Template Skill

Official Anthropic minimal skeleton providing the essential file structure and organization for starting a new Claude skill project.

Core Purpose

Template Skill provides:

• Minimal file structure for new skill projects
• Required file templates (SKILL.md, README.md)
• Standard organization following Anthropic conventions
• Documentation placeholders ready to customize

What's Included

How to Use

1. Copy Template

Start with Template:

# Clone or copy template-skill directory
cp -r template-skill my-new-skill
cd my-new-skill

2. Customize SKILL.md

Update Metadata:

---
name: my-new-skill
description: Clear description of what this skill does
when_to_use: Specific triggers and use cases
---

Fill Instructions:

• Replace placeholder text
• Add your skill's core instructions
• Include examples and workflows
• Keep under 5,000 words

3. Update README.md

User Documentation:

• Project overview
• Installation steps
• Usage examples
• Dependencies
• Contributing guidelines

4. Add Resources (Optional)

As Needed:

• Create scripts/ for executable code
• Add references/ for detailed docs
• Include assets/ for templates

5. Validate and Package

Before Distribution:

# Use skill-creator tools
python package_skill.py my-new-skill

File Structure

template-skill/
├── SKILL.md           # Main skill instructions (required)
├── README.md          # User-facing documentation (required)
├── LICENSE           # License information (recommended)
└── .gitignore        # Version control (recommended)

# Optional directories (add as needed):
# ├── scripts/        # Executable scripts
# ├── references/     # Detailed documentation
# └── assets/         # Templates and files

SKILL.md Structure

Template Sections:

Metadata (Required)

---
name: skill-identifier
description: One-sentence description
when_to_use: Activation triggers
---

Instructions (Required)

# Skill Name

Brief introduction.

## Core Capabilities

- Feature 1
- Feature 2
- Feature 3

## Usage

Step-by-step instructions...

Best Practices

Customization Guidelines

Minimal Viable Skill

Start With:

• Clear SKILL.md instructions
• 1-3 core capabilities
• Basic usage examples
• Simple README

Then Add:

• Scripts if needed for automation
• References for detailed docs
• Assets for templates/examples

Growing Your Skill

Evolution Path:

1. Template - Start here
2. Basic - Add core instructions
3. Functional - Include scripts/examples
4. Comprehensive - Add references and assets
5. Polished - Refine docs, add tests

Common Starting Points

Documentation Skill

Characteristics:

• Knowledge-heavy, few scripts
• Extensive SKILL.md
• Many references/
• Few assets

Example: technical writing guides, best practices

Automation Skill

Characteristics:

• Script-heavy implementation
• Brief SKILL.md (workflow)
• Scripts for each task
• Template assets

Example: file processing, data transformation

Integration Skill

Characteristics:

• API/tool interaction focus
• Balanced docs and scripts
• Connection examples
• Configuration assets

Example: third-party service integration

What Template Doesn't Include

Intentionally Omitted:

• Specific domain logic
• Complex directory structures
• Heavy dependencies
• Opinionated tooling

Why: Keep it minimal - add what you need

Validation Checklist

Before considering template customization complete:

• Renamed from "template-skill" to your skill name
• Updated all metadata fields
• Replaced placeholder text
• Added core instructions
• Included usage examples
• Updated README with actual content
• Removed unused sections/files
• Tested skill activates correctly

Next Steps

Related Skills

• skill-creator - Full framework for skill development
• Use this template as starting point, then follow skill-creator guidelines

About This Skill

Official Anthropic minimal skeleton providing the essential structure for starting a new Claude skill project with required files and organization.