Skills are instruction files that teach your AI specific capabilities. Learn the SKILL.md format and how to create your own.
A skill is a SKILL.md file that contains instructions for a specific capability. When Claude Code encounters a task matching a skill, it automatically loads the relevant instructions. Skills are stored in ~/.claude/skills/ and are organized by domain.
Every skill file follows a simple structure: a title, a description of when to use it, step-by-step instructions, and examples. The key is being specific — vague instructions produce vague results. Good skills read like a detailed recipe that an expert would follow.
Start by identifying a task you repeat often. Write down the exact steps you take, the decisions you make, and the quality checks you apply. Then format it as a SKILL.md file. Place it in your skills directory and Claude Code will use it automatically whenever the task comes up.
Before installing third-party skills, we run a dual-gate review: Gate 1 checks for security issues (no telemetry, no hardcoded keys, no malicious patterns). Gate 2 checks for quality (is it maintained, documented, and useful). Only skills that pass both gates are approved.
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