Create a focused skill

Choose a narrow outcome#

Pick one job with clear inputs and a result you can evaluate. For example: turn a supplied changelog into a release-note draft. Describe when the skill should be used and what information it needs.

Write the entry file#

Create a folder whose name matches the skill name. Add SKILL.md with required metadata and a short workflow. This example is a starting point for a release-note drafting skill.

---
name: release-note-draft
description: Drafts release notes from a supplied changelog. Use when preparing a release announcement.
---

# Release note draft

1. Read the supplied changelog.
2. Group entries into features, fixes, and breaking changes.
3. Keep issue links and version numbers intact.
4. Flag unclear entries instead of inventing details.
5. Return a Markdown draft for review.

Test with realistic inputs#

Try a normal example, an incomplete input, and a case where the skill should not apply. Look for missing steps, unclear output, and assumptions about available tools. Refine the instructions based on the results.

Publish with a license, setup notes, and examples if you want others to reuse it. Never include private data or credentials in the folder.