Why This Stage Matters
Sunsetting a project isn’t failure — but going silent can feel like abandonment.
When you’ve decided to stop maintaining a project, the most respectful thing you can do is say so clearly. A simple sunset notice helps users understand what to expect, gives contributors closure, and protects your time by preventing confusion or false assumptions.
This isn’t just about wrapping up. It’s about leaving the lights on long enough for people to find the door.
Step 1: Be Honest About the Project’s Status
A sunset notice doesn’t need to be long — but it should be clear.
Here’s a simple format:
This project is no longer actively maintained.
It will remain publicly available, but no new features or fixes are planned.
Depending on your situation, you can be more specific:
- “This project is now archived and will receive no further updates.”
- “The core features are complete, and we don’t plan to add more.”
- “I’ve shifted focus to other work, and this is no longer a priority.”
Avoid vague language like “might come back someday” unless you truly plan to return. Uncertainty creates false hope and lingering maintenance expectations.
Step 2: Let Users Know What Still Works
Your project might still be functional even if it's not maintained.
Tell users:
- What they can still use it for
- What’s missing or unsupported
- Whether there are known bugs or compatibility issues
- If it's safe to use “as-is” for personal or production use
Example:
The tool still works with Node 18, but is no longer tested against newer versions. Use with caution in production environments.
This helps people make informed decisions without having to guess.
Step 3: Recommend Alternatives (If They Exist)
If your project was solving a real problem, others may still be looking for a solution.
If there are alternatives — even if they’re not perfect — mention them.
For similar functionality, check out Project X, Project Y, or Tool Z.
These are actively maintained and may better fit modern use cases.
Pointing people in the right direction is a generous way to close a chapter.
Step 4: Place the Notice Where People Will See It
Put the sunset notice in multiple places:
- At the top of your
README.md - In your GitHub repo description
- As a pinned issue or Discussion (optional)
- In a release note if you’re tagging a final version
- As part of your GitHub archive message if you're archiving the repo
This reduces confusion and makes sure future visitors understand the project's status right away.
Step 5: Say Thank You
Even if your project was small or quiet, chances are someone used it, learned from it, or contributed to it.
Take a moment to thank:
- Users
- Contributors
- Collaborators
- Anyone who gave feedback or shared the project
Gratitude makes the ending feel intentional — and human.
Optional: Reflect on Why You're Sunsetting
Some maintainers choose to share a short blog post or GitHub Discussion explaining:
- What the project set out to do
- What you learned along the way
- Why you’re stepping back
- What’s next (if anything)
This is especially valuable for larger projects or those with active contributors.
TL;DR
- Don’t ghost your users — leave a clear, public sunset notice
- Be honest about the project’s status and limitations
- Tell users what still works and what to expect going forward
- Recommend alternatives if possible
- Say thank you, and document the journey if you’d like to
Ending a project well is part of maintaining it. A sunset notice isn’t just a sign-off — it’s a final act of care.