# Write A Skill

> Creates new agent skills with proper structure, progressive disclosure, and bundled resources. Use when the user wants to create, write, or build a new skill.

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

---


# Writing Skills

## Process
- Task/domain, use cases, scripts vs. instructions, ref.
- Draft SKILL.md; split extra files past 55 lines; add scripts for deterministic ops.
- Review with the user; iterate.
## Skill Structure
```
skill-name/
├── SKILL.md           # Main instructions (required)
├── REFERENCE.md       # Detailed docs (if needed)
├── EXAMPLES.md        # Usage examples (if needed)
└── scripts/           # Utility scripts (if needed)
    └── helper.js
```
## SKILL.md Template
```md
---
name: skill-name
description: Brief description of capability. Use when [specific triggers].
---

# Skill Name

## Quick start

[Minimal working example]

## Workflows

[Step-by-step processes with checklists for complex tasks]

## Advanced features

[Link to separate files: See [REFERENCE.md](REFERENCE.md)]
```
## Description
Third person; what it does, then "Use when [triggers]"; ≤240 chars.

**Good**:
```
Extract text and tables from PDF files, fill forms, merge documents. Use when working with PDF files or when user mentions PDFs, forms, or document extraction.
```
**Bad**: `Helps with documents.` — indistinguishable from others.
## Review Checklist
- [ ] Description includes triggers ("Use when...") and is ≤240 chars
- [ ] SKILL.md body is ≤55 lines
- [ ] No time-sensitive info
- [ ] Consistent terminology
- [ ] Concrete examples included
- [ ] References one level deep