
Skill Creator
- 3k installs
- 385k repo stars
- Updated August 3, 2026
- steipete/clawdis
A meta-skill for creating, editing, auditing, and validating AgentSkills with lean SKILL.md frontmatter and progressive reference loading.
About
Skill Creator guides agents through creating, editing, auditing, and restructuring AgentSkills with compact SKILL.md files. Skills are triggerable workflows where metadata stays visible, the body loads after trigger, and references, scripts, and assets load only as needed. Hard rules keep SKILL.md lean, put trigger-critical facts in quoted frontmatter description, require name and description fields, prefer noun-phrase descriptions with short generic triggers, and move long examples to references/, scripts to scripts/, and templates to assets/. The recommended shape is skill-name/SKILL.md plus optional scripts, references, assets, and agents folders. The edit workflow reads existing skills, removes generic advice the base model already knows, keeps brittle command syntax and safety rules, relaxes prose, and validates YAML frontmatter after edits. Validation runs quick_validate.py and a YAML safe_load loop across skills. No extra README or changelog files belong inside a skill unless they are actual task references. Use when creating new skills, tightening bloated SKILL.md files, or validating frontmatter across a skill repo.
- Keep SKILL.md lean; move long docs to references/ and scripts to scripts/
- Frontmatter needs quoted name and description with short trigger phrase
- Progressive disclosure: metadata visible, body on trigger, refs on demand
- Validate with quick_validate.py and YAML safe_load after edits
- No extra README or changelog inside skill folders unless task references
Skill Creator by the numbers
- 3,040 all-time installs (skills.sh)
- +159 installs in the week ending Aug 2, 2026 (Skillselion tracking)
- Ranked #42 of 781 Skill Development skills by installs in the Skillselion catalog
- Security screen: LOW risk (skills.sh audit)
- Data as of Aug 3, 2026 (Skillselion catalog sync)
skill-creator capabilities & compatibility
- Capabilities
- define lean skill.md with quoted name and descri · organize references/, scripts/, assets/, and age · remove generic advice and keep brittle syntax an · validate frontmatter with quick_validate.py and · restructure existing skills for progressive disc
- Runs
- Runs locally
- Pricing
- Free
npx skills add https://github.com/steipete/clawdis --skill skill-creatorAdd your badge
Show developers this skill is listed on Skillselion. Paste this into your README.
| Installs | 3k |
|---|---|
| repo stars | ★ 385k |
| Security audit | 3 / 3 scanners passed |
| Last updated | August 3, 2026 |
| Repository | steipete/clawdis ↗ |
How do you write AgentSkills that trigger reliably without bloated SKILL.md files full of generic model knowledge?
Create, edit, audit, validate, or restructure AgentSkills and SKILL.md files with lean frontmatter and progressive references.
Who is it for?
Developers authoring or refactoring AgentSkills for Claude Code, OpenClaw, or similar trigger-based agent systems.
Skip if: Skip when the task is implementing application features rather than packaging agent workflow instructions.
When should I use this skill?
Use when creating, editing, auditing, tidying, validating, or restructuring AgentSkills and SKILL.md files.
What you get
Lean SKILL.md with quoted frontmatter, separated references and scripts, and validated YAML after edits.
- authored SKILL.md
- audited skill structure
- validated frontmatter metadata
By the numbers
- Requires name and description in SKILL.md frontmatter per hard rules
Files
Skill Creator
Skills are compact triggerable workflows. Metadata is always visible; body loads only after trigger; references/scripts/assets load only as needed.
Hard rules
- Keep
SKILL.mdlean; Codex is already capable. - Put only trigger-critical facts in frontmatter
description. - Quote frontmatter
description. - Frontmatter needs
name+description; local OpenClaw skills may also usemetadata,homepage,allowed-tools,user-invocable,license. - Prefer noun-phrase descriptions; short generic trigger phrase, not full workflow.
- Move long examples/docs to
references/; scripts toscripts/; templates/media toassets/. - No extra README/changelog/setup docs inside a skill unless they are actual task references.
- Validate YAML frontmatter after edits.
Shape
skill-name/
SKILL.md
scripts/ optional deterministic helpers
references/ optional docs loaded only when needed
assets/ optional output resources/templates
agents/ optional UI metadataGood SKILL.md
---
name: pdf-tools
description: "Inspect, split, merge, OCR, redact, or convert PDFs with local CLI tools."
---
# PDF tools
Use for PDF manipulation. Prefer deterministic scripts for page edits.
## Workflow
1. Inspect file/page count.
2. Choose exact operation.
3. Write output beside input unless user asked otherwise.
4. Render/verify changed pages.Edit workflow
1. Read existing skill and nearby resource names. 2. Remove generic advice the base model already knows. 3. Keep brittle command syntax, auth caveats, safety rules, and validation. 4. Replace tables with bullets unless a table is clearly needed. 5. Relax prose; fragments ok. 6. Validate frontmatter and run any script tests touched.
