Guide · Agent skill
How to use the PM Spec Writer agent skill (pm-spec)
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
The pm-spec skill is a set of instructions that tells an AI agent how to write a product requirements document (PRD) or feature brief as one styled web page. This guide explains what the skill makes the agent produce, how to install it, how to trigger it with natural requests, and what to check before you share the result. By the end you will be able to add the skill, ask for a spec, and know where its limits are.
PM Spec Writernexu-io/open-design · Apache-2.0 Download the skill Quick start
- 1Download and unzip. Download the pm-spec ZIP from this page and unzip it so the pm-spec folder with SKILL.md is in place.
- 2Choose the install location. Place it in ~/.claude/skills/ for personal use or in the project's .claude/skills/ folder for one project, or upload it under Settings → Capabilities → Skills.
- 3Add a DESIGN.md file. Put a DESIGN.md style guide in the project so the agent can read it before laying out the page.
- 4Write your brief. Describe the feature, audience, problem and scope, and use a trigger word such as PRD or feature brief.
- 5Open and review the HTML. Open the generated single-page HTML file and check metrics, scope and open questions.
- 6Assign open questions. Turn each open question into a named owner before engineering work begins.
What is an agent skill and what does pm-spec do?
An agent skill is a folder containing a SKILL.md file. The file describes a task and how the AI agent should carry it out. When your request matches the skill's triggers, the agent reads these instructions and follows them.
The pm-spec skill covers product requirements documents. When you ask for a PRD, product spec or feature brief, the agent lays the document out as a single page with a status header, a three-line summary, the problem, goals and non-goals, a success-metrics table, user stories, a phased scope or rollout tracker, and open questions with assignee chips.
The skill also tells the agent to read the project's DESIGN.md file first, so the page follows the style guide you already use. The output is one HTML file with one inline style block.
Install the pm-spec skill
Download the ZIP from this page and unzip it. You have two options for placing the skill folder.
For a personal install that works across your projects, unzip it into ~/.claude/skills/. For a single project, unzip it into that project's .claude/skills/ folder.
You can also upload the skill in the Claude apps under Settings → Capabilities → Skills.
- Personal: ~/.claude/skills/
- Project only: .claude/skills/ inside your project folder
- Claude apps: Settings → Capabilities → Skills (upload)
~/.claude/skills/pm-spec/SKILL.mdPrepare your project before you ask
The skill asks the agent to read a DESIGN.md file for styling. Put a DESIGN.md file in the project so the spec can match a chosen look. Without it, the agent has less guidance on colours, typography and layout.
The brief matters as much as the setup. The skill can only lay out what you give it. If you have a problem statement, target users and a rough scope, include them. If you do not, the agent will have to invent goals and metrics, so treat those sections as placeholders.
- Add a DESIGN.md file to the project for styling
- Include the problem, audience and scope in your request
- Note any real customer quote you want in the Problem panel
Trigger the skill with a natural request
You do not need a special command. Describe the document in plain language and include one of the trigger words: PRD, spec, product spec, feature brief, feature doc, or 需求文档 for Chinese requests.
The skill's own example prompt is a good model: a request for a PRD covering the problem, scope, milestones and open questions for a feature.
- Write me a PRD for adding two-factor auth to our SaaS app — problem, scope, milestones, open questions.
- Draft a feature brief for bulk CSV import in our admin dashboard.
- Write a product spec for a password reset flow, with success metrics and open questions.
- 请帮我写一份需求文档：团队日历共享功能
Review and share the output
The skill asks for one HTML file that the agent writes into your project. Open it in a browser to check the layout. Read every section for accuracy, especially success metrics, targets and the rollout phases, since the agent may have filled gaps with assumptions.
Because the output is an AI draft, have a human product owner and engineering lead review it before it becomes a commitment.
- Check each metric and target against real business data
- Replace invented goals or non-goals with agreed ones
- Turn open questions into named owners before engineering starts
Safety notes: scripts and network
The skill does not run scripts and does not use the network. Its instructions only ask the agent to read SKILL.md and DESIGN.md and to write files. Even so, review any skill before installing it, and keep to your team's policies on what files an agent can access.
Be aware of the limits: the output is an AI draft, not a legally or contractually binding specification.
- Runs scripts: no
- Uses network: no
- Writes a single HTML file; does not produce Word or Confluence documents
What people use it for
- A product manager drafting a quick, shareable first version of a feature spec.
- A founder writing up a new feature idea before engineering starts.
- A small team that wants a PRD in English or Chinese, triggered by 需求文档.
- Sharing a styled one-page brief with stakeholders for early feedback.
Frequently asked questions
Is the pm-spec skill free to use?
The skill is licensed under Apache-2.0, as listed on this page. Check the licence file in the project for the full terms before commercial use.
What do I need to use pm-spec?
You need an AI agent that can read SKILL.md files and write files. It is also recommended to have a DESIGN.md file in the project, since the skill asks the agent to read it for styling.
Where do I install the pm-spec skill?
Unzip it into ~/.claude/skills/ for personal use or into a project's .claude/skills/ folder. You can also upload it in the Claude apps under Settings → Capabilities → Skills.
Can pm-spec create a Word or Confluence PRD?
No. The skill produces a single HTML page. Teams that need a Word or Confluence-based workflow will need another approach.
Why did the agent invent metrics in my spec?
The agent has to fill gaps when the brief has no goals or metrics. Provide the problem, audience and targets in your request, and review every metric before sharing.
Does pm-spec run code or access the internet?
According to this page, it runs no scripts and uses no network. It only asks the agent to read SKILL.md and DESIGN.md and write files.
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Our verdict
Use pm-spec if you need a quick, styled first draft of a PRD or feature brief in English or Chinese and you already work with an AI agent. Pick something else if you need a binding specification, a Word or Confluence workflow, or a spec for a project with no written brief.
Download the skill