Updated · 169 skills · 13 categories
What are Claude Skills?
Claude Skills (Agent Skills) are modular, reusable capabilities you add to Claude Code. Each skill is a SKILL.md file with instructions plus optional scripts — Claude loads it only when it's relevant, or when you invoke it with /skill-name.
Drop a skill in .claude/skills/ (project) or ~/.claude/skills/ (personal), or install a plugin that bundles them. Below are 169 community skills across 13 categories — see the cheatsheet for the full skill spec.
Document Skills
Development & Code Tools
Data & Analysis
Scientific & Research Tools
Writing & Research
Learning & Knowledge
Media & Content
Health & Life Sciences
Collaboration & Project Management
Security & Web Testing
Utility & Automation
Articles & Blog Posts
Collections
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Claude Skills?
Claude Skills (Agent Skills) are modular capabilities defined in a SKILL.md file containing instructions plus optional scripts and resources. Claude loads a skill only when it is relevant to your task, or when you invoke it directly with /skill-name. Unlike CLAUDE.md, which loads every session, skills load on demand to keep context lean.
How do I install a Claude skill?
Add a SKILL.md file under .claude/skills/<name>/ for a project, or ~/.claude/skills/<name>/ to use it across all projects. You can also install a plugin that bundles skills with /plugin install <name>@<marketplace>. Run /skills to list what is available and /reload-skills to pick up new or changed skills without restarting.
What is the difference between a Claude skill and an MCP server?
A skill is instructions — a Markdown playbook that shapes how Claude performs a task, and Claude can invoke it automatically. An MCP server adds new tools and data connections, such as a database, API, or app. In short: skills tell Claude how to do something, while MCP servers give Claude new things to act on.
Skills vs slash commands — what should I use?
Both can live in your .claude/ directory. A slash command (.claude/commands/<name>.md) is user-invoked — you type /name. A skill (SKILL.md) adds a description so Claude can auto-invoke it based on context, and it can bundle extra files, scripts, and tool restrictions. Use commands for quick prompts, skills for richer reusable capabilities.
Are Claude Skills free?
Yes. The skills themselves are free files you add to Claude Code, and most in this directory are open-source on GitHub. There is no separate charge to use a skill — you only pay for your normal Claude usage when the skill runs.
