# The `stack init` command ~~~text stack init [DIR(S)] [--omit-packages] [--force] [--ignore-subdirs] ~~~ `stack init` initialises Stack's project-level YAML configuration file (`stack.yaml`) for an existing project, based on the Cabal file or `package.yaml` file for each of its packages. By default: * Stack searches for Cabal and `package.yaml` files in the current directory. Specify one or more directories as arguments to cause Stack to search them; * Stack also searches for Cabal and `package.yaml` files in subdirectories. Pass the flag `--ignore-subdirs` to ignore subdirectories; * Stack will not overwrite an existing `stack.yaml` file. Pass the flag `--force` to allow overwriting; and * Stack will not initialise if there are conflicting or incompatable user packages. Pass the flag `--omit-packages` to cause Stack to ignore such matters while initialising.