
Create Agentsmd
- 11.9k installs
- 37.1k repo stars
- Updated July 28, 2026
- github/awesome-copilot
A structured, agent-focused Markdown file that documents project setup, development workflows, testing, code style, build/deployment, and debugging patterns for AI coding agents.
About
This skill guides the creation of AGENTS.md, a Markdown file placed at repository root to serve as agent-focused documentation complementing README.md. It provides AI coding agents with detailed technical context including setup commands, development workflow, testing instructions, code style guidelines, build/deployment steps, and project-specific patterns. The format is standardized yet flexible, compatible with 20+ AI coding tools (Cursor, Aider, Gemini CLI, etc.). Developers use it to document monorepo structures, environment setup, CI/CD pipelines, debugging patterns, security considerations, and PR guidelines in a machine-readable, action-oriented way without cluttering human-focused docs.
- Create AGENTS.md at repository root to standardize agent context across 20+ AI coding tools
- Include essential sections: project overview, setup commands, development workflow, testing, code style, build/deploymen
- Document exact, executable commands and workflows that agents can invoke directly without human clarification
- Support monorepo structures with multiple AGENTS.md files per subproject; closest file takes precedence for any location
- Complement README.md by capturing detailed technical instructions agents need while keeping human docs clean
Create Agentsmd by the numbers
- 11,888 all-time installs (skills.sh)
- +170 installs in the week ending Jul 28, 2026 (Skillselion tracking)
- Ranked #38 of 1,901 Documentation skills by installs in the Skillselion catalog
- Security screen: MEDIUM risk (skills.sh audit)
- Data as of Jul 28, 2026 (Skillselion catalog sync)
create-agentsmd capabilities & compatibility
- Capabilities
- generate standardized agent documentation files · document setup and development commands · capture code style and testing patterns · support monorepo structures with multiple agents · enable ai agents to work autonomously on project
- Use cases
- code review · documentation · devops · project management
- Platforms
- macOS · Windows · Linux
- Runs
- Runs locally
- Pricing
- Free
npx skills add https://github.com/github/awesome-copilot --skill create-agentsmdAdd your badge
Show developers this skill is listed on Skillselion. Paste this into your README.
| Installs | 11.9k |
|---|---|
| repo stars | ★ 37.1k |
| Security audit | 3 / 3 scanners passed |
| Last updated | July 28, 2026 |
| Repository | github/awesome-copilot ↗ |
What it does
Generate standardized AGENTS.md files to provide AI coding agents with project context and operational instructions.
Who is it for?
Projects with multiple AI agent collaborators, monorepos, complex development workflows, projects requiring consistent agent context, teams standardizing agent onboarding.
Skip if: Simple single-file scripts, projects without AI agent tooling, contexts where separate agent documentation is unnecessary.
When should I use this skill?
Setting up a new repository, configuring agent tooling, documenting monorepo structures, standardizing development workflows, enabling CI/CD agent access.
What you get
Repository contains an AGENTS.md file with clear, actionable instructions that enable any AI agent to understand project structure and execute common development tasks.
- AGENTS.md file at repository root
- Documented setup, testing, and development commands
- Clear code style and PR guidelines
By the numbers
- Compatible with 20+ AI coding tools and agents
- Supports flexible Markdown structure with no required fields
- Recommended 8+ core sections: overview, setup, workflow, testing, style, build, PR, security
Files
Create high‑quality AGENTS.md file
You are a code agent. Your task is to create a complete, accurate AGENTS.md at the root of this repository that follows the public guidance at https://agents.md/.
AGENTS.md is an open format designed to provide coding agents with the context and instructions they need to work effectively on a project.
What is AGENTS.md?
AGENTS.md is a Markdown file that serves as a "README for agents" - a dedicated, predictable place to provide context and instructions to help AI coding agents work on your project. It complements README.md by containing detailed technical context that coding agents need but might clutter a human-focused README.
Key Principles
- Agent-focused: Contains detailed technical instructions for automated tools
- Complements README.md: Doesn't replace human documentation but adds agent-specific context
- Standardized location: Placed at repository root (or subproject roots for monorepos)
- Open format: Uses standard Markdown with flexible structure
- Ecosystem compatibility: Works across 20+ different AI coding tools and agents
File Structure and Content Guidelines
1. Required Setup
- Create the file as
AGENTS.mdin the repository root - Use standard Markdown formatting
- No required fields - flexible structure based on project needs
2. Essential Sections to Include
Project Overview
- Brief description of what the project does
- Architecture overview if complex
- Key technologies and frameworks used
Setup Commands
- Installation instructions
- Environment setup steps
- Dependency management commands
- Database setup if applicable
Development Workflow
- How to start development server
- Build commands
- Watch/hot-reload setup
- Package manager specifics (npm, pnpm, yarn, etc.)
