> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.zerve.ai/guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.zerve.ai/guide/settings/agent-skills.md).

# Agent Skills

### What is an Agent Skill?

An agent skill is a named, reusable instruction package that an organization curates so that an agent can apply consistent best practices and tools across conversations. Skills help standardize how an agent behaves for specific tasks — ensuring quality, repeatability, and alignment with team workflows.

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### How to Create an Agent Skill

#### Option 1: Build Directly in Zerve

Go to **Settings → Skills → Add Skill**

<figure><img src="/files/Qb3XJzCsNZZgoDcJHKW4" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/QuGYP0cOrfLFI68Cvk2F" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Option 2: Upload a SKILL.md file&#x20;

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Every skill starts with a `SKILL.md` file containing YAML frontmatter and Markdown instructions.

<figure><img src="/files/ThxCgtOutc5UadEUJTam" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The following frontmatter fields are required at the top of every `SKILL.md` file:

| Field         | Info                   | Required | Constraints                                                                                           |
| ------------- | ---------------------- | -------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `name`        | A short identifier     | Yes      | Max 64 characters. Lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens only. Must not start or end with a hyphen. |
| `description` | When to use this skill | Yes      | Max 1024 characters. Non-empty. Describes what the skill does and when to use it.                     |

### Add the Skill to the Zerve Agent

Once the skill has been successfully added, it will appear in the organization's skills list and will be available for use across the orgs agents.

<figure><img src="/files/R3DdaXYSHmrGkRGNCGXi" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To use the skill in the agent open a notebook -> agent viewport -> "+" icon -> use skills

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Select the skill to use in the agent. When selected it should appear in the bottom of the text box. Multiple skills can be added as context.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/lyISrq3lLMcLVaNSa1wk" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>