# Copilot instruction layering

> instruction layering with reusable, conditional instruction files

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

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# Skill: Copilot instruction layering

## Goal
Provide a small set of reusable Copilot instruction files that can be copied into new repos and applied conditionally based on project type.

## Files
- `.github/copilot-instructions.md` (high-level, Makefile-first)
- `.github/instructions/*.instructions.md` (stack-specific guidance, with `applyTo` globs)
- `.github/skills/*/SKILL.md` (reusable skill definitions)

## Conventions
- Keep instructions short and actionable.
- Prefer conditional language ("Applies when...") so files can coexist in mixed repos.
- Use `applyTo` front matter to scope instructions to relevant file patterns.