Validation
python skills/skill-creator/scripts/quick_validate.py skills/<name>
python - <<'PY'
from pathlib import Path
import yaml
for p in Path("skills").glob("*/SKILL.md"):
text=p.read_text()
if not text.startswith("---\n"):
raise SystemExit(f"missing frontmatter: {p}")
fm=text.split("---",2)[1]
yaml.safe_load(fm)
print("ok")
PYquick_validate.py is conservative; repo-local frontmatter may allow keys beyond public skill bundles.
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#!/usr/bin/env python3
"""
Skill Initializer - Creates a new skill from template
Usage:
init_skill.py <skill-name> --path <path> [--resources scripts,references,assets] [--examples]
Examples:
init_skill.py my-new-skill --path skills/public
init_skill.py my-new-skill --path skills/public --resources scripts,references
init_skill.py my-api-helper --path skills/private --resources scripts --examples
init_skill.py custom-skill --path /custom/location
"""
import argparse
import re
import sys
from pathlib import Path
MAX_SKILL_NAME_LENGTH = 64
ALLOWED_RESOURCES = {"scripts", "references", "assets"}
SKILL_TEMPLATE = """---
name: {skill_name}
description: '[TODO: Complete and informative explanation of what the skill does and when to use it. Include WHEN to use this skill - specific scenarios, file types, or tasks that trigger it.]'
---
# {skill_title}
## Overview
[TODO: 1-2 sentences explaining what this skill enables]
## Structuring This Skill
[TODO: Choose the structure that best fits this skill's purpose. Common patterns:
**1. Workflow-Based** (best for sequential processes)
- Works well when there are clear step-by-step procedures
- Example: DOCX skill with "Workflow Decision Tree" -> "Reading" -> "Creating" -> "Editing"
- Structure: ## Overview -> ## Workflow Decision Tree -> ## Step 1 -> ## Step 2...
**2. Task-Based** (best for tool collections)
- Works well when the skill offers different operations/capabilities
- Example: PDF skill with "Quick Start" -> "Merge PDFs" -> "Split PDFs" -> "Extract Text"
- Structure: ## Overview -> ## Quick Start -> ## Task Category 1 -> ## Task Category 2...
**3. Reference/Guidelines** (best for standards or specifications)
- Works well for brand guidelines, coding standards, or requirements
- Example: Brand styling with "Brand Guidelines" -> "Colors" -> "Typography" -> "Features"
- Structure: ## Overview -> ## Guidelines -> ## Specifications -> ## Usage...
**4. Capabilities-Based** (best for integrated systems)
- Works well when the skill provides multiple interrelated features
- Example: Product Management with "Core Capabilities" -> numbered capability list
- Structure: ## Overview -> ## Core Capabilities -> ### 1. Feature -> ### 2. Feature...
Patterns can be mixed and matched as needed. Most skills combine patterns (e.g., start with task-based, add workflow for complex operations).
Delete this entire "Structuring This Skill" section when done - it's just guidance.]
## [TODO: Replace with the first main section based on chosen structure]
[TODO: Add content here. See examples in existing skills:
- Code samples for technical skills
- Decision trees for complex workflows
- Concrete examples with realistic user requests
- References to scripts/templates/references as needed]
## Resources (optional)
Create only the resource directories this skill actually needs. Delete this section if no resources are required.
### scripts/
Executable code (Python/Bash/etc.) that can be run directly to perform specific operations.
**Examples from other skills:**
- PDF skill: `fill_fillable_fields.py`, `extract_form_field_info.py` - utilities for PDF manipulation
- DOCX skill: `document.py`, `utilities.py` - Python modules for document processing
**Appropriate for:** Python scripts, shell scripts, or any executable code that performs automation, data processing, or specific operations.
**Note:** Scripts may be executed without loading into context, but can still be read by Codex for patching or environment adjustments.
### references/
Documentation and reference material intended to be loaded into context to inform Codex's process and thinking.
**Examples from other skills:**
- Product management: `communication.md`, `context_building.md` - detailed workflow guides
- BigQuery: API reference documentation and query examples
- Finance: Schema documentation, company policies
**Appropriate for:** In-depth documentation, API references, database schemas, comprehensive guides, or any detailed information that Codex should reference while working.
### assets/
Files not intended to be loaded into context, but rather used within the output Codex produces.
**Examples from other skills:**
- Brand styling: PowerPoint template files (.pptx), logo files
- Frontend builder: HTML/React boilerplate project directories
- Typography: Font files (.ttf, .woff2)
**Appropriate for:** Templates, boilerplate code, document templates, images, icons, fonts, or any files meant to be copied or used in the final output.
---
**Not every skill requires all three types of resources.**
"""
EXAMPLE_SCRIPT = '''#!/usr/bin/env python3
"""
Example helper script for {skill_name}
This is a placeholder script that can be executed directly.
Replace with actual implementation or delete if not needed.
