# Skill

> A small, reusable package of instructions (sometimes with templates or scripts) that teaches Claude to do one task the same way every time.

**Category:** Claude

**A Skill is a saved set of instructions for one repeatable job.** Think of it as an onboarding note for a single task: do it like this, in this order, with these templates. Claude reaches for the matching Skill automatically when your request fits its description, so you just ask in plain words.

Ready-made document Skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF) come built in; you can also make your own. Use one where a task has a **right way you repeat**; for a one-off, a plain [prompt](/glossary#prompt) is simpler.

## At work

Make a Skill for your weekly report: the sections, the tone, the format. Then each week just say 'draft this week's report' and Claude follows the recipe.

## Often confused with

A prompt or a project. A prompt is a one-off instruction; a [project](/glossary#project) is a workspace; a Skill is a reusable how-to for one task that Claude picks up on its own.

## Related terms

- Prompt
- Project
- Custom instructions

## See it in a lesson

[Claude Skills](/en/learn/working-smart/claude-skills)

## Further reading

- [What are skills? (Help)](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12512176-what-are-skills): Anthropic's own intro to Skills.
- [How to create custom skills (Help)](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12512198-how-to-create-custom-skills): Building your own, step by step.
- [Agent Skills (Anthropic docs)](https://docs.claude.com/en/docs/agents-and-tools/agent-skills/overview): The fuller, technical picture.

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Last updated: 24/07/2026  
Source: Rollo Academy glossary