diff --git a/.github/CONTRIBUTING.md b/.github/CONTRIBUTING.md
index f1b425e4..dbf7a530 100644
--- a/.github/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/.github/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -1,5 +1,15 @@
 # Contributing to OpenCut
 
+⚠️ We are currently NOT accepting feature PRs while we build out the core editor.
+
+If you want to contribute:
+
+1. Open an issue first to discuss
+2. Wait for maintainer approval
+3. Only then start coding
+
+Critical bug fixes may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
+
 Thank you for your interest in contributing to OpenCut! This document provides guidelines and instructions for contributing.
 
 ## Getting Started
diff --git a/.github/pull_request_template.md b/.github/pull_request_template.md
index b9664c76..c7bdff47 100644
--- a/.github/pull_request_template.md
+++ b/.github/pull_request_template.md
@@ -1,50 +1,11 @@
-## Description
+⚠️ READ BEFORE SUBMITTING ⚠️
 
-Please include a summary of the changes and the related issue. Please also include relevant motivation and context.
+We are not currently accepting PRs except for critical bugs.
 
-Fixes # (issue)
+If this is a bug fix:
+- [ ] I've opened an issue first
+- [ ] This was approved by a maintainer
 
-## Type of change
+If this is a feature:
 
-Please delete options that are not relevant.
-
-- [ ] Bug fix (non-breaking change which fixes an issue)
-- [ ] New feature (non-breaking change which adds functionality)
-- [ ] Breaking change (fix or feature that would cause existing functionality to not work as expected)
-- [ ] This change requires a documentation update
-- [ ] Performance improvement
-- [ ] Code refactoring
-- [ ] Tests
-
-## How Has This Been Tested?
-
-Please describe the tests that you ran to verify your changes. Provide instructions so we can reproduce. Please also list any relevant details for your test configuration
-
-- [ ] Test A
-- [ ] Test B
-
-**Test Configuration**:
-
-- Node version:
-- Browser (if applicable):
-- Operating System:
-
-## Screenshots (if applicable)
-
-Add screenshots to help explain your changes.
-
-## Checklist:
-
-- [ ] My code follows the style guidelines of this project
-- [ ] I have performed a self-review of my code
-- [ ] I have added screenshots if ui has been changed
-- [ ] I have commented my code, particularly in hard-to-understand areas
-- [ ] I have made corresponding changes to the documentation
-- [ ] My changes generate no new warnings
-- [ ] I have added tests that prove my fix is effective or that my feature works
-- [ ] New and existing unit tests pass locally with my changes
-- [ ] Any dependent changes have been merged and published in downstream modules
-
-## Additional context
-
-Add any other context about the pull request here.
+This PR will be closed. Please open an issue to discuss first.
\ No newline at end of file