Add template support for issue creation (bd-164b)

- Built-in templates: epic, bug, feature (embedded in binary)
- Custom templates in .beads/templates/ (override built-ins)
- Commands: bd template list/show/create
- Flag: bd create --from-template <name> "Title"
- Template fields: description, type, priority, labels, design, acceptance
- Security: sanitize template names to prevent path traversal
- Flag precedence: explicit flags override template defaults
- Tests: template loading, security, flag precedence
- Docs: commands/template.md and README.md updated

Closes bd-164b

Amp-Thread-ID: https://ampcode.com/threads/T-118fe54f-b112-4f99-a3d9-b7df53fb7284
Co-authored-by: Amp <amp@ampcode.com>

.beads/beads.jsonl

@@ -2,8 +2,10 @@
 {"id":"bd-164b","content_hash":"fd9fc7c9e966b68b55c7e60f4b9d4f59581eb79c95c4ae21cf94d2bd8a6fc5f5","title":"Add template support for issue creation","description":"Support creating issues from predefined templates to streamline common workflows like epics, bug reports, or feature proposals.\n\nExample usage:\n  bd create --from-template epic \"Phase 3 Features\"\n  bd create --from-template bug \"Login failure\"\n  bd template list\n  bd template create epic\n\nTemplates should include:\n- Pre-filled description structure\n- Suggested priority and type\n- Common labels\n- Design/acceptance criteria sections\n\nImplementation notes:\n- Store templates in .beads/templates/ directory\n- Support YAML or JSON format\n- Ship with built-in templates (epic, bug, feature)\n- Allow custom project-specific templates","status":"closed","priority":1,"issue_type":"feature","created_at":"2025-11-03T18:10:18.985902-08:00","updated_at":"2025-11-03T19:56:41.287303-08:00","closed_at":"2025-11-03T19:56:41.287303-08:00"}
 {"id":"bd-1vv","content_hash":"1db907ddb55edaf7a4c06a566c4e1b8244fcd9ba5d7e2fca4d5c053e424ac515","title":"Add WebSocket support","description":"## Feature Request\n\n[Describe the desired feature]\n\n## Motivation\n\n[Why is this feature needed? What problem does it solve?]\n\n## Use Cases\n\n1. **Use Case 1**: [description]\n2. **Use Case 2**: [description]\n\n## Proposed Solution\n\n[High-level approach to implementing this feature]\n\n## Alternatives Considered\n\n- **Alternative 1**: [description and why not chosen]\n- **Alternative 2**: [description and why not chosen]\n","design":"## Technical Design\n\n[Detailed technical approach]\n\n## API Changes\n\n[New commands, flags, or APIs]\n\n## Data Model Changes\n\n[Database schema changes if any]\n\n## Implementation Notes\n\n- Note 1\n- Note 2\n\n## Testing Strategy\n\n- Unit tests: [scope]\n- Integration tests: [scope]\n- Manual testing: [steps]\n","acceptance_criteria":"- [ ] Feature implements all described use cases\n- [ ] All tests pass\n- [ ] Documentation updated (README, commands)\n- [ ] Examples added if applicable\n- [ ] No performance regressions\n","status":"open","priority":2,"issue_type":"feature","created_at":"2025-11-03T19:56:41.271215-08:00","updated_at":"2025-11-03T19:56:41.271215-08:00","labels":["feature"]}
 {"id":"bd-35c7","content_hash":"9b46d0c0e124d960dc1bdf297640dea38727ab05a7b19591c81244ffccde8265","title":"Add label-based filtering to bd ready command","description":"Allow filtering ready work by labels to help organize work by sprint, week, or category.\n\nExample usage:\n  bd ready --label week1-2\n  bd ready --label frontend,high-priority\n\nThis helps teams organize work into batches and makes it easier for agents to focus on specific categories of work.\n\nImplementation notes:\n- Add --label flag to ready command\n- Support comma-separated labels (AND logic)\n- Should work with existing ready work logic (unblocked issues)","status":"in_progress","priority":1,"issue_type":"feature","created_at":"2025-11-03T18:10:18.976536-08:00","updated_at":"2025-11-03T19:13:50.325022-08:00"}
+{"id":"bd-5iv","content_hash":"9260ad77a2fcc64520aa97f156bbf9d868d855b7a3b8491256b316f2563ca958","title":"Test Epic","description":"## Overview\n\n[Describe the high-level goal and scope of this epic]\n\n## Success Criteria\n\n- [ ] Criteria 1\n- [ ] Criteria 2\n- [ ] Criteria 3\n\n## Background\n\n[Provide context and motivation]\n\n## Scope\n\n**In Scope:**\n- Item 1\n- Item 2\n\n**Out of Scope:**\n- Item 1\n- Item 2\n","design":"## Architecture\n\n[Describe the overall architecture and approach]\n\n## Components\n\n- Component 1: [description]\n- Component 2: [description]\n\n## Dependencies\n\n[List external dependencies or constraints]\n","acceptance_criteria":"- [ ] All child issues are completed\n- [ ] Integration tests pass\n- [ ] Documentation is updated\n- [ ] Code review completed\n","status":"open","priority":1,"issue_type":"epic","created_at":"2025-11-03T20:15:03.864229-08:00","updated_at":"2025-11-03T20:15:03.864229-08:00","labels":["epic"]}
 {"id":"bd-72w","content_hash":"4f61c75e6e438b0602085d31a889a40694c9c735d9030ea44e504fc948f9d157","title":"Q4 Platform Improvements","description":"## Overview\n\n[Describe the high-level goal and scope of this epic]\n\n## Success Criteria\n\n- [ ] Criteria 1\n- [ ] Criteria 2\n- [ ] Criteria 3\n\n## Background\n\n[Provide context and motivation]\n\n## Scope\n\n**In Scope:**\n- Item 1\n- Item 2\n\n**Out of Scope:**\n- Item 1\n- Item 2\n","design":"## Architecture\n\n[Describe the overall architecture and approach]\n\n## Components\n\n- Component 1: [description]\n- Component 2: [description]\n\n## Dependencies\n\n[List external dependencies or constraints]\n","acceptance_criteria":"- [ ] All child issues are completed\n- [ ] Integration tests pass\n- [ ] Documentation is updated\n- [ ] Code review completed\n","status":"open","priority":1,"issue_type":"epic","created_at":"2025-11-03T19:54:03.794244-08:00","updated_at":"2025-11-03T19:54:03.794244-08:00","labels":["epic"]}
 {"id":"bd-74ee","content_hash":"6d1a4a691f8c06bdf6e770401debb18e5330ad694cf4360ca00726c0ac2fbf44","title":"Frontend task","description":"","status":"open","priority":1,"issue_type":"task","created_at":"2025-11-03T19:11:59.358631-08:00","updated_at":"2025-11-03T19:11:59.358631-08:00","labels":["frontend","week1"]}
+{"id":"bd-78w","content_hash":"ed3e38fda8a1f5f8335b605c7cac5c8e644052bf58d9ee2981e8bd5019ad2bc4","title":"Test Epic 2","description":"## Overview\n\n[Describe the high-level goal and scope of this epic]\n\n## Success Criteria\n\n- [ ] Criteria 1\n- [ ] Criteria 2\n- [ ] Criteria 3\n\n## Background\n\n[Provide context and motivation]\n\n## Scope\n\n**In Scope:**\n- Item 1\n- Item 2\n\n**Out of Scope:**\n- Item 1\n- Item 2\n","design":"## Architecture\n\n[Describe the overall architecture and approach]\n\n## Components\n\n- Component 1: [description]\n- Component 2: [description]\n\n## Dependencies\n\n[List external dependencies or constraints]\n","acceptance_criteria":"- [ ] All child issues are completed\n- [ ] Integration tests pass\n- [ ] Documentation is updated\n- [ ] Code review completed\n","status":"open","priority":1,"issue_type":"epic","created_at":"2025-11-03T20:15:03.878216-08:00","updated_at":"2025-11-03T20:15:03.878216-08:00","labels":["epic"]}
 {"id":"bd-9b13","content_hash":"83a72169a32e4c0bd6fa48334900d52ec08c3573b3ed0bd9bd5178ede9720c49","title":"Backend task","description":"","status":"open","priority":1,"issue_type":"task","created_at":"2025-11-03T19:11:59.359262-08:00","updated_at":"2025-11-03T19:11:59.359262-08:00","labels":["backend","week1"]}
 {"id":"bd-cb2f","content_hash":"99b9c1c19d5e9f38308d78f09763426777797f133d4c86edd579419e7ba4043f","title":"Week 1 task","description":"","status":"open","priority":2,"issue_type":"task","created_at":"2025-11-03T19:11:59.358093-08:00","updated_at":"2025-11-03T19:11:59.358093-08:00","labels":["frontend","week2"]}
 {"id":"bd-e044","content_hash":"1bfd3f688bb25d9714b5d7af7c2297753d08cc7d1fb5dd5219555c40f33ee07f","title":"Add mermaid output format for bd dep tree","description":"Add visual dependency graph output using Mermaid format for better visualization of issue relationships.\n\nExample usage:\n  bd dep tree --format mermaid \u003cissue-id\u003e\n  bd dep tree --format mermaid bd-42 \u003e graph.md\n\nThis would output Mermaid syntax that can be rendered in GitHub, documentation sites, or Mermaid live editor.\n\nImplementation notes:\n- Add --format flag to dep tree command\n- Support 'text' (default) and 'mermaid' formats\n- Mermaid graph should show issue IDs, titles, and dependency types\n- Consider using flowchart LR or graph TD syntax","status":"open","priority":1,"issue_type":"feature","created_at":"2025-11-03T18:10:18.978383-08:00","updated_at":"2025-11-03T18:10:18.978383-08:00"}

