Create a skill from a workflow you have tested
Turn a repeated task into a definition, inputs, steps, examples, and a test before relying on it.
Let's understand the idea
If you explain the same report criteria or post style every time, you have material for a skill. Start with a successful attempt and an accepted example. Define what stays fixed and what varies instead of turning an entire long conversation into instructions.
Write when to use the skill, its inputs, steps, review criteria, and deliverable, with references where needed. After building it, test a suitable prompt, an incomplete prompt, and an out-of-scope prompt. The description helps the skill get selected but doesn't guarantee it. A skill itself isn't an app connection or automatic schedule.
Tools for this workflow
Choose from what's available to you. You can use these prompts with several tools. What they can carry out depends on supported features and files.
See tool details and uses in the Tools library →Examples to expand the idea
A freelance content writer follows the same approach for each client: brand analysis, three angles, posts, and review. After several successes, she asks Claude to turn the approach into a skill. Now she uploads client information and the skill follows the same steps.
A skill for writing in your style
Prepare approved examples, a list of errors, and a way to check meaning, while leaving room for different ideas.
A meeting or presentation skill
Define where decisions and tasks come from, or the brand and presentation rules, with an acceptable output sample.
A ready-made bonus to help you build
The skills guide includes the complete Adaptive Skill Builder to try and download. Start with it instead of building the structure from scratch.
Steps from start to delivery
Open any step by its heading. Each explains what to do, why, and what to check before continuing.
1Choose a recurring task worth savingA clear scope and reference result.Details
A skill helps when it contains an approach you can repeat.
What should I do?
- Define the task, a successful example, and an example that needs improvement.
- Write what stays fixed and what changes between uses.
2Prepare inputs and acceptance criteriaA criterion for judging the version.Details
Good instructions handle missing information.
What should I do?
- Define sources, format, and work limits.
- Write what it must ask about and must never invent.
3Write the right packageA clear package with accessible references.Details
Bring in supporting details when needed instead of using a huge, unorganized block of text.
What should I do?
- Prepare SKILL.md with a usage description, workflow steps, and review.
- Put examples, references, and templates in clearly named files with working links, following the environment's specifications.
4Test three casesA results log for different cases.Details
Success on the example you built it from isn't enough.
What should I do?
- Try a suitable prompt, an incomplete prompt, and an out-of-scope prompt.
- Check whether it asks questions, follows the source, and delivers the format. Fix the specific point of failure.
5Establish a version and update itA tested version with known limits.Details
Changes to tools or your approach may require updates.
What should I do?
- Use your environment's supported installation method. Distinguish that from simply attaching a file.
- Keep a copy, examples, and tests. Retest after changes.
Prompts for your work
Open a prompt and fill in your details. Empty fields remain visible so you don't forget them.
Create your first skill versionOpen it to copy or tailor the prompt
Prepare the listed inputs and start with the prompt in an available tool. Open the output and review it against your work.
Copy the prompt as it is, or tailor it with your details first.
Tailor the prompt to your workOptional: add your details and the prompt adjusts itself
View full prompt
Why is the prompt written this way?
Choosing and building requires testing on your own work, rather than an attractive skill name or a description promising guaranteed results.
Test and improve the skillOpen it to copy or tailor the prompt
Copy the prompt as it is, or tailor it with your details first.
Tailor the prompt to your workOptional: add your details and the prompt adjusts itself
View full prompt
Did the result serve your original goal?
Return to the inputs and sources, and open the output where you'll use it. Check these points before relying on it.
- Are the use and scope clear?
- Were all three cases tested?
- Are files and references complete?
If there's a problem, name the unsuitable part, show an example, and request a specific edit.