Agent Skills
Package a repeatable workflow as a folder an agent can load.
A skill is a directory of instructions (and optional scripts) that an agent loads when the task matches. The cleanest way to make "how we do X here" reusable instead of re-explaining it every session.
Works with
Key info
- Pricing
- Free
- Category
- Utilities
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Cost
- Free; an open format
- What it is
- A folder with a SKILL.md file, plus any scripts or reference files
- Works in
- Claude.ai, Claude Code, the Claude API, Codex, Cursor and more
- Ready-made skills
- Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDF, from Anthropic
- Watch out
- A skill can run code, so only install ones you trust or have read
Related reading
- Context engineering
Installing skills safely
A skill is instructions your agent will follow, and sometimes scripts it will run with your permissions. Treat installing one like adding a dependency, not l…
Intermediate - Context engineering
What an agent skill is
A skill is a folder with a SKILL.md file in it. The file starts with a name and a one-line description, followed by instructions written for the agent.
Beginner - Context engineering
Writing your first skill
You already have a skill in you: the thing you keep typing into every session. Write it down once.
Intermediate