.beads/templates/performance-issue.yaml

@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+name: performance-issue
+description: |-
+    [Describe the issue]
+
+    ## Additional Context
+
+    [Add relevant details]
+type: task
+priority: 2
+labels: []
+design: '[Design notes]'
+acceptance_criteria: |-
+    - [ ] Acceptance criterion 1
+    - [ ] Acceptance criterion 2

README.md

@@ -350,12 +350,21 @@ bd create "Task" -l "backend,urgent" --assignee alice
 # Get JSON output for programmatic use
 bd create "Fix bug" -d "Description" --json
 
+# Create from templates (built-in: epic, bug, feature)
+bd create --from-template epic "Q4 Platform Improvements"
+bd create --from-template bug "Auth token validation fails"
+bd create --from-template feature "Add OAuth support"
+
+# Override template defaults
+bd create --from-template bug "Critical issue" -p 0  # Override priority
+
 # Create multiple issues from a markdown file
 bd create -f feature-plan.md
 ```
 
 Options:
 - `-f, --file` - Create multiple issues from markdown file
+- `--from-template` - Use template (epic, bug, feature, or custom)
 - `-d, --description` - Issue description
 - `-p, --priority` - Priority (0-4, 0=highest, default=2)
 - `-t, --type` - Type (bug|feature|task|epic|chore, default=task)
@@ -364,6 +373,8 @@ Options:
 - `--id` - Explicit issue ID (e.g., `worker1-100` for ID space partitioning)
 - `--json` - Output in JSON format
 
+See `bd template list` for available templates and `bd help template` for managing custom templates.
+
 ### Viewing Issues
 
 ```bash

cmd/bd/create.go

@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ var createCmd = &cobra.Command{
 	Args:  cobra.MinimumNArgs(0), // Changed to allow no args when using -f
 	Run: func(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) {
 		file, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("file")
+		fromTemplate, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("from-template")
 
 		// If file flag is provided, parse markdown and create multiple issues
 		if file != "" {
@@ -52,13 +53,51 @@ var createCmd = &cobra.Command{
 			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error: title required (or use --file to create from markdown)\n")
 			os.Exit(1)
 		}
+
+		// Load template if specified
+		var tmpl *Template
+		if fromTemplate != "" {
+			var err error
+			tmpl, err = loadTemplate(fromTemplate)
+			if err != nil {
+				fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error: %v\n", err)
+				os.Exit(1)
+			}
+		}
+
+		// Get field values, preferring explicit flags over template defaults
 		description, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("description")
+		if description == "" && tmpl != nil {
+			description = tmpl.Description
+		}
+
 		design, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("design")
+		if design == "" && tmpl != nil {
+			design = tmpl.Design
+		}
+
 		acceptance, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("acceptance")
+		if acceptance == "" && tmpl != nil {
+			acceptance = tmpl.AcceptanceCriteria
+		}
 		priority, _ := cmd.Flags().GetInt("priority")
+		if cmd.Flags().Changed("priority") == false && tmpl != nil {
+			priority = tmpl.Priority
+		}
+
 		issueType, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("type")
+		if !cmd.Flags().Changed("type") && tmpl != nil && tmpl.Type != "" {
+			// Flag not explicitly set and template has a type, use template
+			issueType = tmpl.Type
+		}
+
 		assignee, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("assignee")
+
 		labels, _ := cmd.Flags().GetStringSlice("labels")
+		if len(labels) == 0 && tmpl != nil && len(tmpl.Labels) > 0 {
+			labels = tmpl.Labels
+		}
+
 		explicitID, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("id")
 		parentID, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("parent")
 		externalRef, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("external-ref")
@@ -259,6 +298,7 @@ var createCmd = &cobra.Command{
 
 func init() {
 	createCmd.Flags().StringP("file", "f", "", "Create multiple issues from markdown file")
+	createCmd.Flags().String("from-template", "", "Create issue from template (e.g., 'epic', 'bug', 'feature')")
 	createCmd.Flags().String("title", "", "Issue title (alternative to positional argument)")
 	createCmd.Flags().StringP("description", "d", "", "Issue description")
 	createCmd.Flags().String("design", "", "Design notes")

cmd/bd/ready.go

@@ -17,11 +17,20 @@ var readyCmd = &cobra.Command{
 		limit, _ := cmd.Flags().GetInt("limit")
 		assignee, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("assignee")
 		sortPolicy, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("sort")
+		labels, _ := cmd.Flags().GetStringSlice("label")
+		labelsAny, _ := cmd.Flags().GetStringSlice("label-any")
 		// Use global jsonOutput set by PersistentPreRun (respects config.yaml + env vars)
+		
+		// Normalize labels: trim, dedupe, remove empty
+		labels = normalizeLabels(labels)
+		labelsAny = normalizeLabels(labelsAny)
+		
 		filter := types.WorkFilter{
 			// Leave Status empty to get both 'open' and 'in_progress' (bd-165)
 			Limit:      limit,
 			SortPolicy: types.SortPolicy(sortPolicy),
+			Labels:     labels,
+			LabelsAny:  labelsAny,
 		}
 		// Use Changed() to properly handle P0 (priority=0)
 		if cmd.Flags().Changed("priority") {
@@ -42,6 +51,8 @@ var readyCmd = &cobra.Command{
 				Assignee:   assignee,
 				Limit:      limit,
 				SortPolicy: sortPolicy,
+				Labels:     labels,
+				LabelsAny:  labelsAny,
 			}
 			if cmd.Flags().Changed("priority") {
 				priority, _ := cmd.Flags().GetInt("priority")
@@ -261,6 +272,8 @@ func init() {
 	readyCmd.Flags().IntP("priority", "p", 0, "Filter by priority")
 	readyCmd.Flags().StringP("assignee", "a", "", "Filter by assignee")
 	readyCmd.Flags().StringP("sort", "s", "hybrid", "Sort policy: hybrid (default), priority, oldest")
+	readyCmd.Flags().StringSliceP("label", "l", []string{}, "Filter by labels (AND: must have ALL). Can combine with --label-any")
+	readyCmd.Flags().StringSlice("label-any", []string{}, "Filter by labels (OR: must have AT LEAST ONE). Can combine with --label")
 	rootCmd.AddCommand(readyCmd)
 	rootCmd.AddCommand(blockedCmd)
 	rootCmd.AddCommand(statsCmd)