Example real scripts from other skills:
- pdf/scripts/fill_fillable_fields.py - Fills PDF form fields
- pdf/scripts/convert_pdf_to_images.py - Converts PDF pages to images
"""
def main():
print("This is an example script for {skill_name}")
# TODO: Add actual script logic here
# This could be data processing, file conversion, API calls, etc.
if __name__ == "__main__":
main()
'''
EXAMPLE_REFERENCE = """# Reference Documentation for {skill_title}
This is a placeholder for detailed reference documentation.
Replace with actual reference content or delete if not needed.
Example real reference docs from other skills:
- product-management/references/communication.md - Comprehensive guide for status updates
- product-management/references/context_building.md - Deep-dive on gathering context
- bigquery/references/ - API references and query examples
## When Reference Docs Are Useful
Reference docs are ideal for:
- Comprehensive API documentation
- Detailed workflow guides
- Complex multi-step processes
- Information too lengthy for main SKILL.md
- Content that's only needed for specific use cases
## Structure Suggestions
### API Reference Example
- Overview
- Authentication
- Endpoints with examples
- Error codes
- Rate limits
### Workflow Guide Example
- Prerequisites
- Step-by-step instructions
- Common patterns
- Troubleshooting
- Best practices
"""
EXAMPLE_ASSET = """# Example Asset File
This placeholder represents where asset files would be stored.
Replace with actual asset files (templates, images, fonts, etc.) or delete if not needed.
Asset files are NOT intended to be loaded into context, but rather used within
the output Codex produces.
Example asset files from other skills:
- Brand guidelines: logo.png, slides_template.pptx
- Frontend builder: hello-world/ directory with HTML/React boilerplate
- Typography: custom-font.ttf, font-family.woff2
- Data: sample_data.csv, test_dataset.json
## Common Asset Types
- Templates: .pptx, .docx, boilerplate directories
- Images: .png, .jpg, .svg, .gif
- Fonts: .ttf, .otf, .woff, .woff2
- Boilerplate code: Project directories, starter files
- Icons: .ico, .svg
- Data files: .csv, .json, .xml, .yaml
Note: This is a text placeholder. Actual assets can be any file type.
"""
def normalize_skill_name(skill_name):
"""Normalize a skill name to lowercase hyphen-case."""
normalized = skill_name.strip().lower()
normalized = re.sub(r"[^a-z0-9]+", "-", normalized)
normalized = normalized.strip("-")
normalized = re.sub(r"-{2,}", "-", normalized)
return normalized
def title_case_skill_name(skill_name):
"""Convert hyphenated skill name to Title Case for display."""
return " ".join(word.capitalize() for word in skill_name.split("-"))
def parse_resources(raw_resources):
if not raw_resources:
return []
resources = [item.strip() for item in raw_resources.split(",") if item.strip()]
invalid = sorted({item for item in resources if item not in ALLOWED_RESOURCES})
if invalid:
allowed = ", ".join(sorted(ALLOWED_RESOURCES))
print(f"[ERROR] Unknown resource type(s): {', '.join(invalid)}")
print(f" Allowed: {allowed}")
sys.exit(1)
deduped = []
seen = set()
for resource in resources:
if resource not in seen:
deduped.append(resource)
seen.add(resource)
return deduped
def create_resource_dirs(skill_dir, skill_name, skill_title, resources, include_examples):
for resource in resources:
resource_dir = skill_dir / resource
resource_dir.mkdir(exist_ok=True)
if resource == "scripts":
if include_examples:
example_script = resource_dir / "example.py"
example_script.write_text(EXAMPLE_SCRIPT.format(skill_name=skill_name))
example_script.chmod(0o755)
print("[OK] Created scripts/example.py")
else:
print("[OK] Created scripts/")
elif resource == "references":
if include_examples:
example_reference = resource_dir / "api_reference.md"
example_reference.write_text(EXAMPLE_REFERENCE.format(skill_title=skill_title))
print("[OK] Created references/api_reference.md")
else:
print("[OK] Created references/")
elif resource == "assets":
if include_examples:
example_asset = resource_dir / "example_asset.txt"
example_asset.write_text(EXAMPLE_ASSET)
print("[OK] Created assets/example_asset.txt")
else:
print("[OK] Created assets/")
def init_skill(skill_name, path, resources, include_examples):
"""
Initialize a new skill directory with template SKILL.md.
