GitHub Copilot Spaces: Contextual AI for Projects

What are GitHub Copilot Spaces?

GitHub Copilot Spaces is a new feature that helps Copilot better understand and understand the context of a project by gathering all related files, pull requests, issues, and documentation into a single “Space.” Instead of generating suggestions based solely on the current file or prompt, Copilot can now work based on a project’s codebase, documentation, backlog, and team standards, resulting in more accurate, consistent, and useful suggestions. 

Spaces will be available in beta starting in mid-2025, and as of September 24, 2025, GitHub Copilot Spaces will be available to the public, meaning developers and teams can use it in their daily work. 

Key features of GitHub Copilot Spaces 

How to use GitHub Copilot Spaces 

1. Create or configure a Space 
   Start from GitHub via the Copilot interface or the documentation. Select a repo and its associated files, including PRs and Issues. 
2. Add Custom Instructions 
   Standardize code, such as formatting, naming, or security requirements. 
3. Share with the team 
   Give the team access to the same space so everyone works in the same context, reducing conflict and duplication of explanation. 
4. Use in the IDE 
   Access Spaces from the IDE via a remote MCP server so Copilot can see code context as you work. 
5. Continuous improvement 
   Add new files, edit contexts, or adjust instructions as the project grows 

Benefits of using GitHub Copilot Spaces 

• More relevant advice: Copilot has project context, so its advice is not general, but relevant to the current structure and issues. 
• Faster onboarding: New members can understand the project faster through integrated documentation and PRs. 
• Reduce screen switchingReduce screen switching: No more searching through multiple tabs. Copilot Spaces keeps important information in one place. 
• Establish team standards: Custom instructions and shared spaces help keep everyone's code consistent. 
• Increase efficiency and quality: Reduce errors and generate standards-compliant code faster. 

Limitations and considerations 

• Default setting: It takes time to choose repos, docs, PRs, issues, especially in large codebases 
• Maintenance: The space must be updated periodically when the file or document expires. 
• Permission Control: Access permissions to important files or documents should be carefully defined. 
• Performance: If the context contains a large number of files, recommendations may be slower. 

Why is it important now? 

The official launch of GitHub Copilot Spaces marks a significant step towards AI truly understanding the “context of a project,” not just responding to a single command, for modern engineering teams: 

• Projects consist of multiple files, multiple repos, and complex components. 
• Documents and issues are often scattered, leading to misunderstandings. 
• Viewing just one file of code isn't enough. GitHub Copilot Spaces fills this gap. 

Summary 

GitHub Copilot Spaces transforms Copilot from a passive assistant to a “real project collaborator.” Using project-specific PRs, Issues, documentation, and guidance, developers and teams get more personalized guidance that's relevant to their codebase and workflow. If you're working on a large team or a complex project, Spaces is a tool that helps reduce conflict, increase consistency, and accelerate development without sacrificing quality.