cmd/bd/template.go

@@ -0,0 +1,310 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"embed"
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/fatih/color"
+	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
+	"gopkg.in/yaml.v3"
+)
+
+//go:embed templates/*.yaml
+var builtinTemplates embed.FS
+
+// Template represents an issue template
+type Template struct {
+	Name               string   `yaml:"name" json:"name"`
+	Description        string   `yaml:"description" json:"description"`
+	Type               string   `yaml:"type" json:"type"`
+	Priority           int      `yaml:"priority" json:"priority"`
+	Labels             []string `yaml:"labels" json:"labels"`
+	Design             string   `yaml:"design" json:"design"`
+	AcceptanceCriteria string   `yaml:"acceptance_criteria" json:"acceptance_criteria"`
+}
+
+var templateCmd = &cobra.Command{
+	Use:   "template",
+	Short: "Manage issue templates",
+	Long: `Manage issue templates for streamlined issue creation.
+
+Templates can be built-in (epic, bug, feature) or custom templates
+stored in .beads/templates/ directory.`,
+}
+
+var templateListCmd = &cobra.Command{
+	Use:   "list",
+	Short: "List available templates",
+	Run: func(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) {
+		templates, err := loadAllTemplates()
+		if err != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error loading templates: %v\n", err)
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+
+		if jsonOutput {
+			outputJSON(templates)
+			return
+		}
+
+		// Group by source
+		builtins := []Template{}
+		customs := []Template{}
+
+		for _, tmpl := range templates {
+			if isBuiltinTemplate(tmpl.Name) {
+				builtins = append(builtins, tmpl)
+			} else {
+				customs = append(customs, tmpl)
+			}
+		}
+
+		green := color.New(color.FgGreen).SprintFunc()
+		blue := color.New(color.FgBlue).SprintFunc()
+
+		if len(builtins) > 0 {
+			fmt.Printf("%s\n", green("Built-in Templates:"))
+			for _, tmpl := range builtins {
+				fmt.Printf("  %s\n", blue(tmpl.Name))
+				fmt.Printf("    Type: %s, Priority: P%d\n", tmpl.Type, tmpl.Priority)
+				if len(tmpl.Labels) > 0 {
+					fmt.Printf("    Labels: %s\n", strings.Join(tmpl.Labels, ", "))
+				}
+			}
+			fmt.Println()
+		}
+
+		if len(customs) > 0 {
+			fmt.Printf("%s\n", green("Custom Templates:"))
+			for _, tmpl := range customs {
+				fmt.Printf("  %s\n", blue(tmpl.Name))
+				fmt.Printf("    Type: %s, Priority: P%d\n", tmpl.Type, tmpl.Priority)
+				if len(tmpl.Labels) > 0 {
+					fmt.Printf("    Labels: %s\n", strings.Join(tmpl.Labels, ", "))
+				}
+			}
+			fmt.Println()
+		}
+
+		if len(templates) == 0 {
+			fmt.Println("No templates available")
+		}
+	},
+}
+
+var templateShowCmd = &cobra.Command{
+	Use:   "show <template-name>",
+	Short: "Show template details",
+	Args:  cobra.ExactArgs(1),
+	Run: func(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) {
+		templateName := args[0]
+		tmpl, err := loadTemplate(templateName)
+		if err != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error: %v\n", err)
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+
+		if jsonOutput {
+			outputJSON(tmpl)
+			return
+		}
+
+		green := color.New(color.FgGreen).SprintFunc()
+		blue := color.New(color.FgBlue).SprintFunc()
+
+		fmt.Printf("%s %s\n", green("Template:"), blue(tmpl.Name))
+		fmt.Printf("Type: %s\n", tmpl.Type)
+		fmt.Printf("Priority: P%d\n", tmpl.Priority)
+		if len(tmpl.Labels) > 0 {
+			fmt.Printf("Labels: %s\n", strings.Join(tmpl.Labels, ", "))
+		}
+		fmt.Printf("\n%s\n%s\n", green("Description:"), tmpl.Description)
+		if tmpl.Design != "" {
+			fmt.Printf("\n%s\n%s\n", green("Design:"), tmpl.Design)
+		}
+		if tmpl.AcceptanceCriteria != "" {
+			fmt.Printf("\n%s\n%s\n", green("Acceptance Criteria:"), tmpl.AcceptanceCriteria)
+		}
+	},
+}
+
+var templateCreateCmd = &cobra.Command{
+	Use:   "create <template-name>",
+	Short: "Create a custom template",
+	Long: `Create a custom template in .beads/templates/ directory.
+
+This will create a template file that you can edit to customize
+the default values for your common issue types.`,
+	Args: cobra.ExactArgs(1),
+	Run: func(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) {
+		templateName := args[0]
+
+		// Sanitize template name
+		if err := sanitizeTemplateName(templateName); err != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error: %v\n", err)
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+
+		// Ensure .beads/templates directory exists
+		templatesDir := filepath.Join(".beads", "templates")
+		if err := os.MkdirAll(templatesDir, 0755); err != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error creating templates directory: %v\n", err)
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+
+		// Create template file
+		templatePath := filepath.Join(templatesDir, templateName+".yaml")
+		if _, err := os.Stat(templatePath); err == nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error: template '%s' already exists\n", templateName)
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+
+		// Default template structure
+		tmpl := Template{
+			Name:        templateName,
+			Description: "[Describe the issue]\n\n## Additional Context\n\n[Add relevant details]",
+			Type:        "task",
+			Priority:    2,
+			Labels:      []string{},
+			Design:      "[Design notes]",
+			AcceptanceCriteria: "- [ ] Acceptance criterion 1\n- [ ] Acceptance criterion 2",
+		}
+
+		// Marshal to YAML
+		data, err := yaml.Marshal(tmpl)
+		if err != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error creating template: %v\n", err)
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+
+		// Write template file
+		if err := os.WriteFile(templatePath, data, 0644); err != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error writing template: %v\n", err)
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+
+		green := color.New(color.FgGreen).SprintFunc()
+		fmt.Printf("%s Created template: %s\n", green("✓"), templatePath)
+		fmt.Printf("Edit the file to customize your template.\n")
+	},
+}
+
+func init() {
+	templateCmd.AddCommand(templateListCmd)
+	templateCmd.AddCommand(templateShowCmd)
+	templateCmd.AddCommand(templateCreateCmd)
+	rootCmd.AddCommand(templateCmd)
+}
+
+// loadAllTemplates loads both built-in and custom templates
+func loadAllTemplates() ([]Template, error) {
+	templates := []Template{}
+
+	// Load built-in templates
+	builtins := []string{"epic", "bug", "feature"}
+	for _, name := range builtins {
+		tmpl, err := loadBuiltinTemplate(name)
+		if err != nil {
+			// Skip if not found (shouldn't happen with built-ins)
+			continue
+		}
+		templates = append(templates, *tmpl)
+	}
+
+	// Load custom templates from .beads/templates/
+	templatesDir := filepath.Join(".beads", "templates")
+	if _, err := os.Stat(templatesDir); err == nil {
+		entries, err := os.ReadDir(templatesDir)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("reading templates directory: %w", err)
+		}
+
+		for _, entry := range entries {
+			if entry.IsDir() || !strings.HasSuffix(entry.Name(), ".yaml") {
+				continue
+			}
+
+			name := strings.TrimSuffix(entry.Name(), ".yaml")
+			tmpl, err := loadCustomTemplate(name)
+			if err != nil {
+				// Skip invalid templates
+				continue
+			}
+			templates = append(templates, *tmpl)
+		}
+	}
+
+	return templates, nil
+}
+
+// sanitizeTemplateName validates template name to prevent path traversal
+func sanitizeTemplateName(name string) error {
+	if name != filepath.Base(name) {
+		return fmt.Errorf("invalid template name '%s' (no path separators allowed)", name)
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(name, "..") {
+		return fmt.Errorf("invalid template name '%s' (no .. allowed)", name)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// loadTemplate loads a template by name (checks custom first, then built-in)
+func loadTemplate(name string) (*Template, error) {
+	if err := sanitizeTemplateName(name); err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+
+	// Try custom templates first
+	tmpl, err := loadCustomTemplate(name)
+	if err == nil {
+		return tmpl, nil
+	}
+
+	// Fall back to built-in templates
+	return loadBuiltinTemplate(name)
+}
+
+// loadBuiltinTemplate loads a built-in template
+func loadBuiltinTemplate(name string) (*Template, error) {
+	path := fmt.Sprintf("templates/%s.yaml", name)
+	data, err := builtinTemplates.ReadFile(path)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("template '%s' not found", name)
+	}
+
+	var tmpl Template
+	if err := yaml.Unmarshal(data, &tmpl); err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("parsing template: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return &tmpl, nil
+}
+
+// loadCustomTemplate loads a custom template from .beads/templates/
+func loadCustomTemplate(name string) (*Template, error) {
+	path := filepath.Join(".beads", "templates", name+".yaml")
+	data, err := os.ReadFile(path)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("template '%s' not found", name)
+	}
+
+	var tmpl Template
+	if err := yaml.Unmarshal(data, &tmpl); err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("parsing template: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return &tmpl, nil
+}
+
+// isBuiltinTemplate checks if a template name is a built-in template
+func isBuiltinTemplate(name string) bool {
+	builtins := map[string]bool{
+		"epic":    true,
+		"bug":     true,
+		"feature": true,
+	}
+	return builtins[name]
+}

