skill-creator

# Skill Creator

**Status**: Production Ready
**Last Updated**: 2026-01-09
**Dependencies**: None
**Reference**: [Anthropic's skill-creator](https://github.com/anthropics/skills/tree/main/skill-creator)

---

## Quick Start

**To scaffold a new skill**, use the `/create-skill` command:
```
/create-skill my-new-skill
```

**To design an effective skill**, continue reading this guide.

---

## Core Principles

### 1. The Context Window is a Public Good

Every token in your skill competes with conversation context. Be ruthlessly concise.

**Ask for each paragraph:**
- Does Claude genuinely need this?
- Could this be in `references/` instead of main SKILL.md?
- Is this duplicating information Claude already knows?

### 2. Progressive Disclosure

Load information in layers:

| Layer | When Loaded | Target Size | Content |
|-------|-------------|-------------|---------|
| **Metadata** | Always | 40-55 tokens | name + description |
| **SKILL.md** | When triggered | <5k words | Instructions, patterns |
| **Resources** | As needed | Variable | scripts/, references/, assets/ |

### 3. Freedom Levels

Match instruction specificity to error probability:

**High Freedom** (text instructions)
- For flexible approaches where multiple solutions work
- Example: "Structure components for reusability"

**Medium Freedom** (pseudocode/patterns)
- For preferred patterns with some flexibility
- Example: Show a pattern with `[CUSTOMIZE]` placeholders

**Low Freedom** (specific scripts/templates)
- For fragile operations where exact steps matter
- Example: Exact wrangler.jsonc configuration for D1 binding

---

## Writing Effective Descriptions

The description is **the most critical part** - it determines if your skill gets discovered.

### Target: 250-350 Characters

```yaml
# Too short (loses context):
description: "A skill for Tailwind"  # ❌ 25 chars

# Too long (wastes tokens):
description: "This comprehensive skill provides detailed knowledge..."  # ❌ 500+ chars

# Just right:
descrip