Args:
skill_name: Name of the skill
path: Path where the skill directory should be created
resources: Resource directories to create
include_examples: Whether to create example files in resource directories
Returns:
Path to created skill directory, or None if error
"""
# Determine skill directory path
skill_dir = Path(path).resolve() / skill_name
# Check if directory already exists
if skill_dir.exists():
print(f"[ERROR] Skill directory already exists: {skill_dir}")
return None
# Create skill directory
try:
skill_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=False)
print(f"[OK] Created skill directory: {skill_dir}")
except Exception as e:
print(f"[ERROR] Error creating directory: {e}")
return None
# Create SKILL.md from template
skill_title = title_case_skill_name(skill_name)
skill_content = SKILL_TEMPLATE.format(skill_name=skill_name, skill_title=skill_title)
skill_md_path = skill_dir / "SKILL.md"
try:
skill_md_path.write_text(skill_content)
print("[OK] Created SKILL.md")
except Exception as e:
print(f"[ERROR] Error creating SKILL.md: {e}")
return None
# Create resource directories if requested
if resources:
try:
create_resource_dirs(skill_dir, skill_name, skill_title, resources, include_examples)
except Exception as e:
print(f"[ERROR] Error creating resource directories: {e}")
return None
# Print next steps
print(f"\n[OK] Skill '{skill_name}' initialized successfully at {skill_dir}")
print("\nNext steps:")
print("1. Edit SKILL.md to complete the TODO items and update the description")
if resources:
if include_examples:
print("2. Customize or delete the example files in scripts/, references/, and assets/")
else:
print("2. Add resources to scripts/, references/, and assets/ as needed")
else:
print("2. Create resource directories only if needed (scripts/, references/, assets/)")
print("3. Run the validator when ready to check the skill structure")
return skill_dir
def main():
parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(
description="Create a new skill directory with a SKILL.md template.",
)
parser.add_argument("skill_name", help="Skill name (normalized to hyphen-case)")
parser.add_argument("--path", required=True, help="Output directory for the skill")
parser.add_argument(
"--resources",
default="",
help="Comma-separated list: scripts,references,assets",
)
parser.add_argument(
"--examples",
action="store_true",
help="Create example files inside the selected resource directories",
)
args = parser.parse_args()
raw_skill_name = args.skill_name
skill_name = normalize_skill_name(raw_skill_name)
if not skill_name:
print("[ERROR] Skill name must include at least one letter or digit.")
sys.exit(1)
if len(skill_name) > MAX_SKILL_NAME_LENGTH:
print(
f"[ERROR] Skill name '{skill_name}' is too long ({len(skill_name)} characters). "
f"Maximum is {MAX_SKILL_NAME_LENGTH} characters."
)
sys.exit(1)
if skill_name != raw_skill_name:
print(f"Note: Normalized skill name from '{raw_skill_name}' to '{skill_name}'.")
resources = parse_resources(args.resources)
if args.examples and not resources:
print("[ERROR] --examples requires --resources to be set.")
sys.exit(1)
path = args.path
print(f"Initializing skill: {skill_name}")
print(f" Location: {path}")
if resources:
print(f" Resources: {', '.join(resources)}")
if args.examples:
print(" Examples: enabled")
else:
print(" Resources: none (create as needed)")
print()
result = init_skill(skill_name, path, resources, args.examples)
if result:
sys.exit(0)
else:
sys.exit(1)
if __name__ == "__main__":
main()
#!/usr/bin/env python3
"""
Skill Packager - Creates a distributable .skill file of a skill folder
Usage:
python utils/package_skill.py <path/to/skill-folder> [output-directory]
Example:
python utils/package_skill.py skills/public/my-skill
python utils/package_skill.py skills/public/my-skill ./dist
"""
import sys
import zipfile
from pathlib import Path
from quick_validate import validate_skill
def _is_within(path: Path, root: Path) -> bool:
try:
path.relative_to(root)
return True
except ValueError:
return False
def package_skill(skill_path, output_dir=None):
"""
Package a skill folder into a .skill file.
Args:
skill_path: Path to the skill folder
output_dir: Optional output directory for the .skill file (defaults to current directory)
Returns:
Path to the created .skill file, or None if error
"""
skill_path = Path(skill_path).resolve()
# Validate skill folder exists
if not skill_path.exists():
print(f"[ERROR] Skill folder not found: {skill_path}")
return None
if not skill_path.is_dir():
print(f"[ERROR] Path is not a directory: {skill_path}")
return None
# Validate SKILL.md exists
skill_md = skill_path / "SKILL.md"
if not skill_md.exists():
print(f"[ERROR] SKILL.md not found in {skill_path}")
return None
# Run validation before packaging
print("Validating skill...")
valid, message = validate_skill(skill_path)
if not valid:
print(f"[ERROR] Validation failed: {message}")
print(" Please fix the validation errors before packaging.")
