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VectorLint ships with a built-in rule preset that activates automatically when you run vectorlint init. Presets give you immediate, useful output without requiring you to write any rules first.

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The VectorLint preset

The default preset includes rules for:
  • AI pattern detection — flags overused buzzwords, formulaic transitions, hollow openings, and excessive hedging that signal AI-generated writing
  • Directness — identifies passive constructions, unnecessary qualifiers, and roundabout phrasing that weakens clarity
These rules run against all Markdown files by default when the preset is active.

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How presets are configured

When you run vectorlint init, the generated .vectorlint.ini references the VectorLint preset by name: 
[**/*.md]
RunRules=VectorLint
Preset rules behave identically to custom rules — you can override their strictness, combine them with your own rule packs, or disable them for specific file patterns.

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Combining presets with custom rules

Run the built-in preset alongside your own pack by listing both in RunRules: 
[**/*.md]
RunRules=VectorLint, MyTeam
Files matching this pattern will run all VectorLint preset rules plus all rules in your MyTeam pack.

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Disabling presets for specific patterns

To skip preset rules on drafts or generated content: 
[**/*.md]
RunRules=VectorLint

[content/drafts/**/*.md]
RunRules=

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Overriding preset strictness

Tune how harshly a preset rule scores content using its rule ID: 
[content/docs/**/*.md]
RunRules=VectorLint
AIPatterns.strictness=strict
See Project Configuration for the full strictness reference.

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Next steps