# Wow Addon Structure > Verbose guide for WoW Retail AddOn structure, .toc metadata, loading order, SavedVariables, and C_AddOns metadata and load APIs. Use when planning addon folder layout, file order, or SavedVariables wiring. Use when this capability is needed. - Skill: `tomevault-io/wow-addon-structure` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/wow-addon-structure` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/wow-addon-structure/raw - Safety review: pending - 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/wow-addon-structure --- # WoW AddOn Structure (Retail) ## Scope - Retail only, current as of Patch 12.0.0. - Focuses on folder layout, .toc metadata, loading order, and SavedVariables. - Avoid deprecated or removed APIs and call out restricted directives. ## When to use this skill Use this skill when you need to: - Design or review an AddOn folder layout. - Author or audit a .toc file. - Reason about file load order and login events. - Wire SavedVariables or troubleshoot persistence. - Query or load AddOns via `C_AddOns` APIs. ## How to use this skill 1. Start with layout and naming rules in references/ADDON_STRUCTURE.md. 2. Build the .toc file using references/TOC_FORMAT.md. 3. Plan initialization order with references/LOADING_LIFECYCLE.md. 4. Wire persistence with references/SAVED_VARIABLES.md. 5. Use `C_AddOns` metadata APIs from references/C_ADDONS_API.md. 6. Cross-check patterns in Blizzard UI source from references/VIEWING_BLIZZARD_UI.md. ## Reference files - references/ADDON_STRUCTURE.md - Folder layout rules, naming, and common patterns. - references/TOC_FORMAT.md - .toc syntax, directives, and file order rules. - references/LOADING_LIFECYCLE.md - Load order, events, and login timeline. - references/SAVED_VARIABLES.md - Persistence rules and file locations. - references/C_ADDONS_API.md - Key `C_AddOns` metadata and load APIs. - references/VIEWING_BLIZZARD_UI.md - How to inspect Blizzard UI source. ## Key rules and reminders - The AddOn folder name and .toc filename must match. - The .toc file is required and defines file load order. - Files load top to bottom in the .toc list. - SavedVariables are available after `ADDON_LOADED` unless `LoadSavedVariablesFirst` is used. - Use `LoadOnDemand` and `C_AddOns.LoadAddOn` for heavy modules. - Some .toc directives are restricted to Blizzard AddOns and are not available to third-party AddOns. ## Sources - https://warcraft.wiki.gg/wiki/TOC_format - https://warcraft.wiki.gg/wiki/AddOn - https://warcraft.wiki.gg/wiki/AddOn_loading_process - https://warcraft.wiki.gg/wiki/SavedVariables - https://warcraft.wiki.gg/wiki/Viewing_Blizzard%27s_interface_code - https://warcraft.wiki.gg/wiki/World_of_Warcraft_API - https://github.com/Gethe/wow-ui-source/tree/live/Interface/AddOns/Blizzard_APIDocumentationGenerated --- > Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/jburlison) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.