return None
print(f"[OK] {message}\n")
# Determine output location
skill_name = skill_path.name
if output_dir:
output_path = Path(output_dir).resolve()
output_path.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
else:
output_path = Path.cwd()
skill_filename = output_path / f"{skill_name}.skill"
EXCLUDED_DIRS = {".git", ".svn", ".hg", "__pycache__", "node_modules"}
# Create the .skill file (zip format)
try:
with zipfile.ZipFile(skill_filename, "w", zipfile.ZIP_DEFLATED) as zipf:
# Walk in a deterministic order. Sort by the archive-relative POSIX
# entry name (not Path object order, which is filesystem/OS-flavour
# dependent) so written .skill entries are byte-stable everywhere.
for file_path in sorted(
skill_path.rglob("*"),
key=lambda path: path.relative_to(skill_path).as_posix(),
):
# Security: never follow or package symlinks.
if file_path.is_symlink():
print(f"[WARN] Skipping symlink: {file_path}")
continue
rel_parts = file_path.relative_to(skill_path).parts
if any(part in EXCLUDED_DIRS for part in rel_parts):
continue
if file_path.is_file():
resolved_file = file_path.resolve()
if not _is_within(resolved_file, skill_path):
print(f"[ERROR] File escapes skill root: {file_path}")
return None
# If output lives under skill_path, avoid writing archive into itself.
if resolved_file == skill_filename.resolve():
print(f"[WARN] Skipping output archive: {file_path}")
continue
# Calculate the relative path within the zip.
arcname = Path(skill_name) / file_path.relative_to(skill_path)
zipf.write(file_path, arcname)
print(f" Added: {arcname}")
print(f"\n[OK] Successfully packaged skill to: {skill_filename}")
return skill_filename
except Exception as e:
print(f"[ERROR] Error creating .skill file: {e}")
return None
def main():
if len(sys.argv) < 2:
print("Usage: python utils/package_skill.py <path/to/skill-folder> [output-directory]")
print("\nExample:")
print(" python utils/package_skill.py skills/public/my-skill")
print(" python utils/package_skill.py skills/public/my-skill ./dist")
sys.exit(1)
skill_path = sys.argv[1]
output_dir = sys.argv[2] if len(sys.argv) > 2 else None
print(f"Packaging skill: {skill_path}")
if output_dir:
print(f" Output directory: {output_dir}")
print()
result = package_skill(skill_path, output_dir)
if result:
sys.exit(0)
else:
sys.exit(1)
if __name__ == "__main__":
main()
#!/usr/bin/env python3
"""
Quick validation script for skills - minimal version
"""
import re
import sys
from pathlib import Path
from typing import Optional
try:
import yaml
except ModuleNotFoundError:
yaml = None
MAX_SKILL_NAME_LENGTH = 64
def _extract_frontmatter(content: str) -> Optional[str]:
lines = content.splitlines()
if not lines or lines[0].strip() != "---":
return None
for i in range(1, len(lines)):
if lines[i].strip() == "---":
return "\n".join(lines[1:i])
return None
def _parse_simple_frontmatter(frontmatter_text: str) -> Optional[dict[str, str]]:
"""
Minimal fallback parser used when PyYAML is unavailable.
Supports simple `key: value` mappings used by SKILL.md frontmatter.
"""
parsed: dict[str, str] = {}
current_key: Optional[str] = None
for raw_line in frontmatter_text.splitlines():
stripped = raw_line.strip()
if not stripped or stripped.startswith("#"):
continue
is_indented = raw_line[:1].isspace()
if is_indented:
if current_key is None:
return None
current_value = parsed[current_key]
parsed[current_key] = (
f"{current_value}\n{stripped}" if current_value else stripped
)
continue
if ":" not in stripped:
return None
key, value = stripped.split(":", 1)
key = key.strip()
value = value.strip()
if not key:
return None
if (value.startswith('"') and value.endswith('"')) or (
value.startswith("'") and value.endswith("'")
):
value = value[1:-1]
parsed[key] = value
current_key = key
return parsed
def validate_skill(skill_path):
"""Basic validation of a skill"""
skill_path = Path(skill_path)
skill_md = skill_path / "SKILL.md"
if not skill_md.exists():
return False, "SKILL.md not found"
try:
content = skill_md.read_text(encoding="utf-8")
except OSError as e:
return False, f"Could not read SKILL.md: {e}"
frontmatter_text = _extract_frontmatter(content)
if frontmatter_text is None:
return False, "Invalid frontmatter format"
if yaml is not None:
try:
frontmatter = yaml.safe_load(frontmatter_text)
if not isinstance(frontmatter, dict):
return False, "Frontmatter must be a YAML dictionary"
except yaml.YAMLError as e:
return False, f"Invalid YAML in frontmatter: {e}"
else:
frontmatter = _parse_simple_frontmatter(frontmatter_text)
if frontmatter is None:
return (
False,
"Invalid YAML in frontmatter: unsupported syntax without PyYAML installed",
)
allowed_properties = {
"name",
"description",
"homepage",
"license",
"allowed-tools",
"user-invocable",
"metadata",
}
unexpected_keys = set(frontmatter.keys()) - allowed_properties
if unexpected_keys:
allowed = ", ".join(sorted(allowed_properties))
unexpected = ", ".join(sorted(unexpected_keys))
return (
False,
f"Unexpected key(s) in SKILL.md frontmatter: {unexpected}. Allowed properties are: {allowed}",
)
if "name" not in frontmatter:
return False, "Missing 'name' in frontmatter"
if "description" not in frontmatter:
return False, "Missing 'description' in frontmatter"
name = frontmatter.get("name", "")
if not isinstance(name, str):
return False, f"Name must be a string, got {type(name).__name__}"
name = name.strip()
if not name:
return False, "Name must not be empty"
if not re.match(r"^[a-z0-9-]+$", name):
return (
False,
f"Name '{name}' should be hyphen-case (lowercase letters, digits, and hyphens only)",
)
if name.startswith("-") or name.endswith("-") or "--" in name:
return (
False,
f"Name '{name}' cannot start/end with hyphen or contain consecutive hyphens",
)
if len(name) > MAX_SKILL_NAME_LENGTH:
return (
False,
f"Name is too long ({len(name)} characters). "
f"Maximum is {MAX_SKILL_NAME_LENGTH} characters.",
)
description = frontmatter.get("description", "")
if not isinstance(description, str):
return False, f"Description must be a string, got {type(description).__name__}"
description = description.strip()
if not description:
return False, "Description must not be empty"
if "<" in description or ">" in description:
return False, "Description cannot contain angle brackets (< or >)"
if len(description) > 1024:
return (
False,
f"Description is too long ({len(description)} characters). Maximum is 1024 characters.",
)
return True, "Skill is valid!"
