Reference A: Quick checklist

Use this checklist to validate your skill before and after upload. If you want a faster start, use the skill-creator skill to generate your first draft, then run through this list to make sure you haven't missed anything.

Before you start

• Identified 2-3 concrete use cases
• Tools identified (built-in or MCP)
• Reviewed this guide and example skills
• Planned folder structure

During development

• Folder named in kebab-case
• SKILL.md file exists (exact spelling)
• YAML frontmatter has --- delimiters
• name field: kebab-case, no spaces, no capitals
• description includes WHAT and WHEN
• No XML tags (< >) anywhere
• Instructions are clear and actionable
• Error handling included
• Examples provided
• References clearly linked

Before upload

• Tested triggering on obvious tasks
• Tested triggering on paraphrased requests
• Verified doesn't trigger on unrelated topics
• Functional tests pass
• Tool integration works (if applicable)
• Compressed as .zip file

After upload

• Test in real conversations
• Monitor for under/over-triggering
• Collect user feedback
• Iterate on description and instructions
• Update version in metadata