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
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Quick answers to common questions about choosing the right level for your BMad Method project.
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## Q: How do I know which level my project is?
**A:** 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.
## Q: Can I change levels mid-project?
**A:** 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.
## Q: What if workflow-init suggests the wrong level?
**A:** 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.
## Q: Do I always need architecture for Level 2?
**A:** 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.
## Q: What's the difference between Level 1 and Level 2?
**A:**
- **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
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## Related Documentation
- [Quick Start Guide](../../tutorials/getting-started/getting-started-bmadv6.md) - Get started with BMM
- [Glossary](../../reference/glossary/index.md) - Terminology reference
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**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!