# Skill Creator

> Guide for creating effective skills. Use when creating a new skill or updating an existing skill that extends Claude's capabilities with specialized knowledge, workflows, or tool integrations. Use when this capability is needed.

- Skill: `tomevault-io/skill-creator-176` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/skill-creator-176`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/skill-creator-176/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/skill-creator-176

---


# Skill Creator

Create modular, self-contained packages that extend AI capabilities with specialized knowledge and workflows.

## Core Principles

### Concise is Key
Challenge each piece: "Does Claude really need this?" Prefer concise examples over verbose explanations.

### Progressive Disclosure
1. **Metadata** (~100 words) - Always loaded
2. **SKILL.md body** (<500 lines) - When triggered
3. **Bundled resources** - As needed

### Skill Structure
```
skill-name/
├── SKILL.md (required)
│   ├── YAML frontmatter (name, description)
│   └── Markdown instructions
└── Bundled Resources (optional)
    ├── scripts/      - Executable code
    ├── references/   - Documentation
    └── assets/       - Templates, icons
```

## SKILL.md Format

```yaml
---
name: my-skill
description: What it does AND when to use it (critical for triggering)
---

# Title

[Core instructions - imperative form]

## Sections as needed
```

## Best Practices

| Do | Don't |
|----|-------|
| Clear, comprehensive description | Vague one-liner |
| Imperative form ("Create", "Run") | Passive voice |
| Concise examples | Verbose explanations |
| Reference files for details | Everything in SKILL.md |
| Test scripts by running them | Assume they work |

## What NOT to Include
- README.md, CHANGELOG.md, INSTALLATION.md
- User-facing documentation
- Setup/testing procedures

## Creation Process

1. **Understand** - Get concrete usage examples
2. **Plan** - Identify reusable scripts/references/assets
3. **Initialize** - Create skill directory with SKILL.md
4. **Edit** - Implement resources, write instructions
5. **Test** - Verify with real usage
6. **Iterate** - Refine based on feedback

---
> Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/hscspring) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.
<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-11 -->