name	openspec-new-change
description	Start a new OpenSpec change using the experimental artifact workflow. Use when the user wants to create a new feature, fix, or modification with a structured step-by-step approach.
license	MIT
compatibility	Requires openspec CLI.
metadata	{"author":"openspec","version":"1.0","generatedBy":"1.3.1","internal":true}

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

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.
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.
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.
Show the artifact status
```
openspec status --change "<name>"
```
This shows which artifacts need to be created and which are ready (dependencies satisfied).
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.
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

name	openspec-new-change
description	Start a new OpenSpec change using the experimental artifact workflow. Use when the user wants to create a new feature, fix, or modification with a structured step-by-step approach.
license	MIT
compatibility	Requires openspec CLI.
metadata	{"author":"openspec","version":"1.0","generatedBy":"1.3.1","internal":true}