| type | skill |
| lifecycle | stable |
| inheritance | inheritable |
| name | identity-customization |
| description | Customize Alex's identity in copilot-instructions.md for a specific heir project — replace generic brain with project-specific persona |
| tier | standard |
| category | heir-management |
| applyTo | **/*copilot-instructions*,**/*identity*,**/*persona* |
| triggers | ["customize identity","project persona","customize brain","project identity","customize copilot-instructions"] |
| currency | 2026-04-22T00:00:00.000Z |
Identity Customization
Replace Alex's generic heir identity with a project-specific persona while preserving brain architecture.
Quick Reference
| Field | Value |
|---|
| Target file | .github/copilot-instructions.md |
| Backup | .github/copilot-instructions.backup.md (auto-created by upgrade) |
| Template | See Heir CI Template below |
| Sections to customize | Identity, Active Context, Project Context |
| Sections to preserve | Safety, Routing (architecture-dependent) |
When to Use
- After brain upgrade (
.backup.md exists alongside generic CI)
- New heir project initialization
- Rebranding an existing project's AI identity
- Any project where "Alex Finch" identity doesn't fit the domain
Core Principle
The copilot-instructions.md has two layers:
- Identity layer (top) — WHO the AI is, project context, domain voice. Customizable per project.
- Architecture layer (bottom) — Safety rules, routing to skills/agents/prompts. Must match the brain version.
Customize the identity layer freely. Never remove or alter the architecture layer.
Customization Process
Step 1: Inventory
Read the current .github/copilot-instructions.md and .github/copilot-instructions.backup.md (if exists).
The backup contains the project's previous identity — mine it for:
- Project name and description
- Domain-specific language and tone
- Build/test/lint commands
- Custom context sections (Active Context, User Profile, etc.)
- Negative rules ("never do X")
Step 2: Choose Identity Pattern
| Pattern | When to use | Example |
|---|
| Named persona | Product with distinct brand | "I am GCX Copilot, the AI partner for..." |
|
