Prompt file imported from trsdn/github-copilot-agent (
.github/prompts/copilot-new-skill.prompt.md). Fill in{{skillName}},{{skillDescription}},{{skillLocation}}before use. Copyright stays with the author.
New Agent Skill
Create a new Agent Skill in this repository.
Inputs
- Skill directory name (lowercase, hyphens for spaces):
{{skillName}} - Skill description (what it does and when to use it):
{{skillDescription}} - Skill location (
projectfor.github/skills/orpersonalfor~/.copilot/skills/):{{skillLocation}}
Requirements
- Inspect existing skills in
.github/skills/(if any) and match conventions. - Create the skill directory and SKILL.md file:
- For project skills:
.github/skills/{{skillName}}/SKILL.md - For personal skills:
~/.copilot/skills/{{skillName}}/SKILL.md
- For project skills:
- In YAML frontmatter:
- Set
nameto{{skillName}}(lowercase, hyphens, max 64 chars) - Set
descriptionto{{skillDescription}}(max 1024 chars, be specific about capabilities and use cases) - Optionally set
argument-hintfor hint text when invoked as a slash command - Optionally set
user-invocable: falseto hide from/menu (still auto-loaded by Copilot) - Optionally set
disable-model-invocation: trueto require manual invocation only - Optionally set
licensefor the skill's license - Optionally set
compatibilityfor environment requirements (max 500 chars) - Optionally set
metadatawithauthor,version, or other key-value pairs
- Set
- In the Markdown body, include:
- What the skill accomplishes
- When to use it (specific triggers)
- Step-by-step procedures
- Examples of expected input/output
- References to any included scripts or resources (use relative paths)
- If the skill requires supporting files (scripts, templates, examples), create them in the skill directory and reference them with relative paths like
[script](./script.js).
Skill best practices
- Specific descriptions: Help Copilot decide when to load the skill
- Focused scope: One skill = one capability or workflow
- Progressive disclosure: Keep SKILL.md focused; put details in separate files
- Security: Be cautious with shell commands and review shared skills
When done, explain:
- The created file path(s)
- How Copilot will automatically discover and use the skill
- Any follow-up suggestions (additional resources, related skills)
Reference docs
- Agent Skills (VS Code): https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/customization/agent-skills
- Agent Skills standard: https://agentskills.io/
- Reference skills: https://github.com/anthropics/skills
- Awesome Copilot: https://github.com/github/awesome-copilot