---
title: "vakna: a box named <box> already exists"
description: "Pick another name, or delete the old box with vakna delete <box> first."
code: "exists"
generated: scripts/generate.ts
verified:
  cli: "0.0.0-mock"
  date: "2026-10-20"
---

Pick another name, or delete the old box with `vakna delete <box>` first.

## Why can't I create a box with this name?

Box names are unique in your account. `vakna list` shows the ones in use.

## What it looks like

```sh
$ vakna create api
```

```prints
vakna: a box named api already exists
hint: vakna list
```

Exit code 1.

## As JSON

With `--format json` the error is one JSON line. Branch on its `code`, not on the message or the exit code.

```prints
{"v":1,"event":"error","code":"exists","message":"a box named api already exists","hint":"vakna list","docs":"https://vakna.com/docs/errors/exists","mocked":true}
```

## Commands that print it

[`vakna create`](https://vakna.com/docs/commands/create), [`vakna run`](https://vakna.com/docs/commands/run).