arch-document

Generate all twelve arc42 sections and diagrams from architecture briefs and ADRs.

Updated Aug 23, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/cjennings/rulesets --skill arch-document
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: arch-document
Source: https://github.com/cjennings/rulesets/tree/main/arch-document
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/cjennings/rulesets --skill arch-document

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Produce a complete arc42-structured architecture document from a project's architecture brief and ADRs. Generates all twelve arc42 sections (Introduction & Goals, Constraints, Context & Scope, Solution Strategy, Building Block View, Runtime View, Deployment View, Crosscutting Concepts, Architecture Decisions, Quality Requirements, Risks & Technical Debt, Glossary). Dispatches to the c4-analyze and c4-diagram skills for building-block, container, and context diagrams. Outputs one file per section under docs/architecture/. Use when formalizing an architecture that already has a brief + ADRs, preparing documentation for a review, onboarding new engineers, or satisfying a compliance requirement. Do NOT use for shaping a new architecture (use arch-design), recording individual decisions (use arch-decide), auditing code against an architecture (use arch-evaluate), or for simple systems where a brief alone suffices. Part of the architecture suite (arch-design / arch-decide / arch-document / arch-evaluate + c4-analyze / c4-diagram for notation-specific diagramming).

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Generates all twelve arc42 sections (Introduction & Goals, Constraints, Context & Scope, Solution Strategy, Building Block View, Runtime View, Deployment View, Crosscutting Concepts, Architecture Decisions, Quality Requirements, Risks & Technical Debt, Glossary)
  • Dispatches to c4-analyze and c4-diagram skills for corresponding diagrams
  • Outputs one file per section under docs/architecture/ to support reviews, onboarding, and compliance

Quick Start

Run arch-document with your architecture brief and ADRs to generate the full arc42 document under docs/architecture/.

Frequently Asked Questions about arch-document

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I generate arc42 architecture documentation from existing ADRs?▼

To generate arc42 architecture documentation from ADRs, provide an architecture brief and available ADRs as input. The system produces all twelve arc42 sections as separate files under docs/architecture/, cross-linking the ADRs and dispatching diagrams automatically.

What is the best way to create architecture docs for engineering onboarding from a project brief?▼

Creating architecture docs for onboarding from a project brief is best handled by generating a complete arc42-structured document. It outputs one file per section under docs/architecture/, providing new engineers with standardized, comprehensive system context and decisions.

Can I auto-generate C4 diagrams alongside arc42 sections for compliance documentation?▼

Yes, you can auto-generate C4 diagrams alongside arc12 sections for compliance documentation. The process dispatches to c4-analyze and c4-diagram skills to produce building-block, container, and context diagrams within the generated architecture files.

Do I need an architecture brief and ADRs before generating full architecture documentation?▼

Yes, an architecture brief and ADRs are required before generating full architecture documentation. The system applies when a brief exists and ADRs are available, using them as inputs to validate, plan, and populate all twelve arc12 sections.

When should I not use arc42 documentation generation for my software architecture?▼

You should not use arc42 documentation generation when shaping a new architecture, recording individual decisions, auditing code, or for simple systems where a brief alone suffices. It is designed for formalizing existing architectures that already have a brief and ADRs.

Why does my generated architecture documentation split into multiple files under docs/architecture/?▼

Generated architecture documentation splits into multiple files under docs/architecture/ to output one file per arc42 section. This structure supports granular reviews, easier onboarding, compliance checks, and includes an auto-generated index for navigation.