The increasing number of treatment options for managing patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) promises to improve the outcomes for COPD patients. However, determining which treatments are appropriate for individual patients has become increasingly complex. The COPD Foundation Guide for Diagnosis and Management of COPD was developed to be a practical, easy to use tool for clinicians. The Guide includes specific recommendations for diagnostic studies and treatments based on specific diagnostic criteria. This manuscript describes the rationale for the development of the Guide, the process used, the rationale for the specific recommendations and the plans for further development. The current recommendations of the COPD Foundation have been summarized in the form of Pocket Cards, which may be obtained from the Foundation at no charge (1-866-316-COPD (2673), www.copdfoundation.org).