In one sentence: Installing a Skill is essentially one thing — put the Skill folder where your AI tool can find it. The path differs per client; here are the three most common install methods.
Before installing, understand this: a Skill is just "files + a folder". You don't need to run any program to install it — just copy the files (or run one command).
Method ①: Claude Code (command line, most common)
If you're a developer, Claude Code is the most common Skill host. Two ways to install:
Type it directly (starting with a slash) in the Claude Code input box; it takes effect automatically after install.
After placing it, restart Claude Code (or start a new session) for the Skill to be recognized.
Method ②: Claude Desktop (graphical interface)
- Open Claude Desktop → Settings
- Go to the Developer area
- Find the Skills directory configuration and point your local Skills directory to where you store Skill folders (e.g.,
~/skills) - Copy the Skill folder into that directory → restart Claude Desktop
The interface differs slightly between versions; go by the "Skills"-related settings inside your client.
Method ③: Cursor / VS Code-style editors
- In your project's root directory, use the corresponding AI plugin's skills directory convention (e.g., Cursor's
.cursor/rules/or the tool's official Skills path) - Put the Skill folder into that directory
- Reload the window (
Ctrl+Shift+P → Reload Window) to apply
Each IDE's Skill directory convention updates quickly with versions; if it won't install, check the plugin's official docs first.
Troubleshooting common issues
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| AI doesn't recognize it after install | No restart / new session | Restart; check the directory spelling before restarting |
| The Skill doesn't trigger | description trigger scope too narrow | Put all common phrasings into description (see writing guide) |
| "Marketplace not found" error | /plugin only supported in that version | Update the client, or use the "drop-in directory" way |
| Want to uninstall a Skill | — | Delete the folder or run /plugin uninstall |
How to verify it's installed?
- Say a trigger scenario directly in an AI chat, e.g., "help me write a weekly report"
- Check whether the output follows the Skill's format (e.g., the report uses the "results / problems / plans" three sections)
- If it doesn't trigger, check the directory path and description (the two most common sticking points)
Related reading
- Which ones to install: 10 Skills most worth installing
- Write your own: creation tutorial / writing guide
- Using Skills and MCP together: comparison article