Output Styles Guide

Modifies Claude Code system prompts for non-engineering workflows.

1|Updated Mar 5, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/smrik/ai-fund --skill output-styles-guide-smrik
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: Output Styles Guide
Source: https://github.com/smrik/ai-fund/tree/main/skills/output-styles-guide
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/smrik/ai-fund --skill output-styles-guide-smrik

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill solves the issue of rigid AI behavior by allowing users to tailor Claude Code's system prompts to specific roles, such as research, teaching, or technical writing, rather than being limited to software engineering tasks.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Custom System Prompts: Replace or supplement default instructions to change the AI's persona and output format.
  • Persistent Configuration: Save styles at the project or user level for consistent behavior across sessions.
  • Use Case: A researcher can create a custom style that enforces depth-first analysis, hypothesis tracking, and mandatory citation of sources for every interaction.

Quick Start

Use the output styles guide to create a new custom style that focuses on technical documentation and structured glossary generation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Output Styles Guide

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I customize Claude Code system prompts for non-engineering workflows?

To customize Claude Code system prompts for non-engineering workflows, you modify the agent's system prompt to adapt its interaction style for specific roles like research or technical writing. This allows you to replace default instructions and enforce specific behavioral patterns.

Can I save persistent configuration files for Claude Code behavior at the project level?

Yes, you can save persistent configuration files for Claude Code behavior at both the project and user levels. This ensures consistent interaction styles and behavioral patterns across multiple sessions within the local .claude directory structure.

What is the best way to enforce depth-first analysis and mandatory citation in Claude Code?

The best way to enforce depth-first analysis and mandatory citation is to create a custom output style that supplements the default system prompt with specific role instructions. This tailors the AI persona to enforce rigorous research constraints for every interaction.

Does the Claude Code output styles guide require local file system access?

Yes, customizing Claude Code output styles requires local file system access to read and write style templates. The Skill manages persistent configuration files directly within the local .claude directory structure to save your behavioral settings.

How do I create a custom style for technical documentation and structured glossary generation?

To create a custom style for technical documentation and structured glossary generation, use the output styles guide to replace or supplement default instructions. This modifies the system prompt to change the AI's persona and output format for your documentation workflow.