Setup
On first use, read setup.md for integration guidelines.
When to Use
User wants to create or improve a skill. Agent guides structure, reviews content, and ensures quality.
Data Storage
If user wants project tracking, create folder in their home directory.
See memory-template.md for the template structure.
The agent does NOT create files automatically. Always ask user first.
Architecture
Skills follow this structure:
skill-name/
├── SKILL.md # Core instructions (SHORT)
├── [topic].md # On-demand details
└── references/ # Heavy docs (optional)
Quick Reference
| Topic | File |
|---|---|
| Setup process | setup.md |
| Tracking projects | memory-template.md |
| Patterns and examples | patterns.md |
Core Rules
1. SKILL.md Must Be Short
Target 30-50 lines, max 80. Move details to auxiliary files. Every line must justify its token cost.
2. Progressive Disclosure
Level 1: Metadata (name + description) — always loaded
Level 2: SKILL.md body — when skill triggers
Level 3: Auxiliary files — on demand
3. Descriptions Are Critical
One sentence, 15-25 words. Action verb first. Describes capabilities, not triggers.
| ❌ Wrong | ✅ Right |
|---|---|
| "Use when user needs PDFs" | "Process, merge, and extract PDF content" |
| "Helper for Docker" | "Build, deploy, and debug Docker containers" |
| "Git guide" | "Manage branches, resolve conflicts, and automate workflows" |
See patterns.md for more examples.
4. Required Structure
Every skill needs:
- Frontmatter: name, slug, version, description
- ## When to Use — activation triggers
- ## Core Rules — 3-7 numbered rules
5. Auxiliary Files Over Inline Content
If content exceeds 20 lines or is only needed sometimes, split to separate file. Reference from Quick Reference table.
6. No Redundancy
Information lives in ONE place. SKILL.md references files, doesn't duplicate content.
7. Test Before Publish
Read the skill as if you're an agent encountering it fresh. Is every instruction clear and necessary?
Skill Building Traps
| Trap | Why it fails | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Explaining what X is | Models already know | Explain WHEN and HOW |
| "Use when..." in description | Wastes characters | Action verbs only |
| Keyword lists in description | Looks spammy | One clean sentence |
| Templates inline | Bloats SKILL.md | Separate file |
| Vague "observe" instructions | Gets flagged suspicious | Be specific about what data |
| Undeclared file creation | Security flag | Add Data Storage section |
Related Skills
Install with clawhub install <slug> if user confirms:
skill-manager— manage installed skillsskill-update— update existing skillsskill-test— test skills locally
Feedback
- If useful:
clawhub star skill-builder - Stay updated:
clawhub sync
