To build a Skill for Claude, create a directory containing a SKILL.md file with YAML frontmatter for its name and description, then add references or code only if the workflow needs them. Test it with realistic prompts, and install it using the steps for the Claude surface where you intend to use it: Claude Code, claude.ai, or an API-based workflow.
What a Claude Skill is—and what you need to build one
A Skill is a reusable workflow package: a directory with a required SKILL.md instruction file and, optionally, supporting reference documents or executable code. It is meant to help Claude handle a recurring task consistently, rather than serve as a general-purpose prompt. Anthropic describes the package format and surface-specific options in its Agent Skills overview.
Start with one task that repeats and has a recognizable trigger and an observable successful result. For example, a team might repeatedly convert meeting notes into a fixed action-item format. Define what input should activate the workflow and what a useful output looks like before writing instructions.
How to create a custom Skill for Claude
1. Define the task and its trigger
Write down the task the Skill should perform, the kinds of requests that should invoke it, and the expected result. A narrow scope makes it easier to write clear instructions and notice when the Skill is not being selected or is producing the wrong output.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
2. Create the Skill directory and required file
Create a directory for the Skill and put a file named SKILL.md in it. The file begins with YAML frontmatter containing name and description. A minimal shape is:
---
name: meeting-action-items
description: Turn meeting notes into a concise list of decisions, owners, and action items. Use when a user asks to organize meeting notes or identify follow-up work.
---
# Meeting action items
Instructions for carrying out the workflow go here.The example is a format illustration, not a guarantee that Claude will select the Skill for every matching request. The description should state both the Skill’s purpose and when to use it; keep the instructions focused on how to complete that task.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
3. Check the frontmatter constraints
Anthropic’s format requirements limit the name to 64 characters and allow lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens. XML tags and reserved words are not allowed. The description is required, must be nonempty, and can be at most 1,024 characters. Check the current format guidance if you are unsure whether a name or description meets the specification.
4. Add supporting files only when they help
Keep the initial package small. Add reference material when Claude needs stable information that would otherwise clutter the instructions, or executable code when the workflow genuinely depends on it. Supporting files do not remove the need to explain the workflow in SKILL.md. Whether code, filesystem access, network access, or installed packages are available depends on the target surface, so do not assume a package that works in one environment will work unchanged in another.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How to test and improve a Claude Skill
Test after each substantial change, then try several realistic prompts with different wording. Anthropic’s Help Center recommends testing incrementally and checking the open specification; it does not establish a universal benchmark for Skill quality or guarantee that a Skill will always trigger. See How to create custom Skills.
- Run a prompt that clearly matches the intended task and inspect whether the result follows the workflow.
- Try alternate phrasings, including a less direct request, to see whether the Skill is selected appropriately.
- Try a request outside the Skill’s scope and check whether its instructions are being applied where they should not be.
- Note missed selections, unwanted selections, and output errors; revise the description or instructions, then repeat the tests.
Make changes based on observable failures: a missed trigger may call for a clearer description, while a wrong result may call for more precise instructions or a needed reference file. Retest after changes rather than assuming an edit fixed the behavior.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
How to install and share a Skill: Claude Code, claude.ai, and API workflows
The package concept is reusable, but installation, access, and runtime are surface-specific. Anthropic’s overview describes filesystem-based custom Skills in Claude Code and uploaded Skill packages for claude.ai; API and managed-agent workflows have their own documentation. Check current account settings and organization requirements before relying on a particular distribution option.
| Surface | How the Skill is provided | Access and runtime considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Claude Code | Custom Skills are filesystem-based and may be personal or project-level. Follow the current Claude Code Skills documentation for paths and setup. | Filesystem location determines where the Skill is available. Check the current documentation for project, personal, and execution requirements. |
| claude.ai | Custom Skill packages are uploaded. Use the current Help Center instructions for the upload process. | Availability and feature access depend on the account surface and current settings; confirm them before sharing or relying on a Skill. |
| API or managed-agent workflows | Use the workflow documented for the specific API or managed-agent product; Claude Code filesystem paths and claude.ai uploads are not a substitute. | Requirements and runtime capabilities differ by surface. Consult Anthropic’s overview and the relevant Skills platform documentation. |
Before deploying, establish who needs access—just you, users of a project, or an organization—and whether the workflow depends on filesystem, network, or executable-code access. Anthropic documents different constraints across surfaces; organization controls, plan availability, and feature access can change. Verify the current settings for your target product rather than inferring that a Skill or permission transfers between them.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Common mistakes when building Skills for Claude
- Making the Skill too broad: A package for one recurring task is easier to trigger and evaluate than a catch-all set of unrelated instructions.
- Writing a vague description: Explain both the task and the situations in which Claude should use it.
- Adding files without a need: Keep references and code only when they contribute to the workflow.
- Assuming a test proves reliable triggering: Try varied prompts and review both missed and unwanted selections; no universal trigger guarantee is established.
- Assuming product parity: An upload path, filesystem path, sharing control, or runtime capability for one surface does not establish the same behavior in another.
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