Planning with Files

Overview

Planning with Files is a Claude Code skill that implements the Manus-style persistent markdown planning workflow — the same pattern that powered a $2B acquisition. This skill enables Claude to create, maintain, and execute structured project plans using markdown files, providing a systematic approach to complex task management.

Key Features

1. Persistent Planning

• 📝 Create structured markdown-based project plans
• 💾 Maintain planning state across sessions
• 🔄 Update and refine plans as projects evolve
• 📊 Track progress through markdown checkboxes

2. Manus-Style Workflow

Implements the proven workflow pattern that includes:

• Clear task breakdown and organization
• Dependency tracking between tasks
• Progress monitoring and status updates
• Iterative refinement of plans

3. File-Based Architecture

• Store plans as version-controllable markdown files
• Easy to review, edit, and share
• Compatible with existing markdown tools
• Supports collaborative planning workflows

4. Structured Execution

• Break down complex projects into manageable steps
• Maintain context across long-running tasks
• Track completed, in-progress, and pending items
• Generate actionable next steps

Use Cases

• Software Development: Plan feature implementations and refactoring projects
• Content Creation: Organize multi-part content series and campaigns
• Research Projects: Structure literature reviews and experiments
• Business Planning: Develop strategic initiatives and roadmaps
• Personal Projects: Manage complex personal goals and learning paths

Technical Implementation

This skill leverages:

• Markdown file format for human-readable plans
• File system persistence for state management
• Structured templates for consistent planning
• Integration with Claude Code's file operations

Workflow Pattern

The Manus-style workflow includes:

1. Initial Planning: Break down goals into structured tasks
2. Execution Tracking: Monitor progress through markdown updates
3. Iterative Refinement: Adjust plans based on learnings
4. Completion Review: Document outcomes and lessons learned

Installation & Usage

Install this skill in Claude Code to enable persistent planning capabilities. Claude will automatically create and maintain markdown planning files in your project directory.

Summary

Planning with Files brings enterprise-grade project planning to Claude Code, using the battle-tested Manus workflow pattern. With 8,267 GitHub stars, it's a proven approach to managing complex projects through structured, persistent markdown planning.

Related: Agent Messaging Skill and Agent Ops Incident Notifier. Hub: skills.