diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 4f03fbc..4257634 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ _**[See the Python version of this loop harness here](https://github.com/rxdt/lo
 1. Copy this directory (or use it as a GitHub template), then `git init` and `node harness/harness.mjs setup`.
 2. Make it yours: set `name` in `package.json` (root), and the `<title>` in `frontend/index.html`.
 3. Write your grand vision into `docs/plan.md`.
-4. Optionally add the first spec in `docs/specs/`, or have an agent draft the first specs.
+4. Add your first spec in `docs/specs/` (see [Creating Your First Spec](docs/creating-specs.md)), or have an agent draft the first specs.
 5. Replace the seed app. `frontend/src/main.ts` and its unit test `frontend/tests/home.spec.ts` are a minimal wired-up "Hello, world" proving the whole gate. Grow them, don't delete them.
 6. Strict TypeScript, ESLint, Stylelint, Vitest @ 100% coverage, Playwright, and Lighthouse budgets are configured in `harness/`.
 7. Your coding preferences go in `harness/preferences.ts`.
diff --git a/docs/creating-specs.md b/docs/creating-specs.md
new file mode 100644
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+++ b/docs/creating-specs.md
@@ -0,0 +1,99 @@
+# Creating Your First LoopGate Spec
+
+This guide explains how to turn a project idea into a clear, actionable specification for autonomous coding agents in LoopGate JS.
+
+---
+
+## 1. How Documentation Fits Together
+
+LoopGate JS relies on three core documents under `docs/` to organize work between humans and AI agents:
+
+| Document | Purpose | Owner |
+| :--- | :--- | :--- |
+| **`docs/plan.md`** | **The Grand Vision**: High-level objective, features, technical approach, and major project milestones. | Human (or delegated to agents) |
+| **`docs/specs/*.md`** | **Actionable Tasks**: Concrete, track-specific instructions defining WHAT to build, test criteria, and boundaries. | Human / Agent |
+| **`docs/PROJECT_STATUS.md`** | **Current State**: Snapshot of active focus, pass/fail status of gates, next actions, and changelog. | Human & Agent (updated each iteration) |
+
+---
+
+## 2. Step-by-Step: From Idea to Spec
+
+### Step 1: Align with `docs/plan.md`
+Check `docs/plan.md` to determine which milestone or feature you are addressing. Ensure the objective is well-defined.
+
+### Step 2: Copy the Base Template
+Create a new file in `docs/specs/` using `docs/specs/base.md` as the template:
+
+```bash
+cp docs/specs/base.md docs/specs/dark-mode-toggle.md
+```
+
+### Step 3: Fill in the Sections
+1. **Priority Header**: State priority (`PRIORITY 1`, `2`, or `3`) and a 1–2 sentence problem statement.
+2. **Scope**: Detail frameworks, APIs, files, or CSS classes to use.
+3. **Priorities / Milestones**: Break the work into concrete sub-tasks with verifiable definitions of done (e.g., test commands).
+4. **Guardrails**: Define constraints (e.g. use CSS custom properties, avoid measuring DOM via TypeScript).
+5. **Acceptance Criteria**: State measurable checks (e.g., `pnpm gate` passes, 100% test coverage).
+6. **Out of Scope**: Explicitly list non-goals to prevent agent scope creep.
+
+### Step 4: Update `docs/PROJECT_STATUS.md`
+Point the active focus to your new spec (e.g., `Active spec: docs/specs/dark-mode-toggle.md → Milestone 1`).
+
+---
+
+## 3. Example Spec: Frontend Dark Mode Toggle
+
+Here is a minimal, complete example of a frontend feature spec (`docs/specs/dark-mode-toggle.md`):
+
+```markdown
+# Dark Mode Toggle Spec
+
+> **PRIORITY 1.** Add a theme toggle button in the header that switches between light and dark themes using CSS variables and persists preference in localStorage.
+
+## Scope
+- Modify \`frontend/index.html\` to include the theme toggle button in the header.
+- Add theme color variables (\`--bg-primary\`, \`--text-primary\`) in \`frontend/src/style.css\`.
+- Add event listeners and localStorage persistence in \`frontend/src/theme.ts\`.
+
+## Priorities
+
+1. Milestone 1: Theme State Management & CSS Tokens
+   - Define CSS custom properties for \`[data-theme="dark"]\` and \`[data-theme="light"]\`.
+   - Implement \`initTheme()\` and \`toggleTheme()\` helper functions.
+   - Files created or updated: \`frontend/src/style.css\`, \`frontend/src/theme.ts\`
+   - Definition of done: \`pnpm --filter frontend test -- src/theme.test.ts\`
+
+2. Milestone 2: UI Integration & Accessibility
+   - Mount button with \`aria-label="Toggle dark mode"\` and \`data-hook="theme-toggle"\`.
+   - Update e2e tests in \`frontend/tests/home.spec.ts\` to verify theme toggling across viewports.
+   - Definition of done: \`pnpm gate\` exits 0.
+
+## Guardrails
+- Use semantic CSS custom properties; do not hardcode hex values in component styles.
+- Selector discipline: Target the button using \`data-hook="theme-toggle"\`.
+- Keep bundle lean; do not introduce third-party icon packages.
+
+## Acceptance Criteria
+- Clicking the toggle flips \`data-theme\` attribute on \`<html>\` or \`<body>\`.
+- Theme selection persists across page reloads via \`localStorage\`.
+- Unit tests achieve 100% line and branch coverage.
+- \`pnpm gate\` passes cleanly.
+
+## Out of Scope
+- System OS theme detection / matchMedia auto-switching (Milestone 2 follow-up).
+- Animation transitions for theme change.
+
+## Changelog
+- Initial draft of dark mode toggle spec.
+```
+
+---
+
+## 4. Verifying Specs
+
+Before running autonomous loops, ensure the project satisfies the gate:
+
+```bash
+pnpm preflight   # Fast format and lint checks
+pnpm gate        # Full validation suite (types, unit tests, e2e, security)
+```