circular alias reference"
- **Error**: Alias points to another alias creating a loop
- **Solution**: Aliases must point directly to models, not other aliases
### Best Practices
1. **Use meaningful names**: Choose names that reflect the model's purpose
2. **Consistent naming**: Develop a naming convention for your team
3. **Document aliases**: Keep track of what each alias represents
4. **Regular cleanup**: Remove unused or outdated aliases
### Naming Conventions
```bash
# By capability
lc alias add vision "gpt-4-vision-preview"
lc alias add tools "gpt-4-1106-preview"
lc alias add reasoning "o1-preview"
# By provider
lc alias add oai-fast "openai:gpt-3.5-turbo"
lc alias add ant-smart "anthropic:claude-3.5-sonnet"
# By cost tier
lc alias add tier1 "gpt-3.5-turbo" # cheapest
lc alias add tier2 "gpt-4" # balanced
lc alias add tier3 "gpt-4-turbo" # premium
```
### Team Workflow
```bash
# Create team-standard aliases
lc alias add review "gpt-4" # for code review
lc alias add docs "claude-3.5-sonnet" # for documentation
lc alias add debug "gpt-3.5-turbo" # for quick debugging
# Share alias configurations
lc sync to aws # backup aliases to cloud
```