# Using Skills

> Use when learning how to use the cliagents skills system

- Skill: `tomevault-io/using-skills-2` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/using-skills-2`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/using-skills-2/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/using-skills-2

---


# Using Skills

Skills are reusable workflows that provide domain-specific guidance for tasks. They help you follow best practices and maintain consistency across projects.

## Discovering Skills

1. **List available skills**: Use `list_skills` to see all available skills
2. **Filter by tag**: Use `list_skills tag="debugging"` to find relevant skills
3. **Filter by adapter**: Use `list_skills adapter="claude-code"` to find compatible skills

## Invoking Skills

When you encounter a task that matches a skill's domain:

1. **Invoke the skill**: Use `invoke_skill skill="skill-name" message="Your task description"`
2. **Follow the returned instructions**: The skill provides step-by-step guidance
3. **Adapt as needed**: Skills are guidelines, not rigid rules

## Skill Priority

Skills are discovered from three locations (in priority order):

1. **Project skills** (`.cliagents/skills/`): Project-specific workflows
2. **Personal skills** (`~/.cliagents/skills/`): Your custom workflows
3. **Core skills** (bundled with cliagents): Standard best practices

Higher-priority skills shadow lower-priority ones with the same name.

## Creating Your Own Skills

Create a `SKILL.md` file in any of the skill directories:

```yaml
---
name: my-skill
description: Use when [trigger condition]
adapters: [claude-code, gemini-cli]  # Optional: restrict adapters
tags: [category1, category2]          # For discovery
---

# My Skill

Your workflow instructions here...
```

## Best Practices

- Keep skills focused on one domain or workflow
- Include clear trigger conditions in the description
- Use tags for discoverability
- Provide step-by-step instructions
- Include examples where helpful

---
> Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/suyashb734) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.
<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-11 -->