BMAD-METHOD/docs/how-to/workflows/create-epics-and-stories.md

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Create Epics & Stories How to break PRD requirements into epics and stories using BMad Method

How to Create Epics and Stories

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

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 enough to complete in a session
  • Ensure acceptance criteria are testable
  • Document dependencies clearly
  • Reference architecture decisions 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