if __name__ == "__main__":
if len(sys.argv) != 2:
print("Usage: python quick_validate.py <skill_directory>")
sys.exit(1)
valid, message = validate_skill(sys.argv[1])
print(message)
sys.exit(0 if valid else 1)
#!/usr/bin/env python3
"""
Regression tests for skill initialization.
"""
import shutil
import sys
import tempfile
from contextlib import redirect_stdout
from io import StringIO
from pathlib import Path
from unittest import TestCase, main
SCRIPT_DIR = Path(__file__).resolve().parent
if str(SCRIPT_DIR) not in sys.path:
sys.path.insert(0, str(SCRIPT_DIR))
import init_skill
class TestInitSkill(TestCase):
def setUp(self):
self.temp_dir = Path(tempfile.mkdtemp(prefix="test_init_skill_"))
def tearDown(self):
if self.temp_dir.exists():
shutil.rmtree(self.temp_dir)
def test_generated_description_placeholder_is_yaml_string(self):
with redirect_stdout(StringIO()):
skill_dir = init_skill.init_skill("yaml-description-skill", self.temp_dir, [], False)
self.assertIsNotNone(skill_dir)
content = (skill_dir / "SKILL.md").read_text(encoding="utf-8")
frontmatter = content.split("---", 2)[1]
self.assertIn("description: '[TODO:", frontmatter)
try:
import yaml
except ImportError:
self.skipTest("PyYAML is not installed")
parsed = yaml.safe_load(frontmatter)
self.assertIsInstance(parsed["description"], str)
self.assertTrue(parsed["description"].startswith("[TODO: Complete"))
if __name__ == "__main__":
main()
#!/usr/bin/env python3
"""
Regression tests for skill packaging security behavior.
"""
import sys
import tempfile
import types
import zipfile
from pathlib import Path
from unittest import TestCase, main
from unittest.mock import patch
SCRIPT_DIR = Path(__file__).resolve().parent
if str(SCRIPT_DIR) not in sys.path:
sys.path.insert(0, str(SCRIPT_DIR))
fake_quick_validate = types.ModuleType("quick_validate")
fake_quick_validate.validate_skill = lambda _path: (True, "Skill is valid!")
