A skill is a fixed set of work instructions for one task. It lives in a folder with a text file called SKILL.md and, if needed, extra files such as templates or scripts. The AI follows it step by step so results become more consistent and reliable.
Example
A “meeting minutes” skill always turns your notes into minutes with decisions and action items.
For pros
The file starts with YAML front matter (name, description) followed by Markdown instructions. The format is an open standard. According to the vendors, Claude, ChatGPT (certain plans), the Gemini app, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Codex, GitHub Copilot and Cursor read it directly.
