BMAD-METHOD/docs/explanation/faq/levels-and-tracks-faq.md

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---
title: "Levels and Tracks FAQ"
description: Common questions about choosing the right level for your project
---
Quick answers to common questions about choosing the right level for your BMad Method project.
## Questions
- [How do I know which level my project is?](#how-do-i-know-which-level-my-project-is)
- [Can I change levels mid-project?](#can-i-change-levels-mid-project)
- [What if workflow-init suggests the wrong level?](#what-if-workflow-init-suggests-the-wrong-level)
- [Do I always need architecture for Level 2?](#do-i-always-need-architecture-for-level-2)
- [What's the difference between Level 1 and Level 2?](#whats-the-difference-between-level-1-and-level-2)
### How do I know which level my project is?
Use workflow-init for automatic detection, or self-assess using these keywords:
- **Level 0** — "fix", "bug", "typo", "small change", "patch" → 1 story
- **Level 1** — "simple", "basic", "small feature", "add" → 1-10 stories
- **Level 2** — "dashboard", "several features", "admin panel" → 5-15 stories
- **Level 3** — "platform", "integration", "complex", "system" → 12-40 stories
- **Level 4** — "enterprise", "multi-tenant", "multiple products" → 40+ stories
When in doubt, start smaller. You can always run create-prd later if needed.
### Can I change levels mid-project?
Yes! If you started at Level 1 but realize it's Level 2, you can run create-prd to add proper planning docs. The system is flexible — your initial level choice isn't permanent.
### What if workflow-init suggests the wrong level?
You can override it! workflow-init suggests a level but always asks for confirmation. If you disagree, just say so and choose the level you think is appropriate. Trust your judgment.
### Do I always need architecture for Level 2?
No, architecture is **optional** for Level 2. Only create architecture if you need system-level design. Many Level 2 projects work fine with just PRD created during planning.
### What's the difference between Level 1 and Level 2?
- **Level 1** — 1-10 stories, uses tech-spec (simpler, faster), no architecture
- **Level 2** — 5-15 stories, uses PRD (product-focused), optional architecture
The overlap (5-10 stories) is intentional. Choose based on:
- Need product-level planning? → Level 2
- Just need technical plan? → Level 1
- Multiple epics? → Level 2
- Single epic? → Level 1
**Have a question not answered here?** Please [open an issue](https://github.com/bmad-code-org/BMAD-METHOD/issues) or ask in [Discord](https://discord.gg/gk8jAdXWmj) so we can add it!