Skill creation (AI-first) – how it works
This page explains how
skills work in Promptdoo and how to create them end-to-end — with a focus on
AI skill generation (the fastest way to get a complete scaffold with
SKILL.md and additional files).
Overview
A
skill is a reusable unit you can use in your AI workflows.
Typical skill contents:
- A
SKILL.md file describing the goal, inputs, outputs, and usage. - Optional files/folders used by the skill (templates, schemas, examples).
- Metadata (title, tags, description).
Skills can be:
- generated with AI (recommended)
- created manually in the editor
- imported from GitHub
- exported as ZIP
1) Create a skill with AI (recommended)
The UI supports AI-based skill generation.
1. Go to the skill creation page (
/newskill).
2. Click
Generate with AI.
3. Choose:
- an LLM model (free models are not allowed for skill generation)
- a maximum size (
max_chars, up to 100k)
4. Write a clear
instruction (required).
5. Optional:
- use the built-in example prompts to start faster
6. Review the
estimated cost (credits) before generating.
7. Click
Generate.
What you get back is a complete scaffold (name, description, tags, and a file tree) that you can edit before saving.
Cost estimation
During skill creation the UI shows an estimated credit cost before you generate.
The estimate depends on:
- your chosen model
- your requested
max_chars (size multiplier)
Limits & requirements
The AI generator enforces:
- instruction length max ~4000 chars
- daily/monthly skill-ai limits (instance settings)
- enough credits (otherwise
402 Payment Required)
2) What the AI generator produces (important details)
Internally, the generator returns a JSON object with:
name, description, skill_type (prompt | system_prompt | workflow)license (optional)tags (up to 12)export_tree: a list of folders and files
Hard rules enforced by the backend:
SKILL.md is always included- at least 2 additional files besides
SKILL.md - at least one folder and at least one file inside that folder
- paths must be safe and relative (no
.., no leading /) - total file content is limited by
max_chars
3) Edit with AI (optional)
On existing skills, you can also use an AI-assisted edit flow.
- The UI keeps a short chat-style history.
- You can adjust model and max size.
- There is also a cost estimation endpoint for editing.
4) Create a skill manually (secondary)
If you prefer full control, you can create skills manually:
1. Go to the
Skills area.
2. Click
Create skill.
3. Provide:
- a clear title
- a short description
- tags
4. Add your main content:
- create a
SKILL.md - add optional files/folders
Tip:
- If the skill is meant for repeated use, include inputs, constraints, and a strict output format.
5) Recommended SKILL.md structure
A good
SKILL.md is readable and highly actionable.
Suggested structure:
- Purpose / goal
- When to use it
- Inputs
- Output format
- Steps / instructions
- Examples
- Notes / pitfalls
6) Versioning & iteration
Skills evolve. A practical workflow:
1. Create a first version.
2. Test it with real inputs.
3. Improve:
- add missing constraints
- add examples
- clarify output format
4. Save the improved version.
If your setup supports it, prefer small, reviewable changes.
7) Publishing & sharing
You can keep skills private while drafting.
When you publish:
- ensure no secrets (API keys, tokens) are embedded
- ensure example data is anonymized
- ensure the skill description is clear and reusable
8) Import (GitHub)
If you already have skills in a repository:
- import them from GitHub
- confirm the folder structure
- validate that a
SKILL.md exists and is readable
9) Export (ZIP)
Export is useful for:
- backup
- sharing with your team
- using skills locally
After exporting, you can re-import the ZIP into Promptdoo.