# Clerk Auth

> Expert patterns for Clerk auth implementation, middleware, organizations, webhooks, and user sync Use when: adding authentication, clerk auth, user authentication, sign in, sign up.

- Skill: `odjaramillo/clerk-auth-2` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add odjaramillo/clerk-auth-2`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/odjaramillo/clerk-auth-2/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: AI & ML
- Author: odjaramillo (https://skillmd.com/u/odjaramillo)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/odjaramillo/clerk-auth-2

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# Clerk Authentication

## Patterns

### Next.js App Router Setup

Complete Clerk setup for Next.js 14/15 App Router.

Includes ClerkProvider, environment variables, and basic
sign-in/sign-up components.

Key components:
- ClerkProvider: Wraps app for auth context
- <SignIn />, <SignUp />: Pre-built auth forms
- <UserButton />: User menu with session management


### Middleware Route Protection

Protect routes using clerkMiddleware and createRouteMatcher.

Best practices:
- Single middleware.ts file at project root
- Use createRouteMatcher for route groups
- auth.protect() for explicit protection
- Centralize all auth logic in middleware


### Server Component Authentication

Access auth state in Server Components using auth() and currentUser().

Key functions:
- auth(): Returns userId, sessionId, orgId, claims
- currentUser(): Returns full User object
- Both require clerkMiddleware to be configured


## ⚠️ Sharp Edges

| Issue | Severity | Solution |
|-------|----------|----------|
| Issue | critical | See docs |
| Issue | high | See docs |
| Issue | high | See docs |
| Issue | high | See docs |
| Issue | medium | See docs |
| Issue | medium | See docs |
| Issue | medium | See docs |
| Issue | medium | See docs |