# Feature spec template

> A feature spec template with how it behaves, acceptance criteria, edge cases and what you are not doing. Copy it, or start it as a page in Kanso.

One feature, written so it can be built and tested.

Web page: https://kansohq.app/templates/feature-spec

Updated: 5 October 2026

## The template

### What it is

One sentence a user would recognise.

### Why now

What breaks or stays broken if this waits.

### How it behaves

1. The user does…
2. The system responds…
3. The result is…

### Acceptance criteria

> Phrase each one so it can only be true or false — no judgement calls.

- [ ] Given …, when …, then …
- [ ]

### Edge cases

- Empty state
- Error / offline
- Very large input

### Not doing

-

In Kanso, add a page and pick this template, or type / in any doc.

## How to fill it in

1. Say what it is in one sentence.
2. Write how it behaves, step by step.
3. Add criteria that are only true or false.
4. Cover the empty, error and offline cases.

## Questions

### What is a feature spec?

A short document that describes one feature in enough detail to build and test it: how it behaves, its acceptance criteria and its edge cases.

### What is the difference between a feature spec and a PRD?

A PRD covers the problem and the product decision, often for a large feature. A feature spec goes into the behavior of one feature in detail.

### How many acceptance criteria should a feature have?

Three to seven per task. If a feature has many more, split it into several tasks, each with its own criteria.

## Keep reading

- [How to write acceptance criteria, with examples](https://kansohq.app/guides/how-to-write-acceptance-criteria.md): Acceptance criteria say when a task is done. Learn how to write them as clear true-or-false lines, with examples and a checklist for software teams.
- [PRD template: a free product spec to copy | Kanso](https://kansohq.app/templates/product-spec.md): A free PRD template for software teams: problem, solution, who it is for, scope, success measure and open questions. Copy it, or start it in Kanso.
- [Test plan template for software releases | Kanso](https://kansohq.app/templates/test-plan.md): A test plan template with scope, risks, test cases, environments, exit criteria and sign-off. Copy it, or start it as a page in Kanso.
- [Bug report template: steps, expected, actual | Kanso](https://kansohq.app/templates/bug-report.md): A bug report template with a summary, steps to reproduce, expected and actual results and an environment table. Copy it, or start it in Kanso.

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