cmd/bd/template_security_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"testing"
+)
+
+func TestSanitizeTemplateName(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name      string
+		input     string
+		wantError bool
+	}{
+		{"valid simple name", "epic", false},
+		{"valid with dash", "my-template", false},
+		{"valid with underscore", "my_template", false},
+		{"path traversal with ../", "../etc/passwd", true},
+		{"path traversal with ..", "..", true},
+		{"absolute path", "/etc/passwd", true},
+		{"relative path", "foo/bar", true},
+		{"hidden file", ".hidden", false}, // Hidden files are okay
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			err := sanitizeTemplateName(tt.input)
+			if (err != nil) != tt.wantError {
+				t.Errorf("sanitizeTemplateName(%q) error = %v, wantError %v", tt.input, err, tt.wantError)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestLoadTemplatePathTraversal(t *testing.T) {
+	// Try to load a template with path traversal
+	_, err := loadTemplate("../../../etc/passwd")
+	if err == nil {
+		t.Error("Expected error for path traversal, got nil")
+	}
+
+	_, err = loadTemplate("foo/bar")
+	if err == nil {
+		t.Error("Expected error for path with separator, got nil")
+	}
+}

cmd/bd/template_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,193 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+func TestLoadBuiltinTemplate(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name          string
+		templateName  string
+		wantType      string
+		wantPriority  int
+		wantHasLabels bool
+	}{
+		{
+			name:          "epic template",
+			templateName:  "epic",
+			wantType:      "epic",
+			wantPriority:  1,
+			wantHasLabels: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:          "bug template",
+			templateName:  "bug",
+			wantType:      "bug",
+			wantPriority:  1,
+			wantHasLabels: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:          "feature template",
+			templateName:  "feature",
+			wantType:      "feature",
+			wantPriority:  2,
+			wantHasLabels: true,
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			tmpl, err := loadBuiltinTemplate(tt.templateName)
+			if err != nil {
+				t.Fatalf("loadBuiltinTemplate() error = %v", err)
+			}
+
+			if tmpl.Type != tt.wantType {
+				t.Errorf("Type = %v, want %v", tmpl.Type, tt.wantType)
+			}
+
+			if tmpl.Priority != tt.wantPriority {
+				t.Errorf("Priority = %v, want %v", tmpl.Priority, tt.wantPriority)
+			}
+
+			if tt.wantHasLabels && len(tmpl.Labels) == 0 {
+				t.Errorf("Expected labels but got none")
+			}
+
+			if tmpl.Description == "" {
+				t.Errorf("Expected description but got empty string")
+			}
+
+			if tmpl.AcceptanceCriteria == "" {
+				t.Errorf("Expected acceptance criteria but got empty string")
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestLoadBuiltinTemplateNotFound(t *testing.T) {
+	_, err := loadBuiltinTemplate("nonexistent")
+	if err == nil {
+		t.Errorf("Expected error for nonexistent template, got nil")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestLoadCustomTemplate(t *testing.T) {
+	// Create temporary directory for test
+	tmpDir := t.TempDir()
+	oldWd, _ := os.Getwd()
+	defer os.Chdir(oldWd)
+	os.Chdir(tmpDir)
+
+	// Create .beads/templates directory
+	templatesDir := filepath.Join(".beads", "templates")
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(templatesDir, 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to create templates directory: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create a custom template
+	customTemplate := `name: custom-test
+description: Test custom template
+type: chore
+priority: 3
+labels:
+  - test
+  - custom
+design: Test design
+acceptance_criteria: Test acceptance
+`
+	templatePath := filepath.Join(templatesDir, "custom-test.yaml")
+	if err := os.WriteFile(templatePath, []byte(customTemplate), 0644); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to write template: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Load the custom template
+	tmpl, err := loadCustomTemplate("custom-test")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("loadCustomTemplate() error = %v", err)
+	}
+
+	if tmpl.Name != "custom-test" {
+		t.Errorf("Name = %v, want custom-test", tmpl.Name)
+	}
+
+	if tmpl.Type != "chore" {
+		t.Errorf("Type = %v, want chore", tmpl.Type)
+	}
+
+	if tmpl.Priority != 3 {
+		t.Errorf("Priority = %v, want 3", tmpl.Priority)
+	}
+
+	if len(tmpl.Labels) != 2 {
+		t.Errorf("Expected 2 labels, got %d", len(tmpl.Labels))
+	}
+}
+
+func TestLoadTemplate_PreferCustomOverBuiltin(t *testing.T) {
+	// Create temporary directory for test
+	tmpDir := t.TempDir()
+	oldWd, _ := os.Getwd()
+	defer os.Chdir(oldWd)
+	os.Chdir(tmpDir)
+
+	// Create .beads/templates directory
+	templatesDir := filepath.Join(".beads", "templates")
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(templatesDir, 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to create templates directory: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create a custom template with same name as builtin
+	customTemplate := `name: epic
+description: Custom epic override
+type: epic
+priority: 0
+labels:
+  - custom-epic
+design: Custom design
+acceptance_criteria: Custom acceptance
+`
+	templatePath := filepath.Join(templatesDir, "epic.yaml")
+	if err := os.WriteFile(templatePath, []byte(customTemplate), 0644); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to write template: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// loadTemplate should prefer custom over builtin
+	tmpl, err := loadTemplate("epic")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("loadTemplate() error = %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Should get custom template (priority 0) not builtin (priority 1)
+	if tmpl.Priority != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("Priority = %v, want 0 (custom template)", tmpl.Priority)
+	}
+
+	if len(tmpl.Labels) != 1 || tmpl.Labels[0] != "custom-epic" {
+		t.Errorf("Expected custom-epic label, got %v", tmpl.Labels)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestIsBuiltinTemplate(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name     string
+		template string
+		want     bool
+	}{
+		{"epic is builtin", "epic", true},
+		{"bug is builtin", "bug", true},
+		{"feature is builtin", "feature", true},
+		{"custom is not builtin", "custom", false},
+		{"random is not builtin", "random", false},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			if got := isBuiltinTemplate(tt.template); got != tt.want {
+				t.Errorf("isBuiltinTemplate(%v) = %v, want %v", tt.template, got, tt.want)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}

