Platform Guides: How-To Setup
A SKILL.md file works with any AI tool that accepts custom instructions. Here's exactly how to set it up on the most popular platforms — step by step, with screenshots in your head (we'll describe every click).
Claude (Anthropic)
Claude offers two ways to use skill files: Projects (the recommended approach) and direct pasting into conversations.
Method 1: Claude Projects (Recommended)
Create a new Project
Go to claude.ai and click "Projects" in the left sidebar, then "Create Project." Give it a descriptive name like "Marketing Agent" or "Code Reviewer."
Set custom instructions
In your project, click "Set custom instructions" (or the pencil icon next to it). This opens a text field where you'll paste your SKILL.md content.
Paste your SKILL.md
Copy the entire contents of your SKILL.md file and paste it into the custom instructions field. Click "Save."
Start chatting
Every new conversation within this Project will automatically use your skill file. The AI will behave as the configured agent from the very first message.
Method 2: Claude CoWork / Team Features
If you're on a Claude Team or Enterprise plan, you can share Projects across your organization. Set up the skill file once in a shared Project, and every team member gets the same configured agent.
This is especially powerful for standardizing how your team uses AI — everyone gets the same quality, the same workflows, and the same brand voice.
Pro tip: You can add reference files to your Claude Project alongside the skill file. Upload your brand guidelines, product docs, or example content — the AI will use them as additional context.
ChatGPT (OpenAI)
ChatGPT supports skill files through Custom GPTs or Custom Instructions.
Option A: Custom GPT (Best for Sharing)
Open GPT Editor
Click your name in the bottom-left, select "My GPTs," then "Create a GPT." Switch to the "Configure" tab for full control.
Paste into Instructions
In the "Instructions" field, paste your entire SKILL.md content. This becomes the GPT's system prompt.
Configure settings
Give it a name, description, and icon. Under "Capabilities," enable or disable web browsing, code analysis, and image generation as needed.
Save and use
Click "Save" (choose "Only me" or share with your team). The GPT appears in your sidebar — click it to start a conversation with your configured agent.
Option B: Custom Instructions (Quick Setup)
Open settings
Click your profile icon → Settings → Personalization → Custom Instructions.
Paste your SKILL.md
Use the "How would you like ChatGPT to respond?" field. Paste the key sections of your SKILL.md here (there's a character limit, so focus on role, constraints, and key workflows).
Save
Click "Save." These instructions apply to all new conversations. Toggle them off when you want the default ChatGPT behavior.
Pro tip: Custom GPTs have a higher character limit than Custom Instructions. If your SKILL.md is longer than 1,500 characters, use the Custom GPT approach.
Cursor (AI Code Editor)
Cursor is built for developers, and it has native support for project-level instruction files. This makes it one of the easiest platforms to use with SKILL.md files.
Setup Steps
Add the file to your project
Place your SKILL.md file (or .cursorrules file) in the root of your project directory. Cursor automatically detects and reads it.
Verify it's loaded
Open a new Cursor chat (Cmd+L / Ctrl+L). The AI will automatically use your skill file as context. You can verify by asking: "What instructions are you following?"
Use across your team
Since the file lives in your project repo, every team member who opens the project in Cursor gets the same configured agent. Commit it to version control for consistency.
Pro tip: Cursor also supports a .cursorrules file format. You can rename your SKILL.md to .cursorrules for native integration, or keep both files — Cursor reads both.
Other AI Tools
SKILL.md files work with virtually any AI tool that accepts custom instructions. Here's a quick reference:
Place as CLAUDE.md in your project root — it's read automatically
Add a .github/copilot-instructions.md file to your repository
Add a .windsurfrules file to your project root
Use the "System Instructions" field in Google AI Studio or Gemini API
Paste key instructions at the start of your conversation
The universal pattern: look for “system prompt,” “custom instructions,” or “rules file” in your tool's settings. That's where your SKILL.md content goes.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Setup
Start with one platform
Pick the AI tool you use most and set up your skill file there. Once you see the difference, expand to other tools.
Test with a real task
After setup, give the AI a task you've done before. Compare the output with what you got without the skill file. The difference is usually immediate and obvious.
Iterate on the skill file
If the output isn't quite right, adjust your SKILL.md. Add more specific examples, tighten constraints, or clarify the role. Small tweaks compound into big quality gains.
Share with your team
Once you have a skill file that works, share it. Everyone on your team gets the same quality uplift — no individual prompt engineering required.
Don't want to build your own skill files from scratch? Our SkillPacks are professionally engineered SKILL.md files — tested, refined, and ready to drop into any of these platforms. Each pack includes platform-specific setup instructions so you can be up and running in under 5 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Claude Projects offer the smoothest experience — paste your SKILL.md into custom instructions and every conversation is automatically configured.
- ChatGPT supports skill files via Custom GPTs (best for sharing) or Custom Instructions (quick personal setup).
- Cursor reads SKILL.md files from your project root automatically — just drop the file in and go.
- Any AI tool with a "system prompt" or "custom instructions" field can use a SKILL.md file — the format is universal.
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