How to Create and Use Claude Skills Safely

TL;DR

Create a Claude skill by enabling code execution and file creation, opening Customize and Skills, then using the Skill Creator to describe, test, and save reusable instructions. Skills can automatically load when relevant or be invoked with a slash command, while downloaded third-party skills should be inspected carefully because they may contain security risks.

Transcript

Claude skills are one of the most powerful AI capabilities that's available right now in 2026. And learning how to use them will completely change how you use Claude and the value you get out of Claude and also out of chat GPT2. But in this video, I want to focus on Claude and I want to show you exactly what Claude skills are, the best ways to crea... Read More

Key Insights

• Claude skills are reusable sets of instructions that Claude can remember across new chats and load when their expertise becomes relevant, removing the need to paste the same detailed prompt every time a recurring task is performed.
• A Claude skill is typically built around a SKILL.md Markdown file containing its name, description, and operating instructions, although more comprehensive skills can also include folders, additional Markdown documents, Python files, and other supporting components.
• Code execution and file creation must be enabled under Settings and Capabilities for skills to work. Once enabled, available skills can be managed from the Customize section, where each skill can be turned on or off.
• The Skill Creator is an Anthropic-provided skill that builds new skills through a plain-English conversation. It asks one clarifying question at a time, drafts the skill, supports testing, and can save the completed instructions without requiring the user to write code.
• Writing-style skills work best when separated by purpose, such as email, sales letters, newsletters, or video scripts. Supplying one or two representative examples allows Claude to identify recurring patterns and create instructions tailored to that specific format.
• Claude can select an enabled skill automatically when a prompt matches its purpose, while a slash command provides more direct control. Explicit invocation also displays a preview and makes it clear that the selected instructions will guide the requested task.
• A deep research auditor is designed to inspect long PDF reports for internal contradictions rather than merely summarize them. It can cross-reference figures, claims, charts, and data across different sections to identify inconsistencies within a large research document.
• Third-party skills can present security risks because downloaded packages may contain more than readable Markdown instructions. Building skills personally and reviewing all included instructions and supporting files provides greater visibility into what Claude will execute or follow.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are Claude skills and how do they work?

Claude skills are reusable instruction packages that teach Claude how to perform specific tasks. Claude initially loads a small amount of information indicating that each enabled skill exists. When a request matches a skill, it retrieves the full instructions and applies them. This lets users preserve detailed workflows across new chats instead of repeatedly entering the same prompts.

Q: How do I enable Claude skills?

Open Claude's settings, select the Capabilities section, and turn on code execution and file creation. The transcript states that this capability must be enabled for skills to work. Afterward, open Customize and select Skills to browse, enable, disable, create, edit, download, or manage the skills associated with the account.

Q: How do I create a Claude skill without coding?

Go to Customize, open Skills, select the option to create a skill, and choose to create it with Claude. This launches a conversation using Anthropic's Skill Creator. Describe the capability you want, answer its clarifying questions one at a time, review and test the draft, then ask Claude to save the completed skill for future chats.

Q: How can I make a Claude skill copy my writing style?

Create a separate writing skill for the particular format you need, such as video scripts, emails, newsletters, or sales letters. Upload one or two representative writing samples when requested, then answer Claude's clarifying questions. Test the resulting skill with a new topic, review whether the output matches your tone and structure, and save it when satisfied.

Q: How can I make sure Claude uses a specific skill?

Type a slash command in a new chat and select the desired skill, such as a saved video script writer. Claude displays a preview of the associated instructions, and the following request is produced using that skill. Otherwise, Claude can automatically load an enabled skill when it determines that the skill is relevant to the prompt.

Q: Can Claude skills be edited, downloaded, or shared?

Yes. Return to the Skills section under Customize to manage a saved skill. You can turn it on or off, edit it with Claude, modify its instructions yourself, or download it as a Markdown file. The downloaded file can be shared with someone else, who can upload it into Claude as a reusable skill.

Q: What can a deep research auditor skill do?

A deep research auditor can inspect a long PDF report for internal contradictions instead of only producing a summary. It can examine charts, figures, claims, and supporting data, then cross-reference information found in different parts of the report. The skill may include multiple Markdown files and Python code when a larger package is needed for the workflow.

Q: How can I use downloaded Claude skills safely?

Treat skills downloaded from internet marketplaces or other people cautiously because they may contain security issues. Inspect the skill instructions and every supporting file before enabling or using the package. A skill may include Python files and a folder structure in addition to its main Markdown document, so reviewing only the visible description may not reveal everything included.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Claude skills are reusable instruction packages that give Claude specialized methods for recurring tasks. Claude initially loads only enough information to recognize available skills, then retrieves the complete instructions when needed. Users can leave many skills enabled, allow Claude to select one automatically, or explicitly invoke a particular skill with a slash command.

• To create a skill without coding, users can open Customize, select Skills, and start a conversation with Anthropic's Skill Creator. Claude asks clarifying questions, drafts the instructions, supports testing, and saves the result. A writing-style skill can be created by supplying representative scripts and defining the specific writing task it should perform.

• Skills can support specialized workflows such as auditing long PDF reports, building CSV dashboards, producing related content, and creating on-brand presentations. They may contain a single SKILL.md file or a larger folder with additional Markdown and Python files. Self-created skills are generally preferable when safety matters, while downloaded skills require careful inspection.