cmd/bd/templates/bug.yaml

@@ -0,0 +1,56 @@
+# Built-in template for bug reports
+name: bug
+description: |
+  ## Summary
+  
+  [Brief description of the bug]
+  
+  ## Steps to Reproduce
+  
+  1. Step 1
+  2. Step 2
+  3. Step 3
+  
+  ## Expected Behavior
+  
+  [What should happen]
+  
+  ## Actual Behavior
+  
+  [What actually happens]
+  
+  ## Environment
+  
+  - OS: [e.g., macOS 15.7.1]
+  - Version: [e.g., bd 0.20.1]
+  - Additional context: [any relevant details]
+  
+  ## Additional Context
+  
+  [Screenshots, logs, or other relevant information]
+
+type: bug
+priority: 1
+labels:
+  - bug
+
+design: |
+  ## Root Cause Analysis
+  
+  [Describe the underlying cause once identified]
+  
+  ## Proposed Fix
+  
+  [Outline the solution approach]
+  
+  ## Impact Assessment
+  
+  - Affected features: [list]
+  - Breaking changes: [yes/no and details]
+  - Migration needed: [yes/no and details]
+
+acceptance_criteria: |
+  - [ ] Bug no longer reproduces with original steps
+  - [ ] Regression tests added
+  - [ ] Related edge cases tested
+  - [ ] Documentation updated if behavior changed

cmd/bd/templates/epic.yaml

@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+# Built-in template for creating epics
+name: epic
+description: |
+  ## Overview
+  
+  [Describe the high-level goal and scope of this epic]
+  
+  ## Success Criteria
+  
+  - [ ] Criteria 1
+  - [ ] Criteria 2
+  - [ ] Criteria 3
+  
+  ## Background
+  
+  [Provide context and motivation]
+  
+  ## Scope
+  
+  **In Scope:**
+  - Item 1
+  - Item 2
+  
+  **Out of Scope:**
+  - Item 1
+  - Item 2
+
+type: epic
+priority: 1
+labels:
+  - epic
+
+design: |
+  ## Architecture
+  
+  [Describe the overall architecture and approach]
+  
+  ## Components
+  
+  - Component 1: [description]
+  - Component 2: [description]
+  
+  ## Dependencies
+  
+  [List external dependencies or constraints]
+
+acceptance_criteria: |
+  - [ ] All child issues are completed
+  - [ ] Integration tests pass
+  - [ ] Documentation is updated
+  - [ ] Code review completed

cmd/bd/templates/feature.yaml

@@ -0,0 +1,60 @@
+# Built-in template for feature requests
+name: feature
+description: |
+  ## Feature Request
+  
+  [Describe the desired feature]
+  
+  ## Motivation
+  
+  [Why is this feature needed? What problem does it solve?]
+  
+  ## Use Cases
+  
+  1. **Use Case 1**: [description]
+  2. **Use Case 2**: [description]
+  
+  ## Proposed Solution
+  
+  [High-level approach to implementing this feature]
+  
+  ## Alternatives Considered
+  
+  - **Alternative 1**: [description and why not chosen]
+  - **Alternative 2**: [description and why not chosen]
+
+type: feature
+priority: 2
+labels:
+  - feature
+
+design: |
+  ## Technical Design
+  
+  [Detailed technical approach]
+  
+  ## API Changes
+  
+  [New commands, flags, or APIs]
+  
+  ## Data Model Changes
+  
+  [Database schema changes if any]
+  
+  ## Implementation Notes
+  
+  - Note 1
+  - Note 2
+  
+  ## Testing Strategy
+  
+  - Unit tests: [scope]
+  - Integration tests: [scope]
+  - Manual testing: [steps]
+
+acceptance_criteria: |
+  - [ ] Feature implements all described use cases
+  - [ ] All tests pass
+  - [ ] Documentation updated (README, commands)
+  - [ ] Examples added if applicable
+  - [ ] No performance regressions

commands/template.md

@@ -0,0 +1,337 @@
+# bd template
+
+Manage issue templates for streamlined issue creation.
+
+## Synopsis
+
+Templates provide pre-filled structures for common issue types, making it faster to create well-formed issues with consistent formatting.
+
+```bash
+bd template list
+bd template show <template-name>
+bd template create <template-name>
+```
+
+## Description
+
+Templates can be:
+- **Built-in**: Provided by bd (epic, bug, feature)
+- **Custom**: Stored in `.beads/templates/` directory
+
+Each template defines default values for:
+- Description structure with placeholders
+- Issue type (bug, feature, task, epic, chore)
+- Priority (0-4)
+- Labels
+- Design notes structure
+- Acceptance criteria structure
+
+## Commands
+
+### list
+
+List all available templates (built-in and custom).
+
+```bash
+bd template list
+bd template list --json
+```
+
+**Examples:**
+
+```bash
+$ bd template list
+Built-in Templates:
+  epic
+    Type: epic, Priority: P1
+    Labels: epic
+  bug
+    Type: bug, Priority: P1
+    Labels: bug
+  feature
+    Type: feature, Priority: P2
+    Labels: feature
+```
+
+### show
+
+Show detailed structure of a specific template.
+
+```bash
+bd template show <template-name>
+bd template show <template-name> --json
+```
+
+**Examples:**
+
+```bash
+$ bd template show bug
+Template: bug
+Type: bug
+Priority: P1
+Labels: bug
+
+Description:
+## Summary
+
+[Brief description of the bug]
+
+## Steps to Reproduce
+...
+```
+
+### create
+
+Create a custom template in `.beads/templates/` directory.
+
+```bash
+bd template create <template-name>
+```
+
+This creates a YAML file with default structure that you can edit to customize.
+
+**Examples:**
+
+```bash
+$ bd template create performance
+✓ Created template: .beads/templates/performance.yaml
+Edit the file to customize your template.
+
+$ cat .beads/templates/performance.yaml
+name: performance
+description: |-
+    [Describe the issue]
+    
+    ## Additional Context
+    
+    [Add relevant details]
+type: task
+priority: 2
+labels: []
+design: '[Design notes]'
+acceptance_criteria: |-
+    - [ ] Acceptance criterion 1
+    - [ ] Acceptance criterion 2
+
+# Edit the template to customize it
+$ vim .beads/templates/performance.yaml
+```
+
+## Using Templates with `bd create`
+
+Use the `--from-template` flag to create issues from templates:
+
+```bash
+bd create --from-template <template-name> "Issue title"
+```
+
+Template values can be overridden with explicit flags:
+
+```bash
+# Use bug template but override priority
+bd create --from-template bug "Login crashes on special chars" -p 0
+
+# Use epic template but add extra labels
+bd create --from-template epic "Q4 Infrastructure" -l infrastructure,ops
+```
+
+**Examples:**
+
+```bash
+# Create epic from template
+$ bd create --from-template epic "Phase 3 Features"
+✓ Created issue: bd-a3f8e9
+  Title: Phase 3 Features
+  Priority: P1
+  Status: open
+
+# Create bug report from template
+$ bd create --from-template bug "Auth token validation fails"
+✓ Created issue: bd-42bc7a
+  Title: Auth token validation fails
+  Priority: P1
+  Status: open
+
+# Use custom template
+$ bd template create security-audit
+$ bd create --from-template security-audit "Review authentication flow"
+```
+
+## Template File Format
+
+Templates are YAML files with the following structure:
+
+```yaml
+name: template-name
+description: |
+  Multi-line description with placeholders
+  
+  ## Section heading
+  
+  [Placeholder text]
+
+type: bug|feature|task|epic|chore
+priority: 0-4
+labels:
+  - label1
+  - label2
+
+design: |
+  Design notes structure
+
+acceptance_criteria: |
+  - [ ] Acceptance criterion 1
+  - [ ] Acceptance criterion 2
+```
+
+## Built-in Templates
+
+### epic
+
+For large features composed of multiple issues.
+
+**Structure:**
+- Overview and scope
+- Success criteria checklist
+- Background and motivation
+- In-scope / out-of-scope sections
+- Architecture design notes
+- Component breakdown
+
+**Defaults:**
+- Type: epic
+- Priority: P1
+- Labels: epic
+
+### bug
+
+For bug reports with consistent structure.
+
+**Structure:**
+- Summary
+- Steps to reproduce
+- Expected vs actual behavior
+- Environment details
+- Root cause analysis (design)
+- Proposed fix
+- Impact assessment
+
+**Defaults:**
+- Type: bug
+- Priority: P1
+- Labels: bug
+
+### feature
+
+For feature requests and enhancements.
+
+**Structure:**
+- Feature description
+- Motivation and use cases
+- Proposed solution
+- Alternatives considered
+- Technical design
+- API changes
+- Testing strategy
+
+**Defaults:**
+- Type: feature
+- Priority: P2
+- Labels: feature
+
+## Custom Templates
+
+Custom templates override built-in templates with the same name. This allows you to customize built-in templates for your project.
+
+**Priority:**
+1. Custom templates in `.beads/templates/`
+2. Built-in templates
+
+**Example - Override bug template:**
+
+```bash
+# Create custom bug template
+$ bd template create bug
+
+# Edit to add project-specific fields
+$ cat > .beads/templates/bug.yaml << 'EOF'
+name: bug
+description: |
+  ## Bug Report
+  
+  **Severity:** [critical|high|medium|low]
+  **Component:** [auth|api|frontend|backend]
+  
+  ## Description
+  [Describe the bug]
+  
+  ## Reproduction
+  1. Step 1
+  2. Step 2
+  
+  ## Impact
+  [Who is affected? How many users?]
+
+type: bug
+priority: 0
+labels:
+  - bug
+  - needs-triage
+
+design: |
+  ## Investigation Notes
+  [Technical details]
+
+acceptance_criteria: |
+  - [ ] Bug fixed and verified
+  - [ ] Tests added
+  - [ ] Monitoring added
+EOF
+
+# Now 'bd create --from-template bug' uses your custom template
+```
+
+## JSON Output
+
+All template commands support `--json` flag for programmatic use:
+
+```bash
+$ bd template list --json
+[
+  {
+    "name": "epic",
+    "description": "## Overview...",
+    "type": "epic",
+    "priority": 1,
+    "labels": ["epic"],
+    "design": "## Architecture...",
+    "acceptance_criteria": "- [ ] All child issues..."
+  }
+]
+
+$ bd template show bug --json
+{
+  "name": "bug",
+  "description": "## Summary...",
+  "type": "bug",
+  "priority": 1,
+  "labels": ["bug"],
+  "design": "## Root Cause...",
+  "acceptance_criteria": "- [ ] Bug no longer..."
+}
+```
+
+## Best Practices
+
+1. **Use templates for consistency**: Establish team conventions for common issue types
+2. **Customize built-ins**: Override built-in templates to match your workflow
+3. **Version control templates**: Commit `.beads/templates/` to share across team
+4. **Keep templates focused**: Create specific templates (e.g., `performance`, `security-audit`) rather than generic ones
+5. **Use placeholders**: Mark sections requiring input with `[brackets]` or `TODO`
+6. **Include checklists**: Use `- [ ]` for actionable items in description and acceptance criteria
+
+## See Also
+
+- [bd create](create.md) - Create issues
+- [bd list](list.md) - List issues
+- [README](../README.md) - Main documentation

