Install To Spec
Pick your agent. Every command is ready to paste.
npx skills add mattpocock/skills --skill to-specThe open skills CLI detects your agents (Claude Code, Cursor, Codex and 70+ more) and installs to the right folder. Add -g to install globally.
01
Install it
Run the command above, or upload the folder in Claude.
02
Ask naturally
Describe the task. Your agent loads to-spec when the request matches its description.
03
Name it if needed
If it does not trigger, say “use the to-spec skill”. In Codex, type $to-spec.
The skill itself
SKILL.md
This skill takes the current conversation context and codebase understanding and produces a spec. Do NOT interview the user; just synthesize what you already know.
The issue tracker and triage label vocabulary should have been provided to you. If not, tell the user to run /setup-matt-pocock-skills.
Process
Explore the repo to understand the current state of the codebase, if you haven't already. Use the project's domain glossary vocabulary throughout the spec, and respect any ADRs in the area you're touching.
Sketch out the seams at which you're going to test the feature. Existing seams should be preferred to new ones. Use the highest seam possible. If new seams are needed, propose them at the highest point you can. The fewer seams across the codebase, the better - the ideal number is one.
Check with the user that these seams match their expectations.
- Write the spec using the template below, then publish it to the project issue tracker. Apply the
ready-for-agenttriage label - no need for additional triage.
Problem Statement
The problem that the user is facing, from the user's perspective.
Solution
The solution to the problem, from the user's perspective.
User Stories
A LONG, numbered list of user stories. Each user story should be in the format of:
- As an , I want a , so that
This list of user stories should be extremely extensive and cover all aspects of the feature.
Implementation Decisions
A list of implementation decisions that were made. This can include:
- The modules that will be built/modified
- The interfaces of those modules that will be modified
- Technical clarifications from the developer
- Architectural decisions
- Schema changes
- API contracts
- Specific interactions
Do NOT include specific file paths or code snippets. They may end up being outdated very quickly.
Exception: if a prototype produced a snippet that encodes a decision more precisely than prose can (state machine, reducer, schema, type shape), inline it within the relevant decision and note briefly that it came from a prototype. Trim to the decision-rich parts, not a working demo, just the important bits.
Testing Decisions
A list of testing decisions that were made. Include:
- A description of what makes a good test (only test external behavior, not implementation details)
- Which modules will be tested
- Prior art for the tests (i.e. similar types of tests in the codebase)
Out of Scope
A description of the things that are out of scope for this spec.
Further Notes
Any further notes about the feature.
Tips for To Spec
- • Start a fresh session after installing so your agent picks up the new skill.
- • It is part of a pack with 39 skills. Install only the ones you need with --skill to keep triggers precise.
- • If two skills overlap, mention the one you want by name.
Questions about To Spec
What does the To Spec skill do?
Turn the current conversation into a spec and publish it to the project issue tracker: no interview, just synthesis of what you've already discussed.
How do I install To Spec?
Run "npx skills add mattpocock/skills --skill to-spec" in your project. The skills CLI installs it for Claude Code, Cursor, Codex and 70+ other agents. In Claude on the web, upload the skill folder as a ZIP under Customize > Skills.
Does To Spec work in Cursor and Codex?
Yes. To Spec uses the open SKILL.md format, so it works in Claude Code, Claude, Cursor, OpenAI Codex, Gemini CLI, GitHub Copilot and other agents that support agent skills.
Is To Spec free?
To Spec is open source on GitHub under the MIT license. It is free to install; check the license before commercial use.
Who made To Spec?
To Spec is published by Matt Pocock in the mattpocock/skills repository, together with 38 other skills.




