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".
Best use case
openspec-initial 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. 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".
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".
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-initial" skill to help with this workflow task. Context: 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".
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-initial/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How openspec-initial Compares
| Feature / Agent | openspec-initial | 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?
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".
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 Initial Skill
Run **openspec init** to initialize OpenSpec in a project: creates the `openspec/` directory (specs, changes, config) and configures AI tool integrations (skills and slash commands). This skill assumes the OpenSpec CLI is already installed; if not, direct the user to **openspec-install** first.
## When to Use
- First time enabling OpenSpec in a project ("initialize OpenSpec", "set up OpenSpec here").
- Adding AI tool integrations (Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, etc.) to an existing project.
- Re-initializing after changing tool selections.
## Prerequisites
- **OpenSpec CLI** installed (see **openspec-install**). If `openspec` is not in PATH, guide the user to run **openspec-install** before proceeding.
## Workflow
1. **Verify CLI**
- If the user reports "openspec command not found", direct them to **openspec-install** first.
2. **Choose parameters**
- **path** (optional): Target directory; defaults to current directory.
- **--tools** (optional): Configure AI tools non-interactively. Values: `all`, `none`, or comma-separated list (e.g. `claude,cursor`).
- **--force**: Auto-cleanup legacy files without prompting.
3. **Run the command**
- Interactive: `openspec init`
- Non-interactive with specific tools: `openspec init --tools claude,cursor`
- All tools: `openspec init --tools all`
- Specific directory: `openspec init ./my-project`
4. **Optionally create project config**
- During init, the user may be prompted to create `openspec/config.yaml` with project context, schema defaults, and per-artifact rules. This is optional but recommended. See **openspec-config** for details.
5. **Confirm outputs**
- After success: `openspec/` directory with `specs/`, `changes/`, and optionally `config.yaml`. Tool-specific directories (`.claude/skills/`, `.cursor/rules/`, etc.) are created based on selected tools.
## Supported Tools
`amazon-q`, `antigravity`, `auggie`, `claude`, `cline`, `codebuddy`, `codex`, `continue`, `costrict`, `crush`, `cursor`, `factory`, `gemini`, `github-copilot`, `iflow`, `kilocode`, `opencode`, `qoder`, `qwen`, `roocode`, `trae`, `windsurf`
## Outputs
- **openspec/**:
- `specs/` — Specifications (source of truth)
- `changes/` — Proposed changes
- `config.yaml` — Project configuration (optional)
- **Tool configs**: `.claude/skills/`, `.cursor/rules/`, `.windsurf/skills/`, etc. based on selected tools.
## Next Steps
- Use **openspec-update** after upgrading the CLI to regenerate tool configs.
- Use **openspec-onboard** for a guided walkthrough of the complete workflow.
- Or start working: **openspec-explore** to think through ideas, **openspec-new** to start a change.
## Different Environments
| Scenario | Command |
|----------|---------|
| **Interactive** | `openspec init` |
| **Claude + Cursor** | `openspec init --tools claude,cursor` |
| **All tools** | `openspec init --tools all` |
| **Specific directory** | `openspec init ./my-project` |
| **CI / non-interactive** | `openspec init --tools claude --force` |
| **Skip tool config** | `openspec init --tools none` |
## Troubleshooting
- **"openspec: command not found"**: Use **openspec-install** first.
- **Legacy files detected**: Use `--force` to auto-cleanup, or follow the interactive prompts.
- **Tool not in list**: Check the [supported tools list](https://github.com/Fission-AI/OpenSpec/blob/main/docs/supported-tools.md) for the correct ID.
## References
- [OpenSpec CLI: init](https://github.com/Fission-AI/OpenSpec/blob/main/docs/cli.md)
- [OpenSpec Supported Tools](https://github.com/Fission-AI/OpenSpec/blob/main/docs/supported-tools.md)Related Skills
speckit-initial
Run `specify init` in the current or target directory to bootstrap a Spec Kit project (pull .specify/ and slash commands); supports multiple AI agents and --script sh/ps. Use when the user says "initialize Spec Kit project", "specify init", or "set up Spec Kit in this repo".
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-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.