skills.rest
microsoft
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agent-customization

Create, maintain, and validate VS Code agent customization files with YAML frontmatter.

10.0k|2.0k|Updated Jun 10, 2025
Search Tags:#customization#agent#workflows#frontmatter#VS Code
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/microsoft/vscode-copilot-chat --skill agent-customization
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: agent-customization
Source: https://github.com/microsoft/vscode-copilot-chat/tree/main/assets/prompts/skills/agent-customization
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/microsoft/vscode-copilot-chat --skill agent-customization

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps teams manage and refine VS Code agent customization files to ensure correct frontmatter, predictable loading, and reliable agent behavior across projects.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Create, update, review, and fix agent customization files (e.g., .instructions.md, .prompt.md, .agent.md, SKILL.md, copilot-instructions.md, AGENTS.md).
  • Validate YAML frontmatter, troubleshoot misconfigurations, and align tooling with project conventions.
  • Package domain knowledge and templates for repeatable agent workflows and onboarding.

Quick Start

Edit SKILL.md to adjust the skill's description and usage guidance, then run a quick consistency check across all customization files.

Frequently Asked Questions about agent-customization

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I create and maintain VS Code agent customization files?▼

You create VS Code agent customization files by editing .instructions.md or SKILL.md to define preferences, configure applyTo patterns, and validate YAML frontmatter structure for predictable agent loading and reliable behavior across projects.

Why does my VS Code agent ignore my custom instructions?▼

Your VS Code agent ignores custom instructions when YAML frontmatter is misconfigured. You can troubleshoot ignored agents by validating the frontmatter structure, checking applyTo patterns, and ensuring tooling aligns with project conventions for correct progressive loading.

How do I validate YAML frontmatter in copilot-instructions.md files?▼

You validate YAML frontmatter in copilot-instructions.md files by running a consistency check across agent customization files to enforce structural correctness, troubleshoot misconfigurations, and ensure predictable loading of coding preferences and tool restrictions.

Can I configure applyTo patterns and tool restrictions for VS Code agents?▼

Yes, you configure applyTo patterns and tool restrictions for VS Code agents by defining settings within the YAML frontmatter of agent customization files, aligning automated tooling with specific project conventions and workflows.

What is the best way to package domain knowledge for repeatable agent workflows?▼

The best way to package domain knowledge for repeatable agent workflows is to create agent customization files like AGENTS.md or .prompt.md, validating the YAML frontmatter to ensure progressive loading and reliable behavior across project teams.

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