# Slash Command Creator

> Use when authoring a custom Claude Code slash command, debugging slash command syntax, or converting a repetitive prompt into a reusable shortcut under `.claude/commands/`. Covers the reusable Markdown prompt template format, frontmatter configuration, argument handling, variable substitution, and workflow automation patterns. Trigger phrases include "create a slash command", "make a /command", "custom command", "argument-hint", and "my slash command does nothing".

- Skill: `aeyeops/slash-command-creator` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 4 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add aeyeops/slash-command-creator`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/aeyeops/slash-command-creator/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: AI & ML
- License: MIT
- Author: AeyeOps (https://skillmd.com/u/aeyeops)
- Updated: 2026-09-10
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/aeyeops/slash-command-creator

---


# Slash Command Creator

Create effective Claude Code slash commands - reusable prompt templates stored as Markdown files.

## Quick Reference

| Scope | Location | Label in /help |
|-------|----------|----------------|
| Project | `.claude/commands/*.md` | (project) |
| Personal | `~/.claude/commands/*.md` | (user) |

## File Structure

```markdown
---
description: Brief description shown in /help
argument-hint: <required> [optional]
allowed-tools: Bash(git *), Read, Edit
model: sonnet
disable-model-invocation: false
---

Your prompt template here with $ARGUMENTS or $1, $2, etc.
```

## Variables

| Variable | Description | Example |
|----------|-------------|---------|
| `$ARGUMENTS` | All args as single string | `/cmd foo bar` -> `"foo bar"` |
| `$1`, `$2`... | Positional args | `/cmd foo bar` -> `$1="foo"`, `$2="bar"` |
| `@path/file` | Include file contents | `Review @src/main.py` |
| `` `!command` `` | Execute bash, include output | `` `!git status` `` |

## Frontmatter Fields

| Field | Purpose | Default |
|-------|---------|---------|
| `description` | Shown in /help, enables discoverability | First line of prompt |
| `argument-hint` | Shows in autocomplete | None |
| `allowed-tools` | Restrict tool access | Inherits from conversation |
| `model` | Override model | Inherits from conversation |
| `disable-model-invocation` | Prevent auto-invocation | `false` |

## Creation Process

1. **Identify the workflow** - What repetitive task needs automation?
2. **Choose scope** - Project-specific or personal?
3. **Design the prompt** - Keep it focused on one task
4. **Add variables** - Use `$ARGUMENTS` for flexibility
5. **Set frontmatter** - Add description and hints
6. **Test and iterate** - Refine based on usage

## When to Use Slash Commands vs Skills

**Use slash commands for:**
- Quick, single-file prompts
- Frequent manual invocations
- Simple templates and reminders
- Team workflows in version control

**Use Skills instead for:**
- Multi-file resources (scripts, references, assets)
- Complex workflows with validation
- Capabilities Claude should auto-discover
- Detailed procedural knowledge

## Best Practices

1. **Meaningful names** - `/review-pr` not `/rp`
2. **Clear descriptions** - Help discoverability in /help
3. **Single responsibility** - One task per command
4. **Use argument hints** - Guide users on expected input
5. **Version control** - Check into git for team sharing
6. **Abstract patterns** - Make commands reusable across scenarios

## References

Consult these resources when creating slash commands:

- **[examples.md](references/examples.md)** - Read when you need complete working examples or want to show the user reference implementations. Covers git workflows, code review, documentation, testing, scaffolding, and utilities.

- **[patterns.md](references/patterns.md)** - Read when implementing specific features: variable handling, file inclusion (`@path`), bash execution (`` `!cmd` ``), tool restrictions, multi-step workflows, or output formatting.

- **[template.md](references/template.md)** - Starting template for new commands. Copy and customize the structure.