Vscode Copilot Customization

VS Code Copilot Customization

Decision Matrix

Use this matrix to recommend the right customization type. Always start here.

Quick decision flow

Do you want it ON automatically for every request?
├─ YES → Instructions (.instructions.md / copilot-instructions.md / AGENTS.md)
└─ NO, I invoke it manually →
       Does it need persistent persona, tool restrictions, or model choice?
       ├─ YES → Custom Agent (.agent.md)
       └─ NO →
              Is it a reusable multi-agent portable capability?
              ├─ YES → Agent Skill (SKILL.md)
              └─ NO → Prompt File (.prompt.md)

Do you want to run shell commands around agent actions?
└─ YES → Hook (hooks/*.json)

Do you want to bundle everything for distribution?
└─ YES → Agent Plugin (plugin.json)

1. Custom Instructions

Always-on context and rules. Stored in .github/copilot-instructions.md (workspace-wide), AGENTS.md (multi-agent), or *.instructions.md (file-scoped via applyTo glob).

Read references/instructions.md when asked to create, write, or configure custom instructions.

2. Prompt Files

Reusable task templates invoked manually via / slash command. Stored in .github/prompts/*.prompt.md.

Read references/prompt-files.md when asked to create a prompt file or reusable chat task.

3. Custom Agents

Specialized Copilot persona with tool whitelist, model choice, and optional handoffs. Stored in .github/agents/*.agent.md.

Read references/custom-agents.md when asked to create a custom agent or chat mode.

4. Agent Skills

Portable, progressive-loading capabilities that work across VS Code, Copilot CLI, and cloud agents. Stored in .github/skills/<name>/SKILL.md.

Read references/agent-skills.md when asked to create a skill or when the user asks about SKILL.md format, frontmatter fields, or skill best practices.

5. Hooks

Shell commands triggered at agent lifecycle events (PostToolUse, Stop, etc.). Stored in .github/hooks/*.json.

Read references/hooks.md when asked to create a hook, set up auto-formatting, or run commands around agent actions.

6. Agent Plugins

Bundle skills, agents, hooks, and MCP servers for distribution. Defined in plugin.json.

Read references/plugins.md when asked to create, publish, or install an agent plugin.

File Locations Reference

AI Generation Commands

/init                  → workspace-wide copilot-instructions.md
/create-instruction    → targeted .instructions.md
/create-prompt         → .prompt.md file
/create-agent          → .agent.md file
/create-skill          → agent skill directory
/create-hook           → hook JSON file

Open the Chat Customizations editor for a visual overview:

Command Palette → "Chat: Open Chat Customizations"

Reference files

• references/instructions.md – Custom instructions templates and settings
• references/prompt-files.md – Prompt file templates and input variables
• references/custom-agents.md – Agent templates and handoff configuration
• references/agent-skills.md – Skill format, progressive loading, official docs
• references/hooks.md – Hook templates, events, naming convention
• references/plugins.md – Plugin structure and distribution
• references/frontmatter-reference.md – Complete frontmatter field reference for all types
• references/examples.md – Real-world examples organized by use case