code.claude.com/docs/en/skills
FreeExtend Claude with custom commands and automated workflows using SKILL.md files.
FreeFree tier
Inputs: text, codeOutputs: text, code
About code.claude.com/docs/en/skills
Claude Code skills extend what Claude can do by allowing users to create custom instructions in SKILL.md files. Skills are invoked manually via /skill-name or automatically by Claude when relevant. They follow the open Agent Skills standard and include bundled skills like /doctor, /code-review, /debug, /run, and /verify for automating development workflows. Skills support subagent execution, dynamic context injection, and are more efficient than CLAUDE.md for procedures because they load only when used.
Key Features
Create custom skills via SKILL.md files with detailed instructions
Invoke skills manually with /skill-name or let Claude invoke them automatically
Bundled skills: /doctor, /code-review, /debug, /run, /verify, /batch, /loop, /claude-api
Works across terminal, VS Code, JetBrains, Slack, and web
Supports subagent execution and dynamic context injection
Follows the open Agent Skills standard for cross-tool compatibility
Run and verify skills automatically launch and test applications
Skill-over-config separation: body loads only when used, saving tokens
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Reduces repetitive pasting of instructions by creating reusable skills
- Skills load on demand, keeping context efficient
- Bundled skills like /run and /verify work out-of-the-box without setup
- Supports per-project customization with supporting files and frontmatter
- Follows open standard, compatible with multiple AI tools
Cons
- Requires Claude Code subscription (Pro, Max, or Max 20x plans)
- Limited to the Claude Code environment
- Some bundled skills like /verify and /code-review may consume significant tokens and time
- Custom skills must be authored manually; no visual editor
Best For
Automating repeated multi-step procedures (e.g., deploy checklist)Creating custom commands for project-specific workflowsLaunching and verifying applications with /run and /verify skillsAdding code review and debugging routines as bundled skillsTeaching Claude how to build and launch projects via /run-skill-generator
FAQ
What is a skill in Claude Code?
A skill is a set of instructions in a SKILL.md file that extends what Claude can do. It can be invoked manually with /skill-name or triggered automatically when relevant.
How do I create a skill?
Create a SKILL.md file inside a directory named after the skill (e.g., .claude/skills/deploy/SKILL.md). Include the instructions, and optionally frontmatter to control invocation behavior.
What are bundled skills?
Bundled skills are prompt-based skills that come with Claude Code, such as /doctor, /code-review, /debug, /run, /verify, /batch, /loop, and /claude-api. They are available in every session.
Can I disable bundled skills?
Yes, use the disableBundledSkills setting to turn off all bundled skills except /doctor. For older versions, you can hide /doctor with the DISABLE_DOCTOR_COMMAND environment variable.
What happened to custom commands?
Custom commands have been merged into skills. A file at .claude/commands/deploy.md and a skill at .claude/skills/deploy/SKILL.md both create a /deploy command and work the same way. Existing .claude/commands/ files keep working.
What is the difference between CLAUDE.md and a skill?
CLAUDE.md contains project facts that Claude always has available. A skill contains procedures that load only when used, making it more efficient for long multi-step instructions.