| name | opsx-new |
| 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":"1.1.1"} |
OpenSpec project root. The openspec/ directory lives in the REPO, not
the workspace this skill is driven from. The repo root is ${SPECRAILS_REPO_DIR:-.}
(a default-unset env var: when unset it resolves to ., i.e. the current
directory, so a classic in-repo run is unchanged). Run EVERY openspec
command against that root — wrap each invocation as
(cd "${SPECRAILS_REPO_DIR:-.}" && openspec …). Treat ${SPECRAILS_REPO_DIR:-.}
as the OpenSpec project root for any path the CLI prints or you read/write.
Start a new change using the experimental artifact-driven approach.
Input: The user's request should include a change name (kebab-case) OR a description of what they want to build.
Steps
-
If no clear input provided, ask what they want to build
Use the AskUserQuestion tool (open-ended, no preset options) to ask:
"What change do you want to work on? Describe what you want to build or fix."
From their description, derive a kebab-case name (e.g., "add user authentication" → add-user-auth).
IMPORTANT: Do NOT proceed without understanding what the user wants to build.
-
Determine the workflow schema
Use the default schema (omit --schema) unless the user explicitly requests a different workflow.
Use a different schema only if the user mentions:
- A specific schema name → use
--schema <name>
- "show workflows" or "what workflows" → run
openspec schemas --json and let them choose
Otherwise: Omit --schema to use the default.
-
Create the change directory
(cd "${SPECRAILS_REPO_DIR:-.}" && 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
(cd "${SPECRAILS_REPO_DIR:-.}" && openspec status --change "<name>")
This shows which artifacts need to be created and which are ready (dependencies satisfied).
-
Get instructions for the first artifact
The first artifact depends on the schema (e.g., proposal for spec-driven).
Check the status output to find the first artifact with status "ready".
(cd "${SPECRAILS_REPO_DIR:-.}" && 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