agent-customization

Manage VS Code agent customization files and fix YAML configuration errors.

Updated Mar 14, 2026

Search Tags:#vscode #troubleshooting #configuration #yaml #copilot #agent customization

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/petarkabashki/vs-copilot-demistified --skill agent-customization-petarkabashki

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: agent-customization
Source: https://github.com/petarkabashki/vs-copilot-demistified/tree/main/assets/prompts/skills/agent-customization
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/petarkabashki/vs-copilot-demistified --skill agent-customization-petarkabashki

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps you create, update, and troubleshoot VS Code agent customization files, ensuring your AI coding environment works exactly as you intend.

Core Features & Use Cases

Configuration Management: Create, modify, and review .instructions.md, .prompt.md, .agent.md, and SKILL.md files.
Troubleshooting: Diagnose why custom instructions or agents are ignored and fix YAML syntax errors.
Use Case: You've written a custom agent but it's not being recognized. Use this Skill to check its configuration, ensure the description field is discoverable, and validate its YAML frontmatter.

Quick Start

Use the agent-customization skill to create a new file named 'my-custom-agent.agent.md' in the '.github/agents/' directory.

Frequently Asked Questions about agent-customization

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

FAQPage Schema

Why is my VS Code custom agent ignored?▼

VS Code custom agents are ignored when configuration files have invalid YAML frontmatter or non-discoverable description fields. Troubleshooting involves checking the .agent.md file configuration, validating YAML syntax, and ensuring the applyTo patterns correctly match your intended scope.

How do I create custom instructions for Copilot in VS Code?▼

Creating custom Copilot instructions involves managing .instructions.md and .prompt.md files to package domain knowledge. You define specialized workflows by writing markdown files with proper YAML frontmatter, placing them in the correct directory to guide the AI coding environment.

What is the purpose of an .agent.md file in VS Code?▼

An .agent.md file defines custom VS Code agents by packaging domain knowledge into specialized workflows. It uses YAML frontmatter for configuration, allowing you to specify tool restrictions, applyTo patterns, and discoverable descriptions for your AI coding assistant.

How do I fix YAML syntax errors in agent configuration files?▼

Fixing YAML syntax errors in agent configuration requires validating the frontmatter of .agent.md and SKILL.md files. Check for correct indentation, proper quoting of string values, and ensure the description and applyTo fields are properly formatted to prevent ignored configurations.

Can I restrict tools for a custom VS Code Copilot agent?▼

Yes, you can restrict tools for custom VS Code Copilot agents by defining tool restrictions in the YAML frontmatter of your .agent.md file. This configuration management ensures your specialized workflows only access permitted tools, packaging domain knowledge securely.

How do I use applyTo patterns in SKILL.md files?▼

ApplyTo patterns in SKILL.md files specify the scope where custom instructions apply, ensuring your VS Code agent customization targets the correct contexts. Configuring these patterns correctly prevents your custom agent from being ignored during AI coding sessions.