Make Rule: Convert Markdown to Frontmatter Rule

Convert a verbose, human-readable markdown file into a token-efficient frontmatter-only rule file.

Workflow

Step 1: Identify Source File

If no argument provided, ask the user:

What is the path to the verbose markdown file you want to compact?

Read the source file to understand its content.

Step 2: Analyze and Convert

Transform the verbose markdown into compact YAML frontmatter:

Conversion Rules:

• Remove prose, explanations, complete sentences
• Use key:value pairs with minimal words
• Apply operators: → (flow), > (priority), | (alternatives)
• Use comma-separated lists instead of bullet points
• Remove articles (a, an, the), filler words
• Use parens for inline examples: pattern (example: value)
• Use negation prefixes: no:, skip:, never:
• Target 5-30 lines (89% token reduction)

Output Format:

---
# {Title} - Compact Reference
companion: {source-filename}

## {Section Header}
key: value, value, value
another-key: flow → sequence → result
---

Step 3: Identify Critical Rules

After creating the compact version, ask the user:

Are any of these rules CRITICAL - meaning Claude must absolutely follow them without exception?

If yes, describe which rules are critical and why.

Step 4: Mark Critical Rules

When the user identifies critical rules, apply emphasis markers:

Emphasis Levels (use sparingly):

Marker	Use When	Example
MANDATORY-REREAD:	Must re-read before specific actions	MANDATORY-REREAD: before-commit (use-thinking-block)
## SECTION (BLOCKING REQUIREMENT)	Entire section is non-negotiable	## ASSESSMENT (BLOCKING REQUIREMENT)
required-before:	Must happen before an action	required-before: git-operations, implementation
must-verify:	Must explicitly check	must-verify: format-requirements
enforcement:	Trigger conditions	enforcement: if user says X → do Y
never:	Absolute prohibitions	never: skip-tests, guess-values

Guidelines for CRITICAL markers:

• Use SPARINGLY - overuse dilutes impact
• Reserve MANDATORY-REREAD: for top-level blocking behaviors
• Reserve (BLOCKING REQUIREMENT) for section headers only
• Use enforcement: for if→then trigger rules
• Combine with (use-thinking-block) for verification requirements

Step 5: Output

Present the final compact rule file to the user:

1. Show the complete frontmatter-only file
2. Explain which parts were marked as critical and why
3. Suggest saving to .claude/rules/{name}.md
4. Remind user to run /mantra:init --force if updating existing rule

Example Transformation

Before (verbose):

# Code Review Guidelines

When reviewing code, always check for security vulnerabilities first.
This is extremely important and should never be skipped.

## Style Checks
- Check for consistent naming
- Verify imports are organized
- Look for unused variables

After (compact with critical marker):

---
# Code Review - Compact Reference
companion: code-review.md

MANDATORY-REREAD: before-code-review (use-thinking-block)

## SECURITY (BLOCKING REQUIREMENT)
check-first: vulnerabilities (never-skip)
verify: injection, auth, data-exposure

## Style
check: naming-consistency, import-organization, unused-variables
---

Notes

• The companion file should be the original verbose markdown
• Compact files are for Claude (machine-optimized)
• Keep original verbose file for human reference
• Critical markers make Claude pay special attention in thinking blocks