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Use this six-file Markdown packet to keep a substantial software change connected from intent through evidence and a shipping decision. It is designed for work that spans agents, people, sessions, interfaces, data, or rollout steps.
Each file has one job: Do not fill every placeholder for a small change. Use the complete packet when losing the reasoning, proof, or decision trail would create more risk than maintaining six short files. See What is an AI software factory? for the operating model around the packet. Published and last reviewed July 27, 2026. Written and maintained by the Plannotator documentation team.

Blank copyable packet

Create the directory and copy each block into the named file.

01-intent.md

02-context.md

03-plan.md

04-review-rubric.md

05-evidence.md

06-decision-log.md

Keep the packet connected

Use stable IDs so readers can trace a decision without guessing:
  • An acceptance criterion should map to one or more plan steps and evidence receipts.
  • A plan step should name the criteria it supports and how it will be verified.
  • A rubric finding should link to the exact evidence or missing proof.
  • A shipping decision should state which criteria and unresolved results it accepts.
  • A changed criterion should invalidate or refresh downstream plans and evidence.
Do not silently rewrite a completed receipt or accepted decision. Add a new receipt or decision and mark the old record superseded.

Completed fictional example: Quay Billing

Everything in this example is fictional, including Quay Billing, its product, people, code paths, metrics, datasets, results, dates, and identifiers. The example does not describe a Plannotator customer or a Plannotator product capability. The fictional change adds a resumable CSV price-adjustment import to a subscription-billing product. It is deliberately substantial enough to justify the packet: browser UI, API and durable data, financial and tenant-isolation risk, failure injection, accessibility, performance, and staged rollout.

Completed 01-intent.md

Completed 02-context.md

Completed 03-plan.md

Completed 04-review-rubric.md

Completed 05-evidence.md

Completed 06-decision-log.md

Adapt the packet without weakening it

You can merge files for a small change if the jobs remain distinct. For example, put a short rubric and decision at the end of the plan, but do not turn missing evidence into a prose claim. You can also link to existing documents instead of copying them:
  • link a maintained PRD from 01-intent.md;
  • link a durable technical specification from 02-context.md;
  • link one accepted ADR or a discussion-stage RFC;
  • link the immediate AI coding plan from 03-plan.md;
  • link exact test reports and review artifacts from 05-evidence.md.
The packet should stay an index to current authority and inspectable proof. It should not become a second copy of the whole project.
Last modified on July 27, 2026