go.mod

@@ -7,28 +7,24 @@ toolchain go1.24.2
 require (
 	github.com/anthropics/anthropic-sdk-go v1.14.0
 	github.com/fatih/color v1.18.0
-	github.com/google/uuid v1.6.0
+	github.com/fsnotify/fsnotify v1.9.0
+	github.com/ncruces/go-sqlite3 v0.29.1
 	github.com/spf13/cobra v1.10.1
 	github.com/spf13/viper v1.21.0
 	golang.org/x/mod v0.29.0
 	golang.org/x/sys v0.36.0
 	gopkg.in/natefinch/lumberjack.v2 v2.2.1
-	modernc.org/sqlite v1.38.2
+	gopkg.in/yaml.v3 v3.0.1
 	rsc.io/script v0.0.2
 )
 
 require (
-	github.com/dustin/go-humanize v1.0.1 // indirect
-	github.com/fsnotify/fsnotify v1.9.0 // indirect
 	github.com/go-viper/mapstructure/v2 v2.4.0 // indirect
 	github.com/inconshreveable/mousetrap v1.1.0 // indirect
 	github.com/mattn/go-colorable v0.1.13 // indirect
 	github.com/mattn/go-isatty v0.0.20 // indirect
-	github.com/ncruces/go-sqlite3 v0.29.1 // indirect
-	github.com/ncruces/go-strftime v0.1.9 // indirect
 	github.com/ncruces/julianday v1.0.0 // indirect
 	github.com/pelletier/go-toml/v2 v2.2.4 // indirect
-	github.com/remyoudompheng/bigfft v0.0.0-20230129092748-24d4a6f8daec // indirect
 	github.com/sagikazarmark/locafero v0.11.0 // indirect
 	github.com/sourcegraph/conc v0.3.1-0.20240121214520-5f936abd7ae8 // indirect
 	github.com/spf13/afero v1.15.0 // indirect
@@ -41,10 +37,6 @@ require (
 	github.com/tidwall/pretty v1.2.1 // indirect
 	github.com/tidwall/sjson v1.2.5 // indirect
 	go.yaml.in/yaml/v3 v3.0.4 // indirect
-	golang.org/x/exp v0.0.0-20250620022241-b7579e27df2b // indirect
 	golang.org/x/text v0.29.0 // indirect
 	golang.org/x/tools v0.37.0 // indirect
-	modernc.org/libc v1.66.3 // indirect
-	modernc.org/mathutil v1.7.1 // indirect
-	modernc.org/memory v1.11.0 // indirect
 )