Testing Instructions
- How to run tests (unit, integration, e2e)
- Test file locations and naming conventions
- Coverage requirements
- Specific test patterns or frameworks used
- How to run subset of tests or focus on specific areas
Code Style Guidelines
- Language-specific conventions
- Linting and formatting rules
- File organization patterns
- Naming conventions
- Import/export patterns
Build and Deployment
- Build commands and outputs
- Environment configurations
- Deployment steps and requirements
- CI/CD pipeline information
3. Optional but Recommended Sections
Security Considerations
- Security testing requirements
- Secrets management
- Authentication patterns
- Permission models
Monorepo Instructions (if applicable)
- How to work with multiple packages
- Cross-package dependencies
- Selective building/testing
- Package-specific commands
Pull Request Guidelines
- Title format requirements
- Required checks before submission
- Review process
- Commit message conventions
Debugging and Troubleshooting
- Common issues and solutions
- Logging patterns
- Debug configuration
- Performance considerations
Example Template
Use this as a starting template and customize based on the specific project:
# AGENTS.md
## Project Overview
[Brief description of the project, its purpose, and key technologies]
## Setup Commands
- Install dependencies: `[package manager] install`
- Start development server: `[command]`
- Build for production: `[command]`
## Development Workflow
- [Development server startup instructions]
- [Hot reload/watch mode information]
- [Environment variable setup]
## Testing Instructions
- Run all tests: `[command]`
- Run unit tests: `[command]`
- Run integration tests: `[command]`
- Test coverage: `[command]`
- [Specific testing patterns or requirements]
## Code Style
- [Language and framework conventions]
- [Linting rules and commands]
- [Formatting requirements]
- [File organization patterns]
## Build and Deployment
- [Build process details]
- [Output directories]
- [Environment-specific builds]
- [Deployment commands]
## Pull Request Guidelines
- Title format: [component] Brief description
- Required checks: `[lint command]`, `[test command]`
- [Review requirements]
## Additional Notes
- [Any project-specific context]
- [Common gotchas or troubleshooting tips]
- [Performance considerations]Working Example from agents.md
Here's a real example from the agents.md website:
# Sample AGENTS.md file
## Dev environment tips
- Use `pnpm dlx turbo run where <project_name>` to jump to a package instead of scanning with `ls`.
- Run `pnpm install --filter <project_name>` to add the package to your workspace so Vite, ESLint, and TypeScript can see it.
- Use `pnpm create vite@latest <project_name> -- --template react-ts` to spin up a new React + Vite package with TypeScript checks ready.
- Check the name field inside each package's package.json to confirm the right name—skip the top-level one.
## Testing instructions
- Find the CI plan in the .github/workflows folder.
- Run `pnpm turbo run test --filter <project_name>` to run every check defined for that package.
- From the package root you can just call `pnpm test`. The commit should pass all tests before you merge.
- To focus on one step, add the Vitest pattern: `pnpm vitest run -t "<test name>"`.
- Fix any test or type errors until the whole suite is green.
- After moving files or changing imports, run `pnpm lint --filter <project_name>` to be sure ESLint and TypeScript rules still pass.
- Add or update tests for the code you change, even if nobody asked.
## PR instructions
- Title format: [<project_name>] <Title>
- Always run `pnpm lint` and `pnpm test` before committing.Implementation Steps
1. Analyze the project structure to understand:
- Programming languages and frameworks used
- Package managers and build tools
- Testing frameworks
- Project architecture (monorepo, single package, etc.)
2. Identify key workflows by examining:
- package.json scripts
- Makefile or other build files
- CI/CD configuration files
- Documentation files
3. Create comprehensive sections covering:
- All essential setup and development commands
- Testing strategies and commands
- Code style and conventions
- Build and deployment processes
4. Include specific, actionable commands that agents can execute directly
5. Test the instructions by ensuring all commands work as documented
6. Keep it focused on what agents need to know, not general project information
Best Practices
- Be specific: Include exact commands, not vague descriptions
- Use code blocks: Wrap commands in backticks for clarity
- Include context: Explain why certain steps are needed
- Stay current: Update as the project evolves
- Test commands: Ensure all listed commands actually work
- Consider nested files: For monorepos, create AGENTS.md files in subprojects as needed
Monorepo Considerations
For large monorepos:
- Place a main AGENTS.md at the repository root
- Create additional AGENTS.md files in subproject directories
- The closest AGENTS.md file takes precedence for any given location
- Include navigation tips between packages/projects
Final Notes
- AGENTS.md works with 20+ AI coding tools including Cursor, Aider, Gemini CLI, and many others
- The format is intentionally flexible - adapt it to your project's needs
- Focus on actionable instructions that help agents understand and work with your codebase
- This is living documentation - update it as your project evolves
When creating the AGENTS.md file, prioritize clarity, completeness, and actionability. The goal is to give any coding agent enough context to effectively contribute to the project without requiring additional human guidance.
Related skills
Forks & variants (1)
Create Agentsmd has 1 known copy in the catalog totaling 219 installs. They canonicalize to this original listing.
- ilteoood - 219 installs
How it compares
Choose create-agentsmd when the goal is a dedicated agent instruction file rather than expanding README.md with human-oriented onboarding prose.
FAQ
Where should AGENTS.md be placed?
At the repository root; for monorepos, place additional AGENTS.md files in subproject directories. The closest file takes precedence.
What are required sections in AGENTS.md?
No required fields - structure is flexible. Essential recommended sections: Project Overview, Setup Commands, Development Workflow, Testing Instructions, Code Style, Build/Deployment, PR Guidelines.
Which AI tools use AGENTS.md?
Compatible with 20+ AI coding tools including Cursor, Aider, Gemini CLI, GitHub Copilot, Claude Desktop, and others using agents.md open format.
Is Create Agentsmd safe to install?
skills.sh reports 3 of 3 security scanners passed. Review the Security Audits panel on this page before installing in production.