The short answer
Start with text instructions before adding executable code.
Try it in three steps
- Create a practice skill folder.
- Follow the format for name, description and procedure.
- Check that referenced files exist.
A practice prompt
Before you start
Create a note-sorter folder and save a plain-text SKILL.md inside it, not SKILL.md.txt. Put the following content in the file; do not import or run it here.
Practice material (fictional)
---
name: note-sorter
description: Group short notes by topic.
---
# Organize notes
Group supplied notes by topic and separate unknowns.Replace placeholders in the prompt with this material, or append the material if there are no placeholders. Reading time excludes doing the exercise.
Draft a text-only skill for meeting notes with inputs, outputs and handling of unknown owners. Include no scripts or external sending.What to look for (not a recorded test result)
Lines one and four are ---. The name matches the folder, the description is nonempty and the body follows the second ---. Correct format does not prove client loading.
If it goes wrong
If recognition fails, check client compatibility and the format rather than repeatedly renaming files.
Check your result
Another reader understands the task and all resource paths resolve.
References and scope
The links below support the concepts or product navigation. The steps and exercises are our teaching suggestions, not official certification or measured customer outcomes. Product interfaces and availability may change. References checked on 2026-10-17.