go.sum

@@ -3,8 +3,6 @@ github.com/anthropics/anthropic-sdk-go v1.14.0/go.mod h1:WTz31rIUHUHqai2UslPpw5C
 github.com/cpuguy83/go-md2man/v2 v2.0.6/go.mod h1:oOW0eioCTA6cOiMLiUPZOpcVxMig6NIQQ7OS05n1F4g=
 github.com/davecgh/go-spew v1.1.1 h1:vj9j/u1bqnvCEfJOwUhtlOARqs3+rkHYY13jYWTU97c=
 github.com/davecgh/go-spew v1.1.1/go.mod h1:J7Y8YcW2NihsgmVo/mv3lAwl/skON4iLHjSsI+c5H38=
-github.com/dustin/go-humanize v1.0.1 h1:GzkhY7T5VNhEkwH0PVJgjz+fX1rhBrR7pRT3mDkpeCY=
-github.com/dustin/go-humanize v1.0.1/go.mod h1:Mu1zIs6XwVuF/gI1OepvI0qD18qycQx+mFykh5fBlto=
 github.com/fatih/color v1.18.0 h1:S8gINlzdQ840/4pfAwic/ZE0djQEH3wM94VfqLTZcOM=
 github.com/fatih/color v1.18.0/go.mod h1:4FelSpRwEGDpQ12mAdzqdOukCy4u8WUtOY6lkT/6HfU=
 github.com/frankban/quicktest v1.14.6 h1:7Xjx+VpznH+oBnejlPUj8oUpdxnVs4f8XU8WnHkI4W8=
@@ -15,10 +13,6 @@ github.com/go-viper/mapstructure/v2 v2.4.0 h1:EBsztssimR/CONLSZZ04E8qAkxNYq4Qp9L
 github.com/go-viper/mapstructure/v2 v2.4.0/go.mod h1:oJDH3BJKyqBA2TXFhDsKDGDTlndYOZ6rGS0BRZIxGhM=
 github.com/google/go-cmp v0.6.0 h1:ofyhxvXcZhMsU5ulbFiLKl/XBFqE1GSq7atu8tAmTRI=
 github.com/google/go-cmp v0.6.0/go.mod h1:17dUlkBOakJ0+DkrSSNjCkIjxS6bF9zb3elmeNGIjoY=
-github.com/google/pprof v0.0.0-20250317173921-a4b03ec1a45e h1:ijClszYn+mADRFY17kjQEVQ1XRhq2/JR1M3sGqeJoxs=
-github.com/google/pprof v0.0.0-20250317173921-a4b03ec1a45e/go.mod h1:boTsfXsheKC2y+lKOCMpSfarhxDeIzfZG1jqGcPl3cA=
-github.com/google/uuid v1.6.0 h1:NIvaJDMOsjHA8n1jAhLSgzrAzy1Hgr+hNrb57e+94F0=
-github.com/google/uuid v1.6.0/go.mod h1:TIyPZe4MgqvfeYDBFedMoGGpEw/LqOeaOT+nhxU+yHo=
 github.com/inconshreveable/mousetrap v1.1.0 h1:wN+x4NVGpMsO7ErUn/mUI3vEoE6Jt13X2s0bqwp9tc8=
 github.com/inconshreveable/mousetrap v1.1.0/go.mod h1:vpF70FUmC8bwa3OWnCshd2FqLfsEA9PFc4w1p2J65bw=
 github.com/kr/pretty v0.3.1 h1:flRD4NNwYAUpkphVc1HcthR4KEIFJ65n8Mw5qdRn3LE=
@@ -32,16 +26,12 @@ github.com/mattn/go-isatty v0.0.20 h1:xfD0iDuEKnDkl03q4limB+vH+GxLEtL/jb4xVJSWWE
 github.com/mattn/go-isatty v0.0.20/go.mod h1:W+V8PltTTMOvKvAeJH7IuucS94S2C6jfK/D7dTCTo3Y=
 github.com/ncruces/go-sqlite3 v0.29.1 h1:NIi8AISWBToRHyoz01FXiTNvU147Tqdibgj2tFzJCqM=
 github.com/ncruces/go-sqlite3 v0.29.1/go.mod h1:PpccBNNhvjwUOwDQEn2gXQPFPTWdlromj0+fSkd5KSg=
-github.com/ncruces/go-strftime v0.1.9 h1:bY0MQC28UADQmHmaF5dgpLmImcShSi2kHU9XLdhx/f4=
-github.com/ncruces/go-strftime v0.1.9/go.mod h1:Fwc5htZGVVkseilnfgOVb9mKy6w1naJmn9CehxcKcls=
 github.com/ncruces/julianday v1.0.0 h1:fH0OKwa7NWvniGQtxdJRxAgkBMolni2BjDHaWTxqt7M=
 github.com/ncruces/julianday v1.0.0/go.mod h1:Dusn2KvZrrovOMJuOt0TNXL6tB7U2E8kvza5fFc9G7g=
 github.com/pelletier/go-toml/v2 v2.2.4 h1:mye9XuhQ6gvn5h28+VilKrrPoQVanw5PMw/TB0t5Ec4=
 github.com/pelletier/go-toml/v2 v2.2.4/go.mod h1:2gIqNv+qfxSVS7cM2xJQKtLSTLUE9V8t9Stt+h56mCY=
 github.com/pmezard/go-difflib v1.0.0 h1:4DBwDE0NGyQoBHbLQYPwSUPoCMWR5BEzIk/f1lZbAQM=
 github.com/pmezard/go-difflib v1.0.0/go.mod h1:iKH77koFhYxTK1pcRnkKkqfTogsbg7gZNVY4sRDYZ/4=
-github.com/remyoudompheng/bigfft v0.0.0-20230129092748-24d4a6f8daec h1:W09IVJc94icq4NjY3clb7Lk8O1qJ8BdBEF8z0ibU0rE=
-github.com/remyoudompheng/bigfft v0.0.0-20230129092748-24d4a6f8daec/go.mod h1:qqbHyh8v60DhA7CoWK5oRCqLrMHRGoxYCSS9EjAz6Eo=
 github.com/rogpeppe/go-internal v1.9.0 h1:73kH8U+JUqXU8lRuOHeVHaa/SZPifC7BkcraZVejAe8=
 github.com/rogpeppe/go-internal v1.9.0/go.mod h1:WtVeX8xhTBvf0smdhujwtBcq4Qrzq/fJaraNFVN+nFs=
 github.com/russross/blackfriday/v2 v2.1.0/go.mod h1:+Rmxgy9KzJVeS9/2gXHxylqXiyQDYRxCVz55jmeOWTM=
@@ -78,18 +68,12 @@ github.com/tidwall/sjson v1.2.5 h1:kLy8mja+1c9jlljvWTlSazM7cKDRfJuR/bOJhcY5NcY=
 github.com/tidwall/sjson v1.2.5/go.mod h1:Fvgq9kS/6ociJEDnK0Fk1cpYF4FIW6ZF7LAe+6jwd28=
 go.yaml.in/yaml/v3 v3.0.4 h1:tfq32ie2Jv2UxXFdLJdh3jXuOzWiL1fo0bu/FbuKpbc=
 go.yaml.in/yaml/v3 v3.0.4/go.mod h1:DhzuOOF2ATzADvBadXxruRBLzYTpT36CKvDb3+aBEFg=
-golang.org/x/exp v0.0.0-20250620022241-b7579e27df2b h1:M2rDM6z3Fhozi9O7NWsxAkg/yqS/lQJ6PmkyIV3YP+o=
-golang.org/x/exp v0.0.0-20250620022241-b7579e27df2b/go.mod h1:3//PLf8L/X+8b4vuAfHzxeRUl04Adcb341+IGKfnqS8=
 golang.org/x/mod v0.29.0 h1:HV8lRxZC4l2cr3Zq1LvtOsi/ThTgWnUk/y64QSs8GwA=
 golang.org/x/mod v0.29.0/go.mod h1:NyhrlYXJ2H4eJiRy/WDBO6HMqZQ6q9nk4JzS3NuCK+w=
-golang.org/x/sync v0.17.0 h1:l60nONMj9l5drqw6jlhIELNv9I0A4OFgRsG9k2oT9Ug=
-golang.org/x/sync v0.17.0/go.mod h1:9KTHXmSnoGruLpwFjVSX0lNNA75CykiMECbovNTZqGI=
 golang.org/x/sys v0.0.0-20220811171246-fbc7d0a398ab/go.mod h1:oPkhp1MJrh7nUepCBck5+mAzfO9JrbApNNgaTdGDITg=
 golang.org/x/sys v0.6.0/go.mod h1:oPkhp1MJrh7nUepCBck5+mAzfO9JrbApNNgaTdGDITg=
 golang.org/x/sys v0.36.0 h1:KVRy2GtZBrk1cBYA7MKu5bEZFxQk4NIDV6RLVcC8o0k=
 golang.org/x/sys v0.36.0/go.mod h1:OgkHotnGiDImocRcuBABYBEXf8A9a87e/uXjp9XT3ks=
-golang.org/x/text v0.28.0 h1:rhazDwis8INMIwQ4tpjLDzUhx6RlXqZNPEM0huQojng=
-golang.org/x/text v0.28.0/go.mod h1:U8nCwOR8jO/marOQ0QbDiOngZVEBB7MAiitBuMjXiNU=
 golang.org/x/text v0.29.0 h1:1neNs90w9YzJ9BocxfsQNHKuAT4pkghyXc4nhZ6sJvk=
 golang.org/x/text v0.29.0/go.mod h1:7MhJOA9CD2qZyOKYazxdYMF85OwPdEr9jTtBpO7ydH4=
 golang.org/x/tools v0.37.0 h1:DVSRzp7FwePZW356yEAChSdNcQo6Nsp+fex1SUW09lE=
@@ -101,31 +85,5 @@ gopkg.in/natefinch/lumberjack.v2 v2.2.1 h1:bBRl1b0OH9s/DuPhuXpNl+VtCaJXFZ5/uEFST
 gopkg.in/natefinch/lumberjack.v2 v2.2.1/go.mod h1:YD8tP3GAjkrDg1eZH7EGmyESg/lsYskCTPBJVb9jqSc=
 gopkg.in/yaml.v3 v3.0.1 h1:fxVm/GzAzEWqLHuvctI91KS9hhNmmWOoWu0XTYJS7CA=
 gopkg.in/yaml.v3 v3.0.1/go.mod h1:K4uyk7z7BCEPqu6E+C64Yfv1cQ7kz7rIZviUmN+EgEM=
-modernc.org/cc/v4 v4.26.2 h1:991HMkLjJzYBIfha6ECZdjrIYz2/1ayr+FL8GN+CNzM=
-modernc.org/cc/v4 v4.26.2/go.mod h1:uVtb5OGqUKpoLWhqwNQo/8LwvoiEBLvZXIQ/SmO6mL0=
-modernc.org/ccgo/v4 v4.28.0 h1:rjznn6WWehKq7dG4JtLRKxb52Ecv8OUGah8+Z/SfpNU=
-modernc.org/ccgo/v4 v4.28.0/go.mod h1:JygV3+9AV6SmPhDasu4JgquwU81XAKLd3OKTUDNOiKE=
-modernc.org/fileutil v1.3.8 h1:qtzNm7ED75pd1C7WgAGcK4edm4fvhtBsEiI/0NQ54YM=
-modernc.org/fileutil v1.3.8/go.mod h1:HxmghZSZVAz/LXcMNwZPA/DRrQZEVP9VX0V4LQGQFOc=
-modernc.org/gc/v2 v2.6.5 h1:nyqdV8q46KvTpZlsw66kWqwXRHdjIlJOhG6kxiV/9xI=
-modernc.org/gc/v2 v2.6.5/go.mod h1:YgIahr1ypgfe7chRuJi2gD7DBQiKSLMPgBQe9oIiito=
-modernc.org/goabi0 v0.2.0 h1:HvEowk7LxcPd0eq6mVOAEMai46V+i7Jrj13t4AzuNks=
-modernc.org/goabi0 v0.2.0/go.mod h1:CEFRnnJhKvWT1c1JTI3Avm+tgOWbkOu5oPA8eH8LnMI=
-modernc.org/libc v1.66.3 h1:cfCbjTUcdsKyyZZfEUKfoHcP3S0Wkvz3jgSzByEWVCQ=
-modernc.org/libc v1.66.3/go.mod h1:XD9zO8kt59cANKvHPXpx7yS2ELPheAey0vjIuZOhOU8=
-modernc.org/mathutil v1.7.1 h1:GCZVGXdaN8gTqB1Mf/usp1Y/hSqgI2vAGGP4jZMCxOU=
-modernc.org/mathutil v1.7.1/go.mod h1:4p5IwJITfppl0G4sUEDtCr4DthTaT47/N3aT6MhfgJg=
-modernc.org/memory v1.11.0 h1:o4QC8aMQzmcwCK3t3Ux/ZHmwFPzE6hf2Y5LbkRs+hbI=
-modernc.org/memory v1.11.0/go.mod h1:/JP4VbVC+K5sU2wZi9bHoq2MAkCnrt2r98UGeSK7Mjw=
-modernc.org/opt v0.1.4 h1:2kNGMRiUjrp4LcaPuLY2PzUfqM/w9N23quVwhKt5Qm8=
-modernc.org/opt v0.1.4/go.mod h1:03fq9lsNfvkYSfxrfUhZCWPk1lm4cq4N+Bh//bEtgns=
-modernc.org/sortutil v1.2.1 h1:+xyoGf15mM3NMlPDnFqrteY07klSFxLElE2PVuWIJ7w=
-modernc.org/sortutil v1.2.1/go.mod h1:7ZI3a3REbai7gzCLcotuw9AC4VZVpYMjDzETGsSMqJE=
-modernc.org/sqlite v1.38.2 h1:Aclu7+tgjgcQVShZqim41Bbw9Cho0y/7WzYptXqkEek=
-modernc.org/sqlite v1.38.2/go.mod h1:cPTJYSlgg3Sfg046yBShXENNtPrWrDX8bsbAQBzgQ5E=
-modernc.org/strutil v1.2.1 h1:UneZBkQA+DX2Rp35KcM69cSsNES9ly8mQWD71HKlOA0=
-modernc.org/strutil v1.2.1/go.mod h1:EHkiggD70koQxjVdSBM3JKM7k6L0FbGE5eymy9i3B9A=
-modernc.org/token v1.1.0 h1:Xl7Ap9dKaEs5kLoOQeQmPWevfnk/DM5qcLcYlA8ys6Y=
-modernc.org/token v1.1.0/go.mod h1:UGzOrNV1mAFSEB63lOFHIpNRUVMvYTc6yu1SMY/XTDM=
 rsc.io/script v0.0.2 h1:eYoG7A3GFC3z1pRx3A2+s/vZ9LA8cxojHyCvslnj4RI=
 rsc.io/script v0.0.2/go.mod h1:cKBjCtFBBeZ0cbYFRXkRoxP+xGqhArPa9t3VWhtXfzU=

