# Package Plugin

> Package a plugin directory into a distributable ZIP archive with correct flags for symlink preservation, exclusion of build artifacts, and manifest validation before packaging.

- Skill: `richfrem/package-plugin` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add richfrem/package-plugin`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/richfrem/package-plugin/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: richfrem (https://skillmd.com/u/richfrem)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/richfrem/package-plugin

---

# Package Plugin

Package a plugin into a distributable `.zip` archive suitable for importing into Claude Code
or sharing with other teams.

## When to Use

- Exporting a plugin for Claude Code import (`claude --plugin-dir`)
- Sharing a plugin with another developer or repository
- Creating a release artifact for distribution

## Execution Steps

### 1. Validate the Plugin

Before packaging, verify the plugin has a valid manifest:

```bash
python3 plugins/plugin-manager/skills/package-plugin/scripts/package.py \
  --validate-only --plugin <path-to-plugin>
```

This checks:
- `.claude-plugin/plugin.json` exists and is valid JSON
- `name` is kebab-case
- `version` is semver
- `author` is an object (not a string)
- At least one `skills/*/SKILL.md` exists

### 2. Package the Plugin

```bash
python3 plugins/plugin-manager/skills/package-plugin/scripts/package.py \
  --plugin <path-to-plugin> --output <destination>
```

**Default output:** `~/Desktop/<plugin-name>-v<version>.zip`

### 3. Verify the Package (Optional)

```bash
python3 plugins/plugin-manager/skills/package-plugin/scripts/package.py \
  --verify <path-to-zip>
```

Extracts to `/tmp/package-verify/` and confirms the structure is intact.

## What the Packager Does

1. Preserves symlinks (`--symlinks` flag) for `agents/` and `commands/` directories
2. Excludes: `.DS_Store`, `__pycache__`, `.history/`, `node_modules/`, `*.pyc`, `.git/`
3. Names output as `<plugin-name>-v<version>.zip`
4. Validates `plugin.json` schema before packaging

## Rules

- **Always validate before packaging.** Catch manifest issues before they reach consumers.
- **Never manually zip a plugin.** Always use this script to ensure correct flags.
- **Source Transparency Declaration**: state which plugin was packaged and the output path.