Openspec New Change

Start a new change using the experimental artifact-driven approach.

Input: The user's request should include a change name (kebab-case) OR a description of what they want to build.

Steps

1. If no clear input provided, ask what they want to build

   Use the AskUserQuestion tool (open-ended, no preset options) to ask:

   "What change do you want to work on? Describe what you want to build or fix."

   From their description, derive a kebab-case name (e.g., "add user authentication" → add-user-auth).

   IMPORTANT: Do NOT proceed without understanding what the user wants to build.

2. Determine the workflow schema

   Use the default schema (omit --schema) unless the user explicitly requests a different workflow.

   Use a different schema only if the user mentions:

   • A specific schema name → use --schema <name>
   • "show workflows" or "what workflows" → run openspec schemas --json and let them choose

   Otherwise: Omit --schema to use the default.

3. Create the change directory

   openspec new change "<name>"
   

   Add --schema <name> only if the user requested a specific workflow. This creates a scaffolded change at openspec/changes/<name>/ with the selected schema.

3.5. Handle attached files (if any) If the user has attached files to this conversation:

• Check for any files in the conversation context (attached files will be visible in the file list)
• For each attached file:
  • Read the file to get its current path
  • Move it to the root of the change directory: openspec/changes/<name>/<filename>
  • Use the file system tools to copy/move the file, preserving the original filename
• If files were moved, inform the user: "Moved N attached file(s) to the change directory root."

4. Show the artifact status

   openspec status --change "<name>"
   

   This shows which artifacts need to be created and which are ready (dependencies satisfied).

5. Get instructions for the first artifact The first artifact depends on the schema (e.g., proposal for spec-driven). Check the status output to find the first artifact with status "ready".

   openspec instructions <first-artifact-id> --change "<name>"
   

   This outputs the template and context for creating the first artifact.

6. STOP and wait for user direction

Output

After completing the steps, summarize:

• Change name and location
• Schema/workflow being used and its artifact sequence
• Current status (0/N artifacts complete)
• The template for the first artifact
• Prompt: "Ready to create the first artifact? Just describe what this change is about and I'll draft it, or ask me to continue."

Guardrails

• Do NOT create any artifacts yet - just show the instructions
• Do NOT advance beyond showing the first artifact template
• If the name is invalid (not kebab-case), ask for a valid name
• If a change with that name already exists, suggest continuing that change instead
• Pass --schema if using a non-default workflow