authoring-skills

Creates and modifies agent skills with standardized frontmatter and file structure in .agents/skills.

Updated Apr 7, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/villa1/backupshop --skill authoring-skills-villa1
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: authoring-skills
Source: https://github.com/villa1/backupshop/tree/main/.agents/skills/authoring-skills
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/villa1/backupshop --skill authoring-skills-villa1

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This guide helps maintainers create or modify agent skills in .agents/skills/ by standardizing structure, frontmatter, and guidance to keep skills discoverable.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Defines the required and optional frontmatter fields (name, description, argument-hint, user-invocable, disable-model-invocation, allowed-tools, model, context, agent)
  • Describes the recommended file structure for a skill (SKILL.md plus optional workflow.md and examples.md)
  • Explains how to decide when to create a skill vs AGENTS.md and how skills are discovered and loaded
  • Provides examples of how the frontmatter fields drive auto-loading and menu visibility
  • Outlines how to reference related content and how to extend skills with additional documents

Quick Start

Create or update SKILL.md for a new skill following the documented frontmatter rules and file structure.

Frequently Asked Questions about authoring-skills

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
What frontmatter fields are required when authoring skills?▼

Required frontmatter fields for authoring skills include name and description, while optional fields like argument-hint, user-invocable, allowed-tools, model, context, and agent control auto-loading and menu visibility.

When should I create a standalone skill versus adding to AGENTS.md?▼

Create a standalone skill when you need modular, discoverable capabilities with specific frontmatter rules, whereas AGENTS.md handles global load-time decisions and project-wide agent guidance.

What is the recommended file structure for a skill?▼

The recommended file structure for a skill includes a primary SKILL.md file, plus optional workflow.md and examples.md documents to detail procedures and provide usage demonstrations.

How does frontmatter drive skill discovery and auto-loading?▼

Frontmatter fields like user-invocable, disable-model-invocation, and context directly drive skill discovery by controlling menu visibility and determining how skills are auto-loaded during agent operations.

Can I extend a skill with additional documentation?▼

You can extend skills by adding optional workflow.md and examples.md files alongside the core SKILL.md, allowing you to reference related content and provide detailed procedural guidance.