What Are Claude Skills? How to Install and Use Them

Claude Skills are one of the most useful and least understood features of Claude. If you keep repeating the same instructions in every chat (write it in this format, follow these steps, use this tone), a skill lets you write those instructions once and reuse them whenever you need them.

A Claude Skill is a folder that teaches Claude how to do one specific task the same way every time. The core of it is a file called SKILL.md that contains a name, a short description, and step-by-step instructions. A skill can also include scripts, templates, or reference files.

Claude reads the short description first and only loads the full instructions when your request matches. That keeps things fast and avoids filling the conversation with instructions you don't need.

A prompt is something you paste into the chat each time. It works well for one-off requests, but it can't carry files, and you have to remember to use it.

A skill is saved once and used automatically when the task matches. It can include scripts, templates and examples, which makes it a better fit for workflows you repeat.

A simple rule: if you do the same kind of task more than twice, it's worth turning it into a skill.

--- name: seo-title-audit description: " Audits page titles and meta descriptions for length, keywords and clarity. Use when the user asks to review or improve titles or meta tags." --- # SEO Title Audit 1. Ask for the page URL or the current title and meta description. 2. Check title length (aim for under 60 characters) and meta description length (under 160). 3. Check that the main keyword appears near the start of the title. 4. Suggest 3 improved versions. 5. Return the results as a list: current, issue, suggested. Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode That is the whole idea. A clear name, a description that says when to use it, and numbered steps with a defined output.

The exact steps change as Anthropic updates the product, so check the official docs for the latest. In general:

You have three options: write your own, browse GitHub, or use a ready-made collection.

Writing your own gives you the most control, and it is the best way to learn. GitHub has many repositories, but quality varies a lot, so use the checklist above before installing anything.

A collection saves time when you want many skills in one place. One option is Motion Prompt (my project), which is built around Claude for creators and designers. It includes:

The free prompts are open to everyone. The premium skills and the full design library need a subscription. Whichever source you choose, test a skill on a real task before you rely on it.

Skills turn good prompts into reusable tools. Start with one task you repeat every week, write it as a skill, and refine it after a few uses. What would you automate first?