Know what is inside a skill
Understand the file structure before installing, editing or generating an agent skill.
Metadata helps an agent discover the workflow
The Agent Skills specification describes a directory containing SKILL.md. Its YAML frontmatter supplies a name and description; the Markdown body contains the instructions. Optional directories can hold references, assets or executable scripts.
A useful description says when to use the skill. Instructions explain the work and its boundaries. Check the official specification for the exact validation rules rather than inferring them from one example.
Review the trigger separately from the instructions
This small excerpt shows the distinction. It is intentionally a review-only task with no execution tools.
--- name: release-note-review description: Review draft release notes against a supplied approved change list. Use when preparing or checking a release announcement. --- Compare every feature claim with the supplied change list. Return unsupported statements and questions about missing rollout dates. Do not publish, change source records or assume approval.
A valid format is not a quality certificate
A structurally valid skill can still contain unsafe or inaccurate instructions. Client support for optional metadata and tools varies. Validate the package and review its behavior in the actual client.
Common questions
Is agentskills.io a Prompeteer standard?
No. Prompeteer supports the published Agent Skills format. The official specification and its maintainers are separate from Prompeteer.
Sources and review
Reviewed