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".
Best use case
openspec-new 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. 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".
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".
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-new" skill to help with this workflow task. Context: 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".
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-new/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How openspec-new Compares
| Feature / Agent | openspec-new | 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?
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".
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 New Skill Use **`/opsx:new`** to start a new change. This creates the change folder structure under `openspec/changes/<name>/` with metadata (`.openspec.yaml`) and prepares the first artifact for creation. ## When to Use - Starting work on a new feature, bug fix, or refactor. - The user says "start a change", "new feature", "new OpenSpec change". - After exploring ideas with **openspec-explore** and deciding what to build. ## Prerequisites - **OpenSpec initialized** in the project (see **openspec-initial**). ## Workflow 1. **Start the change** - `/opsx:new <change-name>` — e.g. `/opsx:new add-dark-mode`. - `/opsx:new <change-name> --schema <schema>` — use a specific workflow schema (default: `spec-driven`). - If no name is provided, the agent will prompt for one. 2. **What gets created** - `openspec/changes/<name>/` directory. - `openspec/changes/<name>/.openspec.yaml` — change metadata (schema, created date). 3. **Next action** - The agent shows the first artifact ready for creation (typically `proposal`). - Use **openspec-continue** to create one artifact at a time, or **openspec-ff** to create all planning artifacts at once. ## Naming Conventions - Use descriptive names: `add-dark-mode`, `fix-login-bug`, `refactor-auth`. - Avoid generic names: `update`, `changes`, `wip`. - Use kebab-case. ## Outputs - `openspec/changes/<name>/` directory with `.openspec.yaml`. ## Next Steps - Use **openspec-continue** to create the next artifact incrementally. - Or **openspec-ff** to fast-forward through all planning artifacts at once. ## Troubleshooting - **"Change not found"**: Check the change name matches; run `openspec list` to see active changes. - **"Schema not found"**: List available schemas with `openspec schemas`; see **openspec-schema** for custom schemas. ## References - [OpenSpec Commands: /opsx:new](https://github.com/Fission-AI/OpenSpec/blob/main/docs/commands.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-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.
openspec-bulk-archive
Archive multiple completed changes at once with `/opsx:bulk-archive`, handling spec conflicts between changes. Use when the user says "archive all changes", "bulk archive", "/opsx:bulk-archive", or has multiple completed changes.