Note: Skills in the API require the Code Execution Tool beta, which provides the secure environment skills need to run.

For implementation details, see:

• • Skills API Quickstart
• • Create Custom skills
• • Skills in the Agent SDK

Recommended approach today

Start by hosting your skill on GitHub with a public repo, clear README (for human visitors — this is separate from your skill folder, which should not contain a README.md), and example usage with screenshots. Then add a section to your MCP documentation that links to the skill, explains why using both together is valuable, and provides a quick-start guide.

1. Host on GitHub

• - Public repo for open-source skills
• - Clear README with installation instructions
• - Example usage and screenshots

2. Document in Your MCP Repo

• - Link to skills from MCP documentation
• - Explain the value of using both together
• - Provide quick-start guide

3. Create an Installation Guide

## Installing the [Your Service] skill

1. 1. Download the skill:
   • - Clone repo: git clone https://github.com/yourcompany/skills
   • - Or download ZIP from Releases
2. 2. Install in Claude:
   • - Open Claude.ai > Settings > skills
   • - Click "Upload skill"

• - Select the skill folder (zipped)

1. 3. Enable the skill:

• - Toggle on the [Your Service] skill
• - Ensure your MCP server is connected

1. 4. Test:

• - Ask Claude: "Set up a new project in [Your Service]"

Positioning your skill

How you describe your skill determines whether users understand its value and actually try it. When writing about your skill—in your README, documentation, or marketing - keep these principles in mind.

Focus on outcomes, not features:

✓ Good:

"The ProjectHub skill enables teams to set up complete project workspaces in seconds – including pages, databases, and templates – instead of spending 30 minutes on manual setup."

✗ Bad:

"The ProjectHub skill is a folder containing YAML frontmatter and Markdown instructions that calls our MCP server tools."

Highlight the MCP + skills story:

"Our MCP server gives Claude access to your Linear projects. Our skills teach Claude your team's sprint planning workflow. Together, they enable AI-powered project management."