# Writing Skills

> Use when creating, editing, or validating Cursor custom skills, especially when deciding where they should live, how they should be named, and how to describe when they apply.

- Skill: `6bnbn/writing-skills` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 3 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add 6bnbn/writing-skills`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/6bnbn/writing-skills/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: 6bnbn (https://skillmd.com/u/6bnbn)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/6bnbn/writing-skills

---

# Writing Skills

## Goal
Create skills that Cursor can discover and apply effectively.

## Storage Locations
- Personal skills: `~/.cursor/skills/`
- Project skills: `.cursor/skills/`

Do not create custom skills in `~/.cursor/skills-cursor/`; that directory is reserved for Cursor's built-in skills.

## Good Skill Structure
Each skill should live in its own directory:

```text
skill-name/
  SKILL.md
  optional-reference.md
  optional-examples.md
```

## SKILL.md Requirements
- YAML frontmatter with `name` and `description`
- concise body with clear instructions
- optional references for heavier material

## Naming Rules
- lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens
- short, descriptive, and easy to trigger from user language

## Description Rules
- say what the skill is for and when to use it
- include likely trigger words
- avoid vague labels like "helper" or "workflow"

## Authoring Advice
- optimize for real usage, not theory
- keep the main file concise
- move heavier references into separate files
- test the skill on realistic prompts after writing it