---
title: "How to Create Epics and Stories"
description: How to break PRD requirements into epics and stories using BMad Method
---

Use the `create-epics-and-stories` workflow to transform PRD requirements into bite-sized stories organized into deliverable epics.

## When to Use This

- After architecture workflow completes
- When PRD contains FRs/NFRs ready for implementation breakdown
- Before implementation-readiness gate check

:::note[Prerequisites]
- BMad Method installed
- PM agent available
- PRD completed
- Architecture completed
:::

## Why After Architecture?

This workflow runs AFTER architecture because:

1. **Informed Story Sizing** — Architecture decisions affect story complexity
2. **Dependency Awareness** — Architecture reveals technical dependencies
3. **Technical Feasibility** — Stories can be properly scoped knowing the tech stack
4. **Consistency** — All stories align with documented architectural patterns

## Steps

### 1. Load the PM Agent

Start a fresh chat and load the PM agent.

### 2. Run the Workflow

```
*create-epics-and-stories
```

### 3. Provide Context

Point the agent to:
- Your PRD (FRs/NFRs)
- Your architecture document
- Optional: UX design artifacts

### 4. Review Epic Breakdown

The agent organizes requirements into logical epics with user stories.

### 5. Validate Story Quality

Ensure each story has:
- Clear acceptance criteria
- Appropriate priority
- Identified dependencies
- Technical notes from architecture

## What You Get

Epic files (one per epic) containing:

1. **Epic objective and scope**
2. **User stories with acceptance criteria**
3. **Story priorities** (P0/P1/P2/P3)
4. **Dependencies between stories**
5. **Technical notes** referencing architecture decisions

## Example

E-commerce PRD with FR-001 (User Registration), FR-002 (Product Catalog) produces:

- **Epic 1: User Management** (3 stories)
  - Story 1.1: User registration form
  - Story 1.2: Email verification
  - Story 1.3: Login/logout

- **Epic 2: Product Display** (4 stories)
  - Story 2.1: Product listing page
  - Story 2.2: Product detail page
  - Story 2.3: Search functionality
  - Story 2.4: Category filtering

Each story references relevant ADRs from architecture.

## Story Priority Levels

| Priority | Meaning |
|----------|---------|
| **P0** | Critical — Must have for MVP |
| **P1** | High — Important for release |
| **P2** | Medium — Nice to have |
| **P3** | Low — Future consideration |

## Tips

- **Keep stories small** — Complete in a single session
- **Make criteria testable** — Acceptance criteria should be verifiable
- **Document dependencies clearly** — Know what blocks what
- **Reference architecture** — Include ADR references in technical notes

## Next Steps

After creating epics and stories:

1. **Implementation Readiness** — Validate alignment before Phase 4
2. **Sprint Planning** — Organize work for implementation
