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To start using OpenSpec, install its CLI, run openspec init in your project, then take a change through five stages: explore, propose, review, apply, and archive. For Node-based installation, the official guide requires Node.js 20.19.0 or newer. The key safeguard is to review the written proposal, requirements, and task list before asking an AI assistant to implement anything.
Install OpenSpec and initialize your project
OpenSpec’s installation guide lists Node.js 20.19.0 or newer as the requirement for Node-based installation. It says Homebrew installs Node.js as a dependency, while the Nix package includes the runtime. For another installation method, check your active Node version and follow the current OpenSpec installation guide, since installation commands and supported options may change.
A version-manager switch can make the openspec command disappear: the installation guide warns that switching Node versions with tools such as nvm may leave OpenSpec unavailable under the newly active runtime. Reinstall OpenSpec under that Node version if this happens.
- From the project directory, run
openspec init. - Follow the prompts to configure the project and its AI-tool integration.
- Review the generated
openspec/directory and workflow files, then commit them through your normal Git process.
The project setup guide describes the files added by initialization. OpenSpec keeps its project material in four main locations:
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openspec/config.yamlstores project settings and context.openspec/specs/holds descriptions of system behavior.openspec/changes/contains changes in progress.openspec/changes/archive/stores completed change history.
Take a change through OpenSpec’s five stages
The quickstart’s workflow moves from investigation to a reviewed plan, implementation, and finally archival. Depending on the installed profile and AI tool, the available chat commands can differ; the stages describe the process, not a universal command set. The OpenSpec quickstart demonstrates prompts such as “Help me explore how rate limiting should work in this app” and “Propose a change to add rate limiting.”
1. Explore the problem
Discuss the problem with the AI assistant before asking it to make a plan. Use this stage to examine the codebase, identify questions that need answers, and consider possible approaches. The quickstart says exploration does not write code unless you ask to capture a decision.
2. Propose a change
Ask the assistant to propose a change. A typical change folder includes proposal.md, a specs/ directory, tasks.md, and sometimes design.md. The proposal records the problem and intended scope; the specs describe required behavior; the task list breaks the work into implementation steps. Proposing stops at the plan rather than beginning code changes.
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3. Review the plan before implementation
Check that the proposal addresses the right problem and has a manageable scope. Confirm that the spec requirements are testable and that the tasks cover the work needed to meet them. Resolve omissions or disagreements in the documents while the change is still a plan.
4. Apply the tasks
Once the plan is ready, ask the assistant to implement the tasks in tasks.md. The quickstart recommends using a fresh chat session for implementation. If work is interrupted or the conversation context is reset, use the task checkboxes as the progress record and continue from the first unchecked task.
5. Archive the completed change
After all task checkboxes are complete, archive the change. Archiving merges its requirements into the main specs and moves the full change folder, including its delta spec, beneath openspec/changes/archive/. It does not delete the history or make a Git commit for you: commit the change folder alongside the code using your usual Git workflow.
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Choose the right command surface and workflow configuration
OpenSpec offers terminal CLI commands and AI-chat workflow commands, but they are related entry points rather than interchangeable syntax. The CLI reference lists terminal commands including openspec init, openspec update, openspec config, openspec list, openspec show, openspec view, openspec validate, openspec archive, openspec new, and openspec status. Use the CLI reference for terminal usage and your configured AI tool’s OpenSpec workflow for chat-based work.
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Profiles and delivery settings affect which workflows or command forms are available. The profiles guide describes the configuration choices; exact profile options can vary with the OpenSpec release, so check that guide for the current set.
- Workflow selection: A core profile and expanded or custom workflow choices may offer different flows. Do not assume an optional workflow is part of the default setup.
- Delivery form: Depending on configuration, instructions may be delivered as skills, commands, or both.
- Installation route: The installation guide documents package-manager methods as well as a prompt that delegates setup to an AI assistant. Choose the documented route that fits your environment.
Profiles are configured globally. After changing a profile, update the project so its integration reflects the new selection.
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Fix common setup and workflow problems
OpenSpec is unavailable after changing Node versions
Check the active Node runtime. If you switched versions with a tool such as nvm, reinstall OpenSpec under the version you are now using, as described in the installation guide.
Claude Code does not show OpenSpec commands
If integration files are missing, run openspec update. If the files exist but the /opsx: commands do not appear, update Claude Code and restart it. If the commands still fail to load, set delivery to both skills and commands, run the project update, and restart:
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →openspec config set delivery both
openspec updateThese steps are from the setup guide; the applicable options may depend on the installed version and profile.
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A profile change has not affected the project
Because profiles are configured globally, changing one does not by itself update the project integration. Run openspec update in the project after the profile change, following the profiles guide.
You are tempted to start coding before the plan is settled
Return to the proposal, specs, and tasks first. The workflow puts review before apply so scope, requirements, and implementation coverage can be corrected in documentation rather than discovered midway through coding.
You are unsure where interrupted work should resume
Use the checkboxes in tasks.md. Continue at the first unchecked task rather than relying on hidden conversation state.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteYou are about to archive with unfinished tasks
Wait until the task list is complete. Archiving updates the main specs and files the completed change under the archive; it is a lifecycle operation, not a substitute for finishing implementation.
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