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Guide

How to install skills in Claude Code (step by step)

Skills teach Claude Code to do a specific task and activate on their own when they apply. Here we show you, step by step, how to install them and get the most out of them.

What a Claude Code skill is

A skill is a folder with a SKILL.md file that contains instructions. Claude Code loads it automatically when the task you're doing matches the skill's description. You don't have to paste the prompt every time.

Where they live

  • Per project: .claude/skills/<name>/SKILL.md (only that repo uses it).
  • Global: ~/.claude/skills/<name>/SKILL.md (all your projects use it).

Installing a skill: 3 ways

  1. Manual: create the folder and paste the SKILL.md. Fast for your own skills.
  2. From a marketplace/plugin: with a command like /plugin install <name>@<marketplace>.
  3. Cloning a repo of skills into your skills/ folder.

How it activates

Every SKILL.md has a description. When your request matches it, Claude Code activates the skill without you doing anything. That's why a good description is key.

Best practices

  • One skill per task, with a clear description.
  • Global for the ones you always use; per project for the specific ones.
  • Review a skill's code before installing it if it comes from a third party.

Related

See skillsResources for Claude Code

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do skills work in Codex?+

The idea of reusable instructions exists in several agents, but the SKILL.md format and automatic activation are specific to Claude Code.

How many skills can I have?+

As many as you want. Claude Code only loads the one that applies to the task, so having many doesn't slow it down.