openspec-archive
Archive a completed change with `/opsx:archive`, merging delta specs into main specs and preserving the change for history. Use when the user says "archive the change", "finish up", "/opsx:archive", or "mark this change as done".
Best use case
openspec-archive is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt. It is especially useful for teams working in multi. Archive a completed change with `/opsx:archive`, merging delta specs into main specs and preserving the change for history. Use when the user says "archive the change", "finish up", "/opsx:archive", or "mark this change as done".
Archive a completed change with `/opsx:archive`, merging delta specs into main specs and preserving the change for history. Use when the user says "archive the change", "finish up", "/opsx:archive", or "mark this change as done".
Users should expect a more consistent workflow output, faster repeated execution, and less time spent rewriting prompts from scratch.
Practical example
Example input
Use the "openspec-archive" skill to help with this workflow task. Context: Archive a completed change with `/opsx:archive`, merging delta specs into main specs and preserving the change for history. Use when the user says "archive the change", "finish up", "/opsx:archive", or "mark this change as done".
Example output
A structured workflow result with clearer steps, more consistent formatting, and an output that is easier to reuse in the next run.
When to use this skill
- Use this skill when you want a reusable workflow rather than writing the same prompt again and again.
When not to use this skill
- Do not use this when you only need a one-off answer and do not need a reusable workflow.
- Do not use it if you cannot install or maintain the related files, repository context, or supporting tools.
Installation
Claude Code / Cursor / Codex
Manual Installation
- Download SKILL.md from GitHub
- Place it in
.claude/skills/openspec-archive/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How openspec-archive Compares
| Feature / Agent | openspec-archive | Standard Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | Not specified | Limited / Varies |
| Context Awareness | High | Baseline |
| Installation Complexity | Unknown | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this skill do?
Archive a completed change with `/opsx:archive`, merging delta specs into main specs and preserving the change for history. Use when the user says "archive the change", "finish up", "/opsx:archive", or "mark this change as done".
Where can I find the source code?
You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.
SKILL.md Source
# OpenSpec Archive Skill Use **`/opsx:archive`** to finalize a completed change. Archives by merging delta specs into the main `openspec/specs/` directory and moving the change folder to `openspec/changes/archive/`. ## When to Use - Implementation is complete and verified. - The user says "archive", "finish", "done with this change", "wrap up". - After running **openspec-verify** (optional but recommended). ## Prerequisites - **Change exists** with artifacts and (ideally) completed tasks. ## Workflow 1. **Run archive** - `/opsx:archive` — archive the current/inferred change. - `/opsx:archive <change-name>` — archive a specific change. 2. **What happens** 1. Checks artifact completion status and task completion (warns if incomplete). 2. Offers to sync delta specs if not already synced (see **openspec-sync**). 3. Merges delta specs into `openspec/specs/` (ADDED / MODIFIED / REMOVED sections). 4. Moves the change folder to `openspec/changes/archive/YYYY-MM-DD-<name>/`. 3. **All artifacts preserved** - The full change context (proposal, design, tasks, specs) is preserved in the archive for audit trail. ## Delta Spec Merge Rules | Section | What happens | |---------|--------------| | `## ADDED Requirements` | Appended to main spec | | `## MODIFIED Requirements` | Replaces existing requirement in main spec | | `## REMOVED Requirements` | Deleted from main spec | ## Outputs - Delta specs merged into `openspec/specs/`. - Change moved to `openspec/changes/archive/YYYY-MM-DD-<name>/`. ## Next Steps - Start a new change with **openspec-new**. - The main specs now reflect the changes — future changes build on the updated source of truth. ## Troubleshooting - **"Incomplete tasks"**: Archive warns but does not block. Decide whether to complete tasks first or archive as-is. - **"Delta specs not synced"**: Archive will prompt to sync; or run **openspec-sync** beforehand. - **Multiple changes to archive**: Use **openspec-bulk-archive** instead. ## References - [OpenSpec Commands: /opsx:archive](https://github.com/Fission-AI/OpenSpec/blob/main/docs/commands.md) - [OpenSpec Concepts: Archive](https://github.com/Fission-AI/OpenSpec/blob/main/docs/concepts.md)
Related Skills
openspec-verify
Validate that implementation matches change artifacts using `/opsx:verify`, checking completeness, correctness, and coherence. Use when the user says "verify implementation", "check my work", "/opsx:verify", or wants quality validation before archiving.
openspec-update
Run `openspec update` to regenerate AI tool instruction files after upgrading the OpenSpec CLI. Use when the user says "update OpenSpec", "openspec update", or "refresh OpenSpec skills/commands".
openspec-sync
Sync delta specs from a change into main specs using `/opsx:sync`, without archiving the change. Use when the user says "sync specs", "merge specs to main", "/opsx:sync", or needs to update main specs mid-change.
openspec-schema
Create and manage custom workflow schemas using `openspec schema init/fork/validate/which`. Use when the user says "create a custom workflow", "custom schema", "fork a schema", or wants to define their own artifact types and dependencies.
openspec-onboard
Guided onboarding through the complete OpenSpec workflow using `/opsx:onboard`, walking the user through a real change in their codebase. Use when the user says "onboard me", "tutorial", "/opsx:onboard", "how does OpenSpec work", or is new to OpenSpec.
openspec-new
Start a new OpenSpec change with `/opsx:new`, creating a change folder with metadata and scaffolding. Use when the user says "start a new change", "new feature", "/opsx:new", or "create an OpenSpec change".
openspec-install
Install the OpenSpec CLI globally via npm, pnpm, yarn, bun, or nix. Use when the user says "install OpenSpec", "set up OpenSpec", or "openspec command not found".
openspec-initial
Run `openspec init` to initialize OpenSpec in a project directory, creating the openspec/ folder structure and configuring AI tool integrations. Use when the user says "initialize OpenSpec", "openspec init", or "set up OpenSpec in this project".
openspec-ff
Fast-forward through artifact creation with `/opsx:ff`, generating all planning artifacts (proposal, specs, design, tasks) at once. Use when the user says "fast forward", "create all artifacts", "/opsx:ff", or has a clear picture of what to build.
openspec-explore
Think through ideas, investigate problems, and clarify requirements before committing to a change using `/opsx:explore`. Use when the user says "explore an idea", "think through this", "investigate options", or wants to brainstorm before creating a formal change.
openspec-continue
Create the next artifact in the dependency chain with `/opsx:continue`, building up a change incrementally. Use when the user says "continue the change", "create next artifact", "/opsx:continue", or wants step-by-step artifact creation.
openspec-config
Configure OpenSpec project settings and global CLI configuration using `openspec/config.yaml` and `openspec config` commands. Use when the user says "configure OpenSpec", "project config", "add project context", or wants to set per-artifact rules.