generated: '2026-07-20'
method: searched
source: https://docs.makerdao.com/clis/mcd-cli.md
summary: >-
  MakerDAO does not ship a single hosted-API CLI; instead the Maker Protocol
  exposes a family of command-line tools for interacting with its Ethereum smart
  contracts directly. The Multi-Collateral Dai (MCD) CLI is the primary developer
  surface for Vault/collateral/Dai operations, alongside Seth (a general Ethereum
  CLI from dapp.tools) and the Emergency Shutdown (ES) CLI. All operate against
  on-chain contracts via environment-configured accounts, not a REST endpoint.
clis:
  - name: mcd-cli
    label: Multi-Collateral Dai (MCD) CLI
    docs: https://docs.makerdao.com/clis/mcd-cli.md
    description: >-
      Command-line interface for interacting with the MakerDAO system — manage
      collateral, Dai, and CDP/Vault positions directly from the terminal.
    install:
      - curl https://dapp.tools/install | sh
      - dapp pkg install mcd
    config_env:
      - ETH_FROM
      - MCD_CHAIN
    command_groups:
      - group: Collateral & Urn Management
        commands: [gem, urn, frob, ilk, bite, poke, wrap, unwrap]
      - group: Dai Operations
        commands: [dai join, dai exit, dai balance]
      - group: Auction Functions
        commands: [flips, flap, flop, flog]
      - group: System Information
        commands: [cdp, debt, drip, line, live, vice, vow]
      - group: Utilities
        commands: [bites, frobs, help]
    examples:
      - description: Lock collateral and draw Dai
        command: mcd --ilk=ETH-A frob 100 500
      - description: Withdraw Dai for external use
        command: mcd dai exit 500
      - description: Join collateral directly
        command: mcd --ilk=ETH-A gem join 100
    official: true
  - name: seth
    label: Seth
    docs: https://docs.makerdao.com/clis/seth.md
    description: >-
      A command-line tool (from dapp.tools) to interface with the Ethereum
      blockchain — send transactions, query contract state, and script
      interactions used throughout Maker Protocol tooling.
    official: true
  - name: es-cli
    label: Emergency Shutdown (ES) CLI
    docs: https://docs.makerdao.com/clis/emergency-shutdown-es-cli.md
    description: >-
      CLI for the Emergency Shutdown process — used to redeem Dai and collateral
      during a Maker Protocol shutdown event.
    related_docs:
      - https://docs.makerdao.com/clis/dai-and-collateral-redemption-during-emergency-shutdown.md
    official: true