original_quick_validate = sys.modules.get("quick_validate")
sys.modules["quick_validate"] = fake_quick_validate
import package_skill as package_skill_module
package_skill = package_skill_module.package_skill
if original_quick_validate is not None:
sys.modules["quick_validate"] = original_quick_validate
else:
sys.modules.pop("quick_validate", None)
class TestPackageSkillSecurity(TestCase):
def setUp(self):
self.temp_dir = Path(tempfile.mkdtemp(prefix="test_skill_"))
def tearDown(self):
import shutil
if self.temp_dir.exists():
shutil.rmtree(self.temp_dir)
def create_skill(self, name="test-skill"):
skill_dir = self.temp_dir / name
skill_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
(skill_dir / "SKILL.md").write_text("---\nname: test-skill\ndescription: test\n---\n")
(skill_dir / "script.py").write_text("print('ok')\n")
return skill_dir
def test_packages_normal_files(self):
skill_dir = self.create_skill("normal-skill")
out_dir = self.temp_dir / "out"
out_dir.mkdir()
result = package_skill(str(skill_dir), str(out_dir))
self.assertIsNotNone(result)
skill_file = out_dir / "normal-skill.skill"
self.assertTrue(skill_file.exists())
with zipfile.ZipFile(skill_file, "r") as archive:
names = set(archive.namelist())
self.assertIn("normal-skill/SKILL.md", names)
self.assertIn("normal-skill/script.py", names)
def test_skips_symlink_to_external_file(self):
skill_dir = self.create_skill("symlink-file-skill")
outside = self.temp_dir / "outside-secret.txt"
outside.write_text("super-secret\n")
link = skill_dir / "loot.txt"
out_dir = self.temp_dir / "out"
out_dir.mkdir()
try:
link.symlink_to(outside)
except (OSError, NotImplementedError):
self.skipTest("symlink unsupported on this platform")
result = package_skill(str(skill_dir), str(out_dir))
self.assertIsNotNone(result)
skill_file = out_dir / "symlink-file-skill.skill"
self.assertTrue(skill_file.exists())
with zipfile.ZipFile(skill_file, "r") as archive:
names = set(archive.namelist())
self.assertIn("symlink-file-skill/SKILL.md", names)
self.assertIn("symlink-file-skill/script.py", names)
self.assertNotIn("symlink-file-skill/loot.txt", names)
def test_skips_symlink_directory(self):
skill_dir = self.create_skill("symlink-dir-skill")
outside_dir = self.temp_dir / "outside"
outside_dir.mkdir()
(outside_dir / "secret.txt").write_text("secret\n")
link = skill_dir / "docs"
out_dir = self.temp_dir / "out"
out_dir.mkdir()
try:
link.symlink_to(outside_dir, target_is_directory=True)
except (OSError, NotImplementedError):
self.skipTest("symlink unsupported on this platform")
result = package_skill(str(skill_dir), str(out_dir))
self.assertIsNotNone(result)
skill_file = out_dir / "symlink-dir-skill.skill"
with zipfile.ZipFile(skill_file, "r") as archive:
names = set(archive.namelist())
self.assertIn("symlink-dir-skill/SKILL.md", names)
self.assertIn("symlink-dir-skill/script.py", names)
self.assertNotIn("symlink-dir-skill/docs/secret.txt", names)
def test_rejects_resolved_path_outside_skill_root(self):
skill_dir = self.create_skill("escape-skill")
out_dir = self.temp_dir / "out"
out_dir.mkdir()
original_within = package_skill_module._is_within
def fake_is_within(path_obj: Path, root: Path):
if path_obj.name == "script.py":
return False
return original_within(path_obj, root)
with patch.object(package_skill_module, "_is_within", fake_is_within):
result = package_skill(str(skill_dir), str(out_dir))
self.assertIsNone(result)
def test_allows_nested_regular_files(self):
skill_dir = self.create_skill("nested-skill")
nested = skill_dir / "lib" / "helpers"
nested.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
(nested / "util.py").write_text("def run():\n return 1\n")
out_dir = self.temp_dir / "out"
out_dir.mkdir()
result = package_skill(str(skill_dir), str(out_dir))
self.assertIsNotNone(result)
skill_file = out_dir / "nested-skill.skill"
with zipfile.ZipFile(skill_file, "r") as archive:
names = set(archive.namelist())
self.assertIn("nested-skill/lib/helpers/util.py", names)
def test_skips_output_archive_when_output_dir_is_skill_dir(self):
skill_dir = self.create_skill("self-output-skill")
result = package_skill(str(skill_dir), str(skill_dir))
self.assertIsNotNone(result)
skill_file = skill_dir / "self-output-skill.skill"
self.assertTrue(skill_file.exists())
with zipfile.ZipFile(skill_file, "r") as archive:
names = set(archive.namelist())
self.assertIn("self-output-skill/SKILL.md", names)
self.assertIn("self-output-skill/script.py", names)
self.assertNotIn("self-output-skill/self-output-skill.skill", names)
def test_archive_entry_order_is_deterministic(self):
skill_dir = self.create_skill("order-skill")
# Files across multiple levels, created in non-sorted order, so the
# filesystem/rglob enumeration order differs from a lexicographic sort.
(skill_dir / "zeta.md").write_text("z\n")
(skill_dir / "yankee.txt").write_text("y\n")
alpha = skill_dir / "alpha"
alpha.mkdir()
(alpha / "delta.txt").write_text("d\n")
(alpha / "bravo.txt").write_text("b\n")
nested = skill_dir / "zlib"
nested.mkdir()
(nested / "november.txt").write_text("n\n")
# "alpha-x.txt" discriminates entry-name ordering from Path-object
# ordering: "-" (0x2d) sorts before "/" (0x2f) in the archive entry
# name, but Path part-tuple ordering places it after the "alpha/" dir.
(skill_dir / "alpha-x.txt").write_text("x\n")
out_dir = self.temp_dir / "out"
out_dir.mkdir()
result = package_skill(str(skill_dir), str(out_dir))
self.assertIsNotNone(result)
skill_file = out_dir / "order-skill.skill"
with zipfile.ZipFile(skill_file, "r") as archive:
names = [name for name in archive.namelist() if not name.endswith("/")]
# Entries must be ordered by their archive entry name, regardless of
# filesystem enumeration or OS path-flavour, so archives are reproducible.
self.assertEqual(names, sorted(names))
# Lock the entry-name contract: "alpha-x.txt" precedes "alpha/bravo.txt"
# (Path-object sorting would invert these).
self.assertLess(
names.index("order-skill/alpha-x.txt"),
names.index("order-skill/alpha/bravo.txt"),
)
# Ensure the fixture actually spans multiple directories/files.
self.assertIn("order-skill/zlib/november.txt", names)
if __name__ == "__main__":
main()
#!/usr/bin/env python3
"""
Regression tests for quick skill validation.
