add-skill

Name: add-skill
Availability: InStock
Author: OpenHands

Fetch and install OpenHands skills from GitHub repositories into .openhands/skills.

134|67|Updated Nov 24, 2025

Search Tags:#automation #GitHub #workspace #fetch #import #sparse-checkout

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/OpenHands/skills --skill add-skill-openhands

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: add-skill
Source: https://github.com/OpenHands/skills/tree/main/skills/add-skill
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/OpenHands/skills --skill add-skill-openhands

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill automates adding external skills from GitHub repositories to your OpenHands workspace, removing the manual steps to locate, download, and place a skill when requested.

Core Features & Use Cases

Import from GitHub: Fetches a specific skill directory from a repository and validates that it contains a SKILL.md file.
Workspace placement: Installs the skill under .openhands/skills/ with overwrite protection using a --force option.
URL flexibility: Supports multiple GitHub URL formats (full URL, shorthand owner/repo, and tree paths).

Quick Start

Run the add-skill script with a GitHub URL to install a skill, for example: /add-skill https://github.com/OpenHands/skills/tree/main/skills/codereview The script will verify SKILL.md and place the skill under .openhands/skills/codereview/.

Frequently Asked Questions about add-skill

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I import a GitHub skill into my OpenHands workspace?▼

To import a GitHub skill, run the add-skill script with the repository URL, which validates the SKILL.md file and installs the skill directory under .openhands/skills using sparse checkout for efficient downloads.

What GitHub URL formats are supported for fetching skills?▼

Fetching skills supports full GitHub URLs, shorthand owner/repo formats, and tree paths, allowing you to target specific skill directories or main branches directly from the repository.

Can I import skills from private GitHub repositories?▼

Yes, you can import skills from private GitHub repositories by providing a GitHub token, enabling the script to authenticate and fetch the skill directory into your local workspace.

Does adding a skill overwrite existing directories in .openhands/skills?▼

Adding a skill includes overwrite protection by default, but you can use the --force option to overwrite existing skill directories under .openhands/skills during the installation process.

Why does my imported skill fail validation without a SKILL.md file?▼

Imported skill validation fails without a SKILL.md file because the script checks for its existence to confirm the fetched GitHub directory is a valid skill before placing it in the workspace.

What's the best way to automate adding external skills from a GitHub repository?▼

Automating external skill addition is best handled by the add-skill script, which removes manual download steps by fetching, validating, and placing the skill directory directly into .openhands/skills.