what is SKILL.md
What is SKILL.md?
SKILL.md is the instruction manual for a reusable AI skill. The references/ folder is the bookshelf the agent can open when it needs more context.
Direct answer
SKILL.md is a Markdown file that describes a reusable agent skill: what it does, when to use it, and how to apply attached references.
Plain-English definition
A skill is a folder of instructions and resources for a specific kind of work. SKILL.md is the required entry point. It names the skill, describes the trigger, and tells the agent what to do.
Why Markdown
Markdown is readable by people and AI tools. It keeps structure visible without locking the instructions inside a proprietary builder or chat history.
How agents use skills
Skills are meant to be loaded when relevant, not pasted into every conversation. The description helps the agent decide whether the skill applies, then the body and references guide the work.
Why createskills exists
Most people already have the knowledge they want an AI tool to use. createskills helps turn that knowledge - pages, videos, posts, PDFs, images, and notes - into clean files a skill can reference.
Basic folder shape
- 1Create a folder named for the task.
- 2Add SKILL.md with metadata and instructions.
- 3Add references/ for source files and examples.
- 4Place the folder where your AI tool can read it or upload the files as project context.
my-skill/
├─ SKILL.md
├─ references/
│ ├─ source-notes.md
│ └─ example-output.md
└─ assets/
└─ template.csvFAQ
Questions people ask
Is SKILL.md only for Claude?
Claude helped popularize the format, but the idea is useful anywhere an AI tool can read Markdown and files.
Is SKILL.md code?
Usually no. It is Markdown instructions, though a skill folder can include scripts or assets when a workflow needs them.
Do I need one skill per task?
Use one skill per repeatable job. Broad skills tend to trigger too often and give weaker guidance.
Can I version it in git?
Yes. Because skills are plain files, teams can review, diff, and version them like other project context.
Keep exploring
Related workflows
A practical SKILL.md template for agent workflows
Use this SKILL.md template to define when an agent should use a skill, what sources it can reference, and how it should complete repeatable work.
AI skill generator for agent workflows
Turn web pages, videos, PDFs, and images into SKILL.md packages with clean Markdown references for Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT, and agent workflows.
Create Claude-compatible skill folders from web sources
Build Claude-style skill folders with SKILL.md and references from web pages, YouTube videos, PDFs, and more.
AI agent skill examples you can actually copy
Browse practical examples of AI skills for coding, marketing, research, writing, and personal workflows.
Try it with your own sources