skills.rest
vercel
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authoring-skills

Define SKILL.md frontmatter and file structure for .agents/skills directories.

142k|31.7k|Updated Oct 5, 2016
Search Tags:#documentation#skills#agent#structure#authoring#frontmatter#AGENTS.md
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/vercel/next.js --skill authoring-skills-vercel
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: authoring-skills
Source: https://github.com/vercel/next.js/tree/main/.agents/skills/authoring-skills
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/vercel/next.js --skill authoring-skills-vercel

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Helps teams create and maintain agent skills in the .agents/skills/ directory by providing clear guidelines for frontmatter, structure, and content organization so skills load correctly and are easy to discover.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Defines required frontmatter fields (name, description) and demonstrates how they are used for discovery and auto-loading.
  • Documents the recommended file structure (e.g., SKILL.md, optional workflow.md, examples.md) and how it relates to AGENTS.md.
  • Provides decision criteria for when to create a new skill vs updating AGENTS.md and how to reference related skills.

Quick Start

Create or update an SKILL.md in .agents/skills/ with a valid frontmatter (name and description) and a clear description of when to use the skill.

Frequently Asked Questions about authoring-skills

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I structure an agent skill in the .agents/skills directory?▼

An agent skill requires an SKILL.md file in the .agents/skills/ directory with frontmatter including the required name and description fields. The recommended file structure also supports optional workflow.md and examples.md files to document workflows and provide usage examples.

What is the difference between AGENTS.md and a SKILL.md file?▼

AGENTS.md and a SKILL.md file differ in scope: AGENTS.md serves as a broader project guide, while a SKILL.md defines a specific, on-demand agent skill in the .agents/skills/ directory. The skill provides decision criteria to determine whether content belongs in a new skill or an update to AGENTS.md.

What frontmatter fields are required for agent skills to load correctly?▼

The required frontmatter fields for agent skills to load correctly are name and description. These fields ensure the skill is properly discovered and auto-loaded by the system, making it easy for teams to find and maintain the skill.

When should I create a new agent skill versus updating AGENTS.md?▼

You should create a new agent skill when defining distinct, on-demand capabilities that warrant a separate SKILL.md file, whereas you update AGENTS.md for broader project-level guidance. The skill provides specific decision criteria to help teams choose the correct content boundary.

How do I document proper file structure for agent skills?▼

You document proper file structure for agent skills by creating an SKILL.md with required frontmatter, then optionally adding workflow.md and examples.md files. This structure enforces content boundaries and on-demand usage patterns to guide teams in maintaining the skills.

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