SKILL.md Template

AI Skill Template

Use this template to save instructions for a task you repeat often.

Part 1: Fill In Your Skill

Skill Title

Give your skill a clear name.

Example: Email Reply, Bug Fix Update, Reel Script.

Purpose

Explain what the skill should do and what you will provide each time.

Example: “Write a customer email reply from the message and order details I provide.”

Tone

Describe how the output should sound.

Example: Friendly, simple English. Short sentences. No jargon.

Format

List the sections in the order you want them.

Example:

1. Subject line
2. Three short lines
3. Sign-off

Required Information

List the details that must always appear.

Example:

• Customer name
• What changed
• New date
• Next step

If essential information is missing, ask me one question before writing.

Output Limits

Set the length and presentation rules.

Example:

• Under 100 words
• Plain text only
• No extra explanation before or after the draft

Reference Examples

Paste real outputs you like. Use examples that show your preferred tone and format.

Example 1:

[Paste an output here.]

Example 2:

[Paste another output here.]

Example 3:

[Paste a third output here.]

Rules

• Never invent facts, names, or dates.
• Preserve the facts I provide.
• If the input is unclear, ask one focused question.

Part 2: Set Up and Improve

1. Name Your Folder

Rename skill-template to your skill name.

Use lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens.

Example: email-reply

2. Complete Your File

Open SKILL.md.

Set its name: field to match the folder name, then fill in the sections above.

3. Add It to Claude

Claude app: Zip the skill folder and upload it through the skill settings.

Claude Code: Place the folder in ~/.claude/skills/, then invoke it with /your-skill-name.

4. Improve It Over Time

When an output needs a correction, update the relevant instructions in SKILL.md.

Adjust the tone, format, rules, or examples. Upload the updated version if you use the Claude app.

File Checklist

• File name: SKILL.md, with capital letters.
• Skill name: maximum 64 characters.
• Use lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens.
• Do not include “claude” or “anthropic” in the skill name.

Part 3: Filled Example — Reel Script

Purpose

Write a spoken reel script from the topic I provide.

Example input: “Claude skills in 3 steps.”

Tone

• Use natural Teluglish: Telugu sentences with common English tech words.
• Sound like a friend explaining something.
• Keep sentences short and easy to say aloud.
• Start directly, without filler greetings.

Script Structure

Required Information

Always include:

• The topic
• A clear connection to the intended audience
• One concrete example
• One number or a numbered step list

If the topic is too vague, ask one focused question first.

Never invent statistics. Mark any claim that needs checking with [verify].

Deliverables

Return these in order:

1. Script: Under 150 words.
2. Beat sheet: A table with the spoken line, on-screen text, and suggested visual. Keep on-screen text to four words or fewer.
3. Alternate hooks: Three options, ranked strongest to weakest, with a one-line reason for each.

Reference Examples

Example 1: Save Time With AI

Hook

AI unna kuda, ade instructions malli malli type chestunnara?

Open loop

Ee moodu steps tho aa repetitive pani tagginchukovachu.

Body

Step 1: Meeru repeat chese instructions raayandi.

Step 2: Vaatini reusable skill ga save cheyyandi.

Step 3: Next task ki relevant details ichi, output review cheyyandi.

Payoff

Okasari set cheyyandi. Use chesthu improve cheyyandi.

CTA

Sample file kavalante, comment lo “skill” ani type cheyyandi.

Example 2: Better Prompts

Hook

AI answer nachatleda? Mee prompt lo ee moodu unnaya?

Open loop

Oka simple example tho cheptha.

Body

Role: “Nuvvu technical editor.”

Goal: “Ee bug fix ni explain cheyyi.”

Format: “Root cause, fix, testing — moodu sections lo ivvu.”

Payoff

Role, goal, format. Mee expectation clear ga cheppandi.

CTA

Save chesukondi. Next prompt ki use cheyyandi.

Example 3: Free AI Tools

Hook

Mee daily work kosam ee moodu free AI tools try chesara?

Open loop

Prati tool ki oka practical use chupistha.

Body

Tool 1: [Verified tool name] — [specific task].

Tool 2: [Verified tool name] — [specific task].

Tool 3: [Verified tool name] — [specific task].

Payoff

Mee pani ki use ayye tool tho start cheyyandi.

CTA

Ee list save chesukondi.

Replace the placeholders and verify free-plan availability before using this example.

Rules

• No emojis or hashtags in the script.
• Spell English terms normally: AI, prompt, tool.
• Preserve the facts I provide.
• Avoid exaggerated promises and unsupported claims.
• Make the script comfortable to speak aloud.
• Use only one CTA.
• If essential information is unclear, ask before writing.