This repository contains Anthropic's implementation of "skills" for the Claude AI model. Skills are defined as folders of instructions, scripts, and resources that Claude dynamically loads to enhance its performance on specialized tasks, enabling repeatable execution of specific functions such as document creation, data analysis, or automation.

The core methodology for creating a skill involves defining it within a dedicated folder containing a SKILL.md file. This SKILL.md file adheres to a structured format comprising two main sections:

1. YAML Frontmatter: This section provides essential metadata for the skill. It is delimited by --- markers at the beginning and end.
   • name: A unique identifier for the skill, typically in a lowercase, hyphen-separated format (e.g., my-skill-name). This serves as the programmatic reference for the skill.
   • description: A concise yet comprehensive natural language explanation of the skill's purpose and its intended use cases, guiding Claude on when and how to invoke it.
2. Markdown Content: Following the YAML frontmatter, the remainder of the SKILL.md file contains detailed instructions, examples, and guidelines written in Markdown format. This content directly dictates Claude's behavior when the skill is active, outlining the steps Claude should follow, illustrating typical usage scenarios, and specifying any operational constraints or best practices.

The repository itself showcases various skill examples, categorized into Creative & Design, Development & Technical, Enterprise & Communication, and includes foundational Document Skills (e.g., docx, pdf, pptx, xlsx). While many example skills are open-source (Apache 2.0), the document creation/editing skills are source-available for reference, demonstrating complex, production-used functionalities.

Skills defined in this manner can be utilized across different Claude environments:

• Claude Code: Users can register the repository as a plugin marketplace, allowing installation of specific skill sets (e.g., document-skills, example-skills) via commands like /plugin marketplace add anthropics/skills and /plugin install. Once installed, skills can be invoked by mentioning them within prompts.
• Claude.ai: Pre-built skills from the repository are available to paid plan subscribers, with options for uploading custom skills.
• Claude API: Developers can programmatically leverage Anthropic's pre-built skills and upload custom skills through the dedicated Skills API.

The repository also includes spec folder containing the Agent Skills standard and a template folder to facilitate skill creation. It emphasizes that these skills are for demonstration and educational purposes, and their implementations and behaviors may differ from production Claude systems, necessitating thorough testing in custom environments.