// 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.
| 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":"1.2.0"} |
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:
--schema <name>openspec schemas --json and let them chooseOtherwise: 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:
Guardrails
Archive a completed change in the experimental workflow. Use when the user wants to finalize and archive a change after implementation is complete.
Enter explore mode - a thinking partner for exploring ideas, investigating problems, and clarifying requirements. Use when the user wants to think through something before or during a change.
Fast-forward through OpenSpec artifact creation. Use when the user wants to quickly create all artifacts needed for implementation without stepping through each one individually.
Propose a new change with all artifacts generated in one step. Use when the user wants to quickly describe what they want to build and get a complete proposal with design, specs, and tasks ready for implementation.
Sync delta specs from a change to main specs. Use when the user wants to update main specs with changes from a delta spec, without archiving the change.
Verify implementation matches change artifacts. Use when the user wants to validate that implementation is complete, correct, and coherent before archiving.