readme-craft

Rewrite READMEs to follow a structured hierarchy and separate user from contributor content.

3|Updated Jan 14, 2014
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/prateek/dotfiles --skill readme-craft
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: readme-craft
Source: https://github.com/prateek/dotfiles/tree/main/.agents/skills/readme-craft
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/prateek/dotfiles --skill readme-craft

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

READMEs often become bloated or misaligned with product goals. Readme Craft provides a structured method to write, rewrite, or audit READMEs to accelerate onboarding and reduce decision fatigue for users and contributors.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Establish a concise information hierarchy (billboard, first 29 lines) to capture attention and convey value quickly.
  • Provide greenfield and rewrite workflows with explicit guidance to trim config dumps, move content to docs, and separate user content from contributor-facing content.
  • Offer a practical audit checklist and workflow for improving readability, consistency, and adoption across projects.

Quick Start

Rewrite the README to follow the recommended hierarchy, trim unnecessary content, and clearly separate user-facing guidance from contributor-facing information.

Frequently Asked Questions about readme-craft

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I restructure a project README for faster user adoption?

To restructure a README for faster adoption, rewrite it using a concise information hierarchy that prioritizes the billboard section within the first 29 lines to capture attention and convey value quickly.

What is the best way to separate user-facing content from contributor guidance in documentation?

The best way to separate user-facing content from contributor guidance is to rewrite the README by moving internal development details to external docs, ensuring the main file focuses strictly on user onboarding.

How do I audit an existing README to remove config dumps and duplication?

You audit an existing README by applying a structured workflow to trim unnecessary config dumps, eliminate duplicated content, and reorganize the remaining information into a clear, consistent hierarchy.

Can I use a structured workflow to write greenfield project documentation?

Yes, you can use a greenfield workflow to write project documentation from scratch, establishing a clear hierarchy and separating user content from contributor information right from the beginning.

What should I include in the billboard section of a README?

The billboard section of a README should include the most critical orientation details that convey the project's value quickly, acting as a concise hook within the first 29 lines to accelerate user onboarding.

When should I move technical documentation out of the README?

You should move technical documentation out of the README when it functions as a config dump or contributor-facing content, linking to external docs instead to reduce decision fatigue and maintain readability.