| name | skill-creator |
| description | This skill guides creating Claude skills—modular packages that extend capabilities with specialized knowledge and workflows. Use when creating new skills, packaging skills for distribution, or understanding skill architecture. |
Skill Creator
Overview
Skills are modular packages that extend Claude's capabilities with specialized knowledge, workflows, and tool integrations.
Skill Structure
my-skill/
├── SKILL.md # Required - metadata and instructions
├── scripts/ # Optional - deterministic code
├── references/ # Optional - documentation loaded on-demand
└── assets/ # Optional - templates and boilerplate
SKILL.md Format
---
name: my-skill-name
description: Brief description and trigger conditions. "Use this skill when..."
allowed-tools: Tool1, Tool2
---
Imperative instructions for Claude (not second person).
Concrete usage examples.
Six-Step Creation Process
- Understand - Gather concrete use cases and validate understanding
- Plan - Identify scripts, references, and assets needed
- Initialize - Create directory structure with SKILL.md
- Develop - Write instructions in imperative form (1,500-2,000 words max)
- Validate - Test skill triggers correctly
- Iterate - Refine based on real-world usage
Progressive Disclosure Model
Skills use three-level loading:
- Metadata (~100 words) - Always available
- SKILL.md body - Loads when skill triggers
- Resources - Load as needed
Writing Requirements
- Use imperative form: "To accomplish X, do Y" (not "You should...")
- Description uses third person: "This skill should be used when..."
- Keep SKILL.md between 1,500-2,000 words
- Move detailed content to
references/ subdirectory
Resource Types
| Type | Purpose |
|---|
| scripts/ | Deterministic code executed repeatedly |
| references/ | Documentation loaded as needed |
| assets/ | Templates and boilerplate code |
Plugin Integration
Skills auto-discover in plugin skills/ directories. No separate packaging needed—users receive skills when installing plugins.
