name: openspec-archive
description: Archive a completed change with /opsx:archive, merging delta specs into main specs and preserving the change for history. Use when the user says "archive the change", "finish up", "/opsx:archive", or "mark this change as done".
OpenSpec Archive Skill
Use /opsx:archive to finalize a completed change. Archives by merging delta specs into the main openspec/specs/ directory and moving the change folder to openspec/changes/archive/.
When to Use
- Implementation is complete and verified.
- The user says "archive", "finish", "done with this change", "wrap up".
- After running openspec-verify (optional but recommended).
Prerequisites
- Change exists with artifacts and (ideally) completed tasks.
Workflow
-
Run archive
/opsx:archive— archive the current/inferred change./opsx:archive <change-name>— archive a specific change.
-
What happens
- Checks artifact completion status and task completion (warns if incomplete).
- Offers to sync delta specs if not already synced (see openspec-sync).
- Merges delta specs into
openspec/specs/(ADDED / MODIFIED / REMOVED sections). - Moves the change folder to
openspec/changes/archive/YYYY-MM-DD-<name>/.
-
All artifacts preserved
- The full change context (proposal, design, tasks, specs) is preserved in the archive for audit trail.
Delta Spec Merge Rules
| Section | What happens |
|---|---|
## ADDED Requirements | Appended to main spec |
## MODIFIED Requirements | Replaces existing requirement in main spec |
## REMOVED Requirements | Deleted from main spec |
Outputs
- Delta specs merged into
openspec/specs/. - Change moved to
openspec/changes/archive/YYYY-MM-DD-<name>/.
Next Steps
- Start a new change with openspec-new.
- The main specs now reflect the changes — future changes build on the updated source of truth.
Troubleshooting
- "Incomplete tasks": Archive warns but does not block. Decide whether to complete tasks first or archive as-is.
- "Delta specs not synced": Archive will prompt to sync; or run openspec-sync beforehand.
- Multiple changes to archive: Use openspec-bulk-archive instead.