Skills capture methodologies and expertise in a format AI agents can follow consistently. For example, how a particular firm reviews contracts, what a specific checklist covers, or how certain documents should be formatted.
The easiest way to create Skills is through conversation with your preferred AI agent. Invoke the skill-creator Skill, describe your workflow naturally, and let the agent handle the formatting and structure. No technical expertise required.
How to start
- Start a new chat and describe the intended Skill:
- "I want to create a skill for reviewing NDAs"
- "I need a skill that follows our due diligence checklist"
- "Help me create a skill for drafting GDPR-compliant privacy policies"
- Answer the AI agent's questions about the process. The goal is to provide enough detail that someone capable but unfamiliar could follow the approach. Specific answers produce more effective Skills.
- Upload materials that demonstrate the approach (templates, checklists, examples, etc.). The AI agent uses these to understand the methodology.
How to test
Testing involves describing a task the Skill should address. "Using [skill name]" appears in the agent's thinking when the Skill activates. If something is off, the agent can update the Skill based on feedback.
How to improve
Skills improve through use. Starting simple and refining based on real tasks works better than trying to anticipate everything upfront.
Start with evaluation. Run the Skill on real-world scenarios and observe where the AI agent struggles or produces unexpected results. Pay attention to whether it triggers when expected, whether it follows the right steps, and whether the output matches standards.
Iterate and refine. When the AI agent goes off track, ask it to reflect on what went wrong and suggest updates. When it handles a task well, ask it to capture that approach. Let the agent adjust accordingly by invoking the self-improvement Skill.
What makes a good Skill?
Effective Skills typically contain:
Context: When the workflow applies, what triggers it, what falls outside its scope.
Process: The steps followed, what gets checked, what gets flagged, how output is structured.
Examples: Documents showing the preferred approach or format.
Reference materials: Policy guides, checklists, templates, playbooks, style guides, regulatory requirements.