optimize-skills

Enforce frontmatter-driven structure and progressive disclosure in SKILL.md files.

5|Updated Jan 30, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/ahgraber/skills --skill optimize-skills
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: optimize-skills
Source: https://github.com/ahgraber/skills/tree/main/skills/optimize-skills
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/ahgraber/skills --skill optimize-skills

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes assets (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This skill helps maintainers and authors craft concise, trigger-focused SKILL.md skills by enforcing a minimal, frontmatter-driven metadata surface and by guiding where deeper guidance should live (references, assets, scripts).

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Enforces frontmatter with name and description to support reliable discovery.
  • Encourages progressive disclosure: move verbose workflow details to referenced assets/repositories and avoid bloating SKILL.md.
  • Provides templates and guidance for structuring references/, assets/, and scripts/ to keep SKILL.md lean.
  • Useful for creating new SKILL.md skills or refining existing ones that suffer from vague triggers or bloated content.

Quick Start

Scaffold a new skill by creating SKILL.md with the required frontmatter and progressively move detailed guidance to references, assets, and scripts.

Frequently Asked Questions about optimize-skills

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I optimize SKILL.md files to improve skill triggering and discovery?

To optimize SKILL.md files for skill triggering, enforce a concise frontmatter-driven surface containing required name and description metadata, then progressively move verbose workflow details into referenced assets and scripts to keep the file lean.

What is the best way to structure a SKILL.md file to avoid bloated content?

The best way to structure a SKILL.md file is by applying progressive disclosure: keep the surface minimal with frontmatter, and move detailed guidance into organized component directories like references, assets, and scripts as needed.

Why does my SKILL.md skill fail to trigger reliably when users search for it?

SKILL.md skills fail to trigger reliably when they lack concise frontmatter or contain bloated content. Enforcing a minimal frontmatter surface with clear name and description fields supports accurate discovery and better trigger phrasing.

Do I need frontmatter in my SKILL.md file for skill discovery to work?

Yes, frontmatter is required in SKILL.md files for skill discovery. You must include name and description fields in the frontmatter to support reliable triggering and ensure users can find the skill.

Can I use references and assets directories to organize detailed workflow guidance?

Yes, you can use references and assets directories to organize detailed workflow guidance. This progressive disclosure approach keeps SKILL.md lean by moving verbose details into structured component directories while maintaining safe, testable guidance.

When should I move detailed instructions out of SKILL.md into separate files?

You should move detailed instructions out of SKILL.md into separate files when the content becomes verbose or bloated. Relocating deeper guidance to references, assets, and scripts ensures the SKILL.md surface remains concise and trigger-focused.