Convert Skill to Gemini
This skill helps you convert Claude Code skills (SKILL.md format) to Gemini CLI compatible format.
When to Use
Activate this skill when the user wants to:
- Convert a Claude skill to work with Gemini
- Make skills cross-platform compatible
- Port skills from skillregistry.io to Gemini
- Understand differences between Claude and Gemini skill formats
Conversion Workflow
1. Identify Source Skill
The source skill can be:
- Local:
.claude/skills/[skill-name]/SKILL.md - Package:
templates/claude/skills/[skill-name]/SKILL.md - URL: From skillregistry.io
Read the source SKILL.md file to understand:
- Frontmatter fields (name, description, allowed-tools)
- Instructions and structure
- Referenced files (reference.md, examples.md, templates/)
2. Analyze for Compatibility
Check for Claude-specific elements that need conversion:
Compatible (works in both):
- Markdown instructions
- Lists and headers
- Code examples
- Reference to additional files
Needs Adjustment:
allowed-toolsfield (different tool names in Gemini)- Claude-specific tool references in instructions
- References to
.claude/paths
Not Portable:
- Claude-specific MCP server references
- Agent delegation instructions (Gemini doesn't support agents)
3. Transform Frontmatter
Claude Format:
---
name: skill-name
description: Description text
version: "1.0.0"
allowed-tools:
- Read
- Grep
- Glob
---
Gemini Format:
---
name: skill-name
description: Description text
version: "1.0.0"
allowed-tools:
- read_file
- search_files
- list_files
---
4. Tool Name Mapping
| Claude Tool | Gemini Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Read | read_file |
| Write | write_file |
| Edit | edit_file |
| Glob | list_files |
| Grep | search_files |
| Bash | run_shell_command |
| WebSearch | web_search |
| WebFetch | web_fetch |
5. Update Instructions
Replace Claude-specific references:
.claude/→.gemini/- Claude Code → Gemini CLI
- Agent references → Remove or note as unsupported
6. Save Converted Skill
Output Location:
- Local:
.gemini/skills/[skill-name]/SKILL.md - Package:
templates/gemini/skills/[skill-name]/SKILL.md
Copy Additional Files:
reference.md- Usually compatible as-isexamples.md- Update tool references if neededtemplates/- Usually compatible as-is
7. Verify Conversion
Check the converted skill:
- Valid YAML frontmatter
- Tool names are Gemini-compatible
- No Claude-specific references in body
- Path references updated
- Works when invoked in Gemini CLI
Reference Materials
For detailed information, consult:
reference.md- Complete tool mapping and conversion detailsexamples.md- Before/after conversion examples
Tips for Conversion
- Keep Instructions Generic: Write instructions that work for any AI assistant
- Document Limitations: Note features that don't convert (agents)
- Test Both Platforms: Verify skill works in both Claude and Gemini
- Consider Shared Skills: For packages, skills in
templates/claude/skills/can be shared to Gemini via agents.toml configuration
Example Invocations
Here are examples of how users might request conversions:
- "Convert the code-review skill to Gemini format"
- "Make my typescript-guidelines skill work with Gemini"
- "Port this skill from skillregistry.io to Gemini"
- "What changes are needed to use this Claude skill in Gemini?"
Limitations
Features Not Portable to Gemini
- Agents: Gemini doesn't support subagents
- MCP Servers: Different configuration format
- Some Tools: Not all Claude tools have Gemini equivalents
Workarounds
- Agents: Document as manual process instead
- MCP Servers: Create separate Gemini MCP config
- Missing Tools: Check if Gemini has alternative
Platform Notes
Claude Skills
- Location:
.claude/skills/ortemplates/claude/skills/ - Format: Markdown with YAML frontmatter
- Tools: Claude Code tool names
Gemini Skills
- Location:
.gemini/skills/ortemplates/gemini/skills/ - Format: Markdown with YAML frontmatter (same structure)
- Tools: Gemini CLI tool names
Shared Skills (Packages)
In package agents.toml, you can reference Claude skills for Gemini:
[exports.gemini]
skillsDir = "templates/claude/skills" # Share Claude skills
The CLI handles symlinking. Only convert when tool names differ.