"""
import tempfile
from pathlib import Path
from unittest import TestCase, main
import quick_validate
class TestQuickValidate(TestCase):
def setUp(self):
self.temp_dir = Path(tempfile.mkdtemp(prefix="test_quick_validate_"))
def tearDown(self):
import shutil
if self.temp_dir.exists():
shutil.rmtree(self.temp_dir)
def test_accepts_crlf_frontmatter(self):
skill_dir = self.temp_dir / "crlf-skill"
skill_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
content = "---\r\nname: crlf-skill\r\ndescription: ok\r\n---\r\n# Skill\r\n"
(skill_dir / "SKILL.md").write_text(content, encoding="utf-8")
valid, message = quick_validate.validate_skill(skill_dir)
self.assertTrue(valid, message)
def test_rejects_missing_frontmatter_closing_fence(self):
skill_dir = self.temp_dir / "bad-skill"
skill_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
content = "---\nname: bad-skill\ndescription: missing end\n# no closing fence\n"
(skill_dir / "SKILL.md").write_text(content, encoding="utf-8")
valid, message = quick_validate.validate_skill(skill_dir)
self.assertFalse(valid)
self.assertEqual(message, "Invalid frontmatter format")
def test_fallback_parser_handles_multiline_frontmatter_without_pyyaml(self):
skill_dir = self.temp_dir / "multiline-skill"
skill_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
content = """---
name: multiline-skill
description: Works without pyyaml
allowed-tools:
- gh
metadata: |
{
"owners": ["team-openclaw"]
}
---
# Skill
"""
(skill_dir / "SKILL.md").write_text(content, encoding="utf-8")
previous_yaml = quick_validate.yaml
quick_validate.yaml = None
try:
valid, message = quick_validate.validate_skill(skill_dir)
finally:
quick_validate.yaml = previous_yaml
self.assertTrue(valid, message)
def test_rejects_empty_name(self):
skill_dir = self.temp_dir / "empty-name-skill"
skill_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
content = '---\nname: ""\ndescription: a valid description\n---\n# Skill\n'
(skill_dir / "SKILL.md").write_text(content, encoding="utf-8")
valid, message = quick_validate.validate_skill(skill_dir)
self.assertFalse(valid)
self.assertEqual(message, "Name must not be empty")
def test_rejects_whitespace_only_name(self):
skill_dir = self.temp_dir / "ws-name-skill"
skill_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
content = "---\nname: ' '\ndescription: a valid description\n---\n# Skill\n"
(skill_dir / "SKILL.md").write_text(content, encoding="utf-8")
valid, message = quick_validate.validate_skill(skill_dir)
self.assertFalse(valid)
self.assertEqual(message, "Name must not be empty")
def test_rejects_empty_description(self):
skill_dir = self.temp_dir / "empty-desc-skill"
skill_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
content = '---\nname: valid-skill\ndescription: ""\n---\n# Skill\n'
(skill_dir / "SKILL.md").write_text(content, encoding="utf-8")
valid, message = quick_validate.validate_skill(skill_dir)
self.assertFalse(valid)
self.assertEqual(message, "Description must not be empty")
def test_rejects_whitespace_only_description(self):
skill_dir = self.temp_dir / "ws-desc-skill"
skill_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
content = "---\nname: valid-skill\ndescription: ' '\n---\n# Skill\n"
(skill_dir / "SKILL.md").write_text(content, encoding="utf-8")
valid, message = quick_validate.validate_skill(skill_dir)
self.assertFalse(valid)
self.assertEqual(message, "Description must not be empty")
if __name__ == "__main__":
main()
Related skills
How it compares
Use skill-creator when packaging reusable agent workflows into SKILL.md instead of leaving long unstructured prompt docs in chat.
FAQ
What belongs in frontmatter description?
Only trigger-critical facts in a quoted noun-phrase description with a short generic trigger phrase, not the full workflow.
Where do long examples and scripts go?
Move long examples and docs to references/, deterministic helpers to scripts/, and templates or media to assets/.
How do I validate a skill after editing?
Run quick_validate.py on the skill folder and YAML safe_load on frontmatter to catch parsing errors.
Is Skill Creator safe to install?
skills.sh reports 3 of 3 security scanners passed. Review the Security Audits panel on this page before installing in production.