What are agent skills?
A reusable workflow your agent can read and apply to a specific task.
A folder with a purpose#
A skill packages instructions for a repeatable task. Its entry point is a SKILL.md file: a short metadata header followed by Markdown instructions. The folder may also contain examples, reference notes, assets, or scripts.
For example, a release-notes skill could explain how to read a changelog, group changes, and produce a consistent draft. It gives the agent a process to follow; the agent still needs access to the relevant files and tools.
When a skill helps#
Look for work you repeat and can describe clearly. A useful skill makes the inputs, decisions, and expected output explicit.
- Apply a review checklist to a pull request.
- Draft content using a documented voice and structure.
- Follow a research or analysis workflow.
- Create an artifact using reusable templates.
Portability has limits#
A shared file format does not guarantee identical behavior across agents. Tool permissions, installation locations, scripts, and operating-system requirements can differ. Check the author’s requirements for your environment.
This directory helps you discover source material. Inclusion here does not certify that a skill is safe or compatible.