SpecDDHow to install the JetBrains plugin for .sdd files
This guide shows you how to install the SpecDD JetBrains plugin so JetBrains IDEs recognize and assist with .sdd
specification files.
The plugin adds IDE support for writing, navigating, and validating SpecDD files.
Prerequisites
You need:
- a JetBrains IDE
- a project that contains
.sddfiles, or a project where you can create one for testing
Steps
1. Install from the IDE
In your JetBrains IDE:
- Open Settings.
- Select Plugins.
- Open the Marketplace tab.
- Search for
SpecDD. - Install the SpecDD plugin.
- Restart the IDE if prompted.
The plugin is published on JetBrains Marketplace .
2. Install from the command line instead
If your JetBrains launcher is available, install the plugin by ID:
idea installPlugins ai.specdd.idea
Depending on your IDE and JetBrains Toolbox setup, the command may be idea, idea.sh, or a product-specific launcher.
3. Open the correct project root
Open the repository, workspace, or monorepo root that contains the SpecDD files you want the IDE to understand.
This gives path completion, clickable file references, unresolved path warnings, and structure-aware features the right project boundary.
4. Open a .sdd file
Open an existing spec or create a minimal file:
Spec: Editor Check
Purpose:
Verify that the IDE recognizes SpecDD files.Save it with the .sdd extension.
5. Check the SpecDD IDE features
The JetBrains plugin provides:
- syntax highlighting
- structural validation
- section documentation
- structure view entries
- section and path completion
- clickable project file references
- unresolved path warnings
- create-file quick fixes
How to verify the result
The plugin is working when:
.sddfiles are highlighted as SpecDD files- sections appear in the Structure tool window or structure popup
- invalid section structure is reported by inspections
- completion suggests section labels and project paths
- explicit file references are clickable
- missing explicit paths are reported as unresolved references
Common mistakes
- Installing SpecDD agent skills instead of the JetBrains IDE plugin.
- Running
idea installPluginswith a launcher that opens a different JetBrains IDE than the one you use. - Forgetting to restart after the plugin installation.
- Opening a nested module when project-root paths should resolve from the repository or monorepo root.
- Expecting the plugin to initialize SpecDD framework files. Use the SpecDD CLI for project initialization.
Related how-tos
- How to install the VS Code extension for .sdd files
- How to enable .sdd validation and path warnings in your editor
- How to get .sdd autocompletion and section hints