What are Claude skills and how to use them

Claude skills are reusable instructions that extend what Claude can do. A skill is usually a small markdown file (often called SKILL.md) that teaches Claude how to handle a specific task, such as formatting a document, following a workflow, or using a tool. Once you add a skill, Claude can apply it whenever it is relevant.

If you use Claude for work, skills are one of the easiest ways to make it more useful without writing any code.

What can a Claude skill do?

A good skill packages knowledge and steps that you would otherwise have to explain every time. Common examples include:

• Turning rough notes into a polished document in your house style
• Following a repeatable process, like a code review or a weekly report
• Wrapping a tool or API so Claude knows exactly how to call it
• Enforcing rules, such as tone, formatting, or things to avoid

Because a skill is just text, it is easy to read, share, and adjust.

How to use a Claude skill

1. Get the skill file (a .md file) from a source you trust.
2. Add it to Claude by following the instructions for your setup.
3. Use it by asking Claude to do the task the skill covers. Claude applies the skill automatically when it fits.

Where to find Claude skills

Finding good, ready-made skills is the hard part. On Dexa, builders publish Claude skills you can read in full before you use them, with the author’s name and version history attached. You can copy the skill or download the file directly, so you always know exactly what you are adding to Claude.

Browse Claude skills on Dexa to find ones worth adding to your workflow.