What are Claude skills?
Claude skills are reusable instruction packs that teach Claude a specific job. Each skill is a folder with a SKILL.md file: a name, a one-line description of when to use it, and the steps to follow. Claude only loads the full skill when your request matches, so you can install dozens without bloating every chat.
How a skill works
- Discovery. Claude sees only each skill's name and description.
- Match. When your task fits a description, Claude loads that SKILL.md.
- Run. Claude follows the steps, and can use scripts or reference files bundled in the folder.
What a SKILL.md looks like
--- name: seo-content-brief description: Create an SEO content brief for a target keyword. Use when the user asks for a content brief or article outline. --- # SEO Content Brief ## Steps 1. State search intent... 2. Propose an H1 and title tag...
See the full version: SEO Content Brief skill.
Skills vs prompts vs MCP
| Prompt | One-off. You paste it every time. |
|---|---|
| Skill | Saved, loads itself when relevant, can bundle scripts and files. |
| MCP server | Gives Claude access to tools and data (Shopify, Gmail, a database). |
Where you can use them
Claude.ai (upload a zip in Settings), Claude Code (~/.claude/skills/), and the Claude API (Skills API). Every skill page in our library has install steps for all three.
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FAQ
What are Claude skills?
Claude skills are folders with a SKILL.md file that teach Claude how to do a specific task. The file has a short name and description up top, then instructions. Claude reads the description, and loads the full instructions only when a task matches.
Are Claude skills free?
Skills themselves are just files, so they cost nothing. You need a Claude plan or API access that supports skills and code execution to run them.
What is the difference between Claude skills and MCP?
MCP connects Claude to outside tools and data. Skills teach Claude how to do a job. They work well together: a skill can tell Claude how to use an MCP tool well.
Where do Claude skills work?
Claude.ai web and desktop, Claude Code, and the Claude API. The same SKILL.md works across all three.
How do I make my own Claude skill?
Write a SKILL.md with a name, a clear description of when to use it, and step by step instructions. Our free skill creator builds one for you.
Next: the best Claude skills or build your own.