Template Skill

Template Skill

This is a template for creating new skills. Copy this entire directory and modify it to create your own skill.

Purpose

Explain the purpose of your skill. What problem does it solve? What capability does it add to Claude?

Example:

This skill helps Claude [specific capability], making it easier to [specific benefit]. It's designed for use when [specific scenarios].

When to Use This Skill

Be very explicit about when Claude should activate this skill. List specific trigger conditions:

• When the user asks to [specific task 1]
• When working with [specific technology, format, or domain]
• When [specific condition] is met
• For [specific use case]

Do NOT use this skill when:

• [Specific exclusion 1]
• [Specific exclusion 2]

Prerequisites

List any prerequisites or requirements:

• Required knowledge: [e.g., Python programming, API design]
• Required tools: [e.g., specific CLI tools, libraries]
• Environment setup: [e.g., environment variables, configuration]

Instructions

Provide clear, step-by-step instructions for Claude to follow. Be specific and actionable.

Step 1: [First Major Step]

Detailed instructions for the first step:

1. Substep 1
2. Substep 2
3. Substep 3

Example:

[Code example or demonstration]

Important considerations:

• Point 1
• Point 2

Step 2: [Second Major Step]

Detailed instructions for the second step.

Step 3: [Third Major Step]

Continue with additional steps as needed.

Examples

Provide concrete examples that demonstrate the skill in action.

Example 1: [Scenario Name]

User Request:

"..."

Claude Response:

1. [First action]
2. [Second action]
3. [Result]

Output:

[Example output]

Example 2: [Another Scenario]

Provide multiple examples covering different use cases.

Best Practices

List best practices Claude should follow when using this skill:

1. Practice 1: Explanation
2. Practice 2: Explanation
3. Practice 3: Explanation

Common Pitfalls

Warn about common mistakes or issues:

• Pitfall 1: How to avoid it
• Pitfall 2: How to avoid it

Constraints and Limitations

Document any constraints or limitations:

• This skill does not support [limitation 1]
• Maximum/minimum requirements: [constraint]
• Known issues: [issue description]

Supporting Files

If your skill includes supporting files, document them here:

scripts/

• script_name.py: Description of what this script does
• requirements.txt: Python dependencies

Usage:

python scripts/script_name.py [arguments]

templates/

• template_name.ext: Description of this template
• Usage instructions

reference/

• reference_doc.md: Additional reference material
• Links to external documentation

Validation Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure your skill is complete:

• Skill name matches directory name (lowercase, hyphens only)
• YAML frontmatter is complete and valid
• Description clearly states what the skill does AND when to use it
• Instructions are clear and actionable
• Examples are provided and tested
• Supporting files are documented
• LICENSE.txt is included
• No hardcoded credentials or sensitive data
• Security best practices followed

References

• Link to relevant documentation
• Link to API references
• Link to tutorials or guides
• Credit to original sources (if applicable)

Customization Guide

When creating your skill from this template:

1. Update frontmatter:

   • Change name to match your skill's directory name
   • Write a comprehensive description (1-3 sentences)
   • Set appropriate license
   • Update metadata fields

2. Replace all template content:

   • Remove this "Customization Guide" section
   • Replace all bracketed placeholders [like this]
   • Provide real examples and instructions

3. Structure your content:

   • Keep sections that are relevant
   • Remove sections that don't apply
   • Add custom sections as needed

4. Test thoroughly:

   • Verify YAML frontmatter is valid
   • Test all examples
   • Ensure instructions are clear

5. Document everything:

   • Explain all supporting files
   • Document dependencies
   • Provide usage examples