One-time Usage (uvx)

May 14, 2026 ยท View on GitHub

If you want to try Spec Kit without installing it permanently, use uvx to run it directly. This downloads the tool into a temporary environment that is discarded after the command finishes.

Note

The commands below require uv. If you see command not found: uvx, install uv first.

Run Specify CLI

# Create a new project (latest from main)
uvx --from git+https://github.com/github/spec-kit.git specify init <PROJECT_NAME>

# Or target a specific release (replace vX.Y.Z with a tag from Releases)
uvx --from git+https://github.com/github/spec-kit.git@vX.Y.Z specify init <PROJECT_NAME>

# Initialize in the current directory
uvx --from git+https://github.com/github/spec-kit.git specify init . --integration copilot

# Or use the --here flag
uvx --from git+https://github.com/github/spec-kit.git specify init --here --integration copilot

When to use persistent installation instead

If you plan to use Spec Kit regularly, a persistent installation is recommended:

  • Tool stays installed and available in PATH
  • No re-download on every invocation
  • Better tool management with uv tool list, uv tool upgrade, uv tool uninstall

See the main Installation Guide for persistent installation instructions.