| name | skill-creation |
| description | Use this skill when the user asks to create a new skill, custom command, or wants to know how skills work in Claude Code. |
How to Create Claude Code Skills
Skills are auto-triggered capabilities that Claude uses based on context relevance.
Directory Structure
.claude/skills/<skill-name>/SKILL.md
- Each skill lives in its own subdirectory
- The file MUST be named exactly
SKILL.md (case-sensitive)
- The directory name can be anything descriptive
Required Format
Every SKILL.md must have YAML frontmatter:
---
name: my-skill-name
description: Use this skill when [describe triggers]. [What it does].
---
# Skill Title
[Instructions for Claude on how to use this skill]
YAML Frontmatter Fields
| Field | Required | Purpose |
|---|
name | Yes | Identifier for the skill (kebab-case) |
description | Yes | Tells Claude WHEN to auto-trigger this skill |
The Description Field is Critical
The description determines when Claude automatically uses the skill. Write it as:
- "Use this skill when [specific triggers]"
- Be specific about contexts that should activate it
- Include key phrases the user might say
Example: Creating a New Skill
To create a skill for database operations:
- Create directory:
.claude/skills/database-ops/
- Create file:
.claude/skills/database-ops/SKILL.md
- Add content:
---
name: database-operations
description: Use this skill when working with database queries, migrations, or schema changes in this project.
---
# Database Operations
## When to Use
- Running migrations
- Writing queries
- Modifying schema
## Instructions
[Detailed instructions for Claude...]
- Restart Claude Code to load the skill
Skills vs Slash Commands
| Feature | Skills | Slash Commands |
|---|
| Location | .claude/skills/<name>/SKILL.md | .claude/commands/<name>.md |
| Invocation | Auto-triggered by Claude | User types /<name> |
| Frontmatter | Required (name, description) | Optional |
| Use case | Context-aware automation | Explicit user actions |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong filename: Must be
SKILL.md, not skill.md or <name>.md
- Missing frontmatter: The
--- YAML block is required
- File in wrong location: Must be in a subdirectory, not directly in
.claude/skills/
- Vague description: Be specific about when to trigger
- Forgetting to restart: Claude Code needs restart to load new skills