internal/rpc/protocol.go

@@ -113,10 +113,12 @@ type ResolveIDArgs struct {
 
 // ReadyArgs represents arguments for the ready operation
 type ReadyArgs struct {
-	Assignee   string `json:"assignee,omitempty"`
+	Assignee   string   `json:"assignee,omitempty"`
-	Priority   *int   `json:"priority,omitempty"`
+	Priority   *int     `json:"priority,omitempty"`
-	Limit      int    `json:"limit,omitempty"`
+	Limit      int      `json:"limit,omitempty"`
-	SortPolicy string `json:"sort_policy,omitempty"`
+	SortPolicy string   `json:"sort_policy,omitempty"`
+	Labels     []string `json:"labels,omitempty"`
+	LabelsAny  []string `json:"labels_any,omitempty"`
 }
 
 // StaleArgs represents arguments for the stale command

internal/rpc/server_issues_epics.go

@@ -458,6 +458,8 @@ func (s *Server) handleReady(req *Request) Response {
 		Priority:   readyArgs.Priority,
 		Limit:      readyArgs.Limit,
 		SortPolicy: types.SortPolicy(readyArgs.SortPolicy),
+		Labels:     normalizeLabels(readyArgs.Labels),
+		LabelsAny:  normalizeLabels(readyArgs.LabelsAny),
 	}
 	if readyArgs.Assignee != "" {
 		wf.Assignee = &readyArgs.Assignee

internal/storage/sqlite/ready.go

@@ -34,6 +34,36 @@ func (s *SQLiteStorage) GetReadyWork(ctx context.Context, filter types.WorkFilte
 		args = append(args, *filter.Assignee)
 	}
 
+	// Label filtering (AND semantics)
+	if len(filter.Labels) > 0 {
+		for _, label := range filter.Labels {
+			whereClauses = append(whereClauses, `
+				EXISTS (
+					SELECT 1 FROM labels
+					WHERE issue_id = i.id AND label = ?
+				)
+			`)
+			args = append(args, label)
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Label filtering (OR semantics)
+	if len(filter.LabelsAny) > 0 {
+		placeholders := make([]string, len(filter.LabelsAny))
+		for i := range filter.LabelsAny {
+			placeholders[i] = "?"
+		}
+		whereClauses = append(whereClauses, fmt.Sprintf(`
+			EXISTS (
+				SELECT 1 FROM labels
+				WHERE issue_id = i.id AND label IN (%s)
+			)
+		`, strings.Join(placeholders, ",")))
+		for _, label := range filter.LabelsAny {
+			args = append(args, label)
+		}
+	}
+
 	// Build WHERE clause properly
 	whereSQL := strings.Join(whereClauses, " AND ")
 

internal/types/types.go

@@ -305,6 +305,8 @@ type WorkFilter struct {
 	Status     Status
 	Priority   *int
 	Assignee   *string
+	Labels     []string   // AND semantics: issue must have ALL these labels
+	LabelsAny  []string   // OR semantics: issue must have AT LEAST ONE of these labels
 	Limit      int
 	SortPolicy SortPolicy
 }