Create Architectural Decision Record

The create-architectural-decision-record skill generates formatted Architectural Decision Record (ADR) documents that capture technical decisions with structured sections for context, chosen solutions, consequences, and alternatives. It serves software architects and engineering teams who need to document and communicate major architectural choices in a standardized format optimized for both human review and machine parsing. The skill solves the problem of inconsistent decision documentation by enforcing a consistent template with coded bullet points, front matter metadata, and mandatory sections that ensure decisions are thoroughly reasoned and discoverable.

skills.sh installs: 10.3K
GitHub stars: 41K
last updated: Aug 21, 2026

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Install

$ npx -y skills add github/awesome-copilot --skill create-architectural-decision-record --agent claude-code

Installs into .claude/skills of the current project.

Files

Create Architectural Decision Record

Create an ADR document for ${input:DecisionTitle} using structured formatting optimized for AI consumption and human readability.

Inputs

Context: ${input:Context}
Decision: ${input:Decision}
Alternatives: ${input:Alternatives}
Stakeholders: ${input:Stakeholders}

Input Validation

If any of the required inputs are not provided or cannot be determined from the conversation history, ask the user to provide the missing information before proceeding with ADR generation.

Requirements

Use precise, unambiguous language
Follow standardized ADR format with front matter
Include both positive and negative consequences
Document alternatives with rejection rationale
Structure for machine parsing and human reference
Use coded bullet points (3-4 letter codes + 3-digit numbers) for multi-item sections

The ADR must be saved in the /docs/adr/ directory using the naming convention: adr-NNNN-[title-slug].md, where NNNN is the next sequential 4-digit number (e.g., adr-0001-database-selection.md).