# Blueprints

import SurfaceTabs from "@docs/SurfaceTabs.astro"
import AskRen from "@docs/AskRen.astro"

A blueprint is an installable Ren setup for a project, space, or organization. It can include skills, custom MCPs, instructions, an environment, and schedules.

The **Software Factory** blueprint creates a space with Plan, Build, Review, QA, and Monitoring projects. Each project has instructions and skills, and their shared machine includes the required tools.

[Apps](/docs/concepts/apps/) are blueprints too: each one adds a single tool to a project.

## What installing adds

Installing creates editable spaces and projects in your organization. Later blueprint changes don't update those copies, though attached skills and custom MCPs still use their latest versions.

- A space blueprint creates a new shared space. A project blueprint adds a project to a space you pick.
- Projects get the blueprint's instructions, permissions, and default model.
- Ren attaches skills and custom MCPs to the projects.
- Schedules are created **paused**, so nothing runs until you turn them on.
- Databases, artifacts, and starter tasks are added where the blueprint defines them.

Installing doesn't overwrite existing resources. In an existing project, Ren appends the blueprint's instructions and keeps your settings.

Ren lists the remaining setup after installation. Connect the required accounts and add the listed [channels](/docs/channels/), like Slack channels or GitHub repositories.

## Install a blueprint

Browse blueprints in **Marketplace → Blueprints** in the app. The public [Blueprints catalog](/blueprints) lists apps. To add an app, see [Add an app to a project](/docs/concepts/apps/#add-an-app-to-a-project).

Install space and project blueprints through Ren, the CLI, or MCP.

<SurfaceTabs>
<Fragment slot="app">

Open **Marketplace → Blueprints**, select a blueprint, and ask Ren to install it.

</Fragment>
<Fragment slot="ask-ren">

<AskRen prompt="Install the Software Factory blueprint." />

Ren lists what it created and what you still need to connect. Turn on any schedules you want from **Scheduled**.

</Fragment>
<Fragment slot="cli">

```sh
ren registry blueprints list
ren blueprints add --source software-factory
```

`--source` takes the blueprint's slug. A project blueprint also needs `--pod-id` for the space to add it to.

</Fragment>
</SurfaceTabs>