To install a Claude Skill, open Claude's desktop app, go to Customize → Skills → +, and upload the skill's ZIP folder — Claude reads the SKILL.md inside and switches it on. If you're on a free plan or a different AI, you can use the same expertise by pasting the skill file's text into your custom instructions instead.
There are two routes depending on whether you want the native Skills feature or just the result. Both are below, step by step.
Method 1 — Install a Skill in Claude (native feature)
This uses Claude's built-in Skills system, where Claude auto-detects and runs the skill when relevant. It needs the Claude desktop app and a paid plan (Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise), with code execution enabled.
- Open the Claude desktop app and look at the left sidebar.
- Click "Customize," then "Skills." This is where your installed skills live.
- Click the "+" button. Choose to add an official skill, or select "Create skill" to upload your own.
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Upload the skill's ZIP folder. Claude reads the
SKILL.mdat the root and shows a summary of what the skill does. - Toggle it on. The skill appears in your list with a switch — make sure it's enabled.
- Use it. Ask for the task the skill was built for. Claude loads it automatically when your request matches.
In Claude Code (terminal), drop the skill into ~/.claude/skills/<name>/ for personal use or .claude/skills/<name>/ inside a project — for example, unzip code-reviewer.zip -d ~/.claude/skills/ — confirm a valid SKILL.md sits at the folder root, restart, and run /skills to verify it loaded.
Method 2 — Use a Skill file by pasting it (works anywhere, any plan)
If you're on a free plan, or you use ChatGPT, Gemini, or another assistant, you can still get the specialist behavior. A skill file is just instructions — so you give those instructions to the AI directly.
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Open the skill file. It's usually a
.md(Markdown) file; prompt packs are often.txt. Both open in any text editor. - Copy all of its text.
- Open your AI chat and find the system prompt, custom instructions, or a project/settings field where you can give standing guidance.
- Paste and save.
- Start working. Your AI now behaves like a specialist from the first message — no re-prompting.
This is the fastest way to try the idea. Every file in the KissMySkills library is built to drop in this way, and the free skills let you test the workflow at zero cost.
Where to get skills to install
You have three sources:
- Official Anthropic skills — a small set for document tasks (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF), built into the Skills menu.
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Write your own — a folder with a
SKILL.md, a sharp description, and clear steps. Great for workflows unique to you. - Ready-made marketplaces — hundreds of role-specific skills you can install or paste immediately. Browse all skills, the Claude Code collection, or try a free generator first.
Troubleshooting
-
Skill doesn't appear after upload: confirm a valid
SKILL.mdis at the root of the ZIP (not nested in a subfolder). -
Skill never triggers: the description controls triggering. Make it specific about when to use the skill. In Claude Code, run
/skillsto confirm it loaded, and restart after adding files. - Feature missing entirely: the native Skills feature needs a paid plan with code execution enabled. On a free plan, use Method 2 (paste into custom instructions).
Frequently asked questions
Can I install Claude Skills on the free plan?
The native Skills feature requires a paid plan. But you can still use any skill file on a free plan by pasting its contents into your custom instructions — Method 2 above.
How long does it take?
About two to three minutes either way. Uploading a ZIP or pasting a file's text is the whole job — no coding required.
Do skills work in ChatGPT or Gemini?
The native Skills feature is a Claude capability, but the instructions inside a skill file are portable. Paste them into ChatGPT's or Gemini's custom instructions and you get the same specialist behavior.
Are uploaded skills safe?
A skill is text instructions and sometimes scripts. Install skills you wrote or got from a trusted source, and review what a skill does before running it where it can touch your data.
Ready to install your first one?
Pick a skill, install or paste it, and watch your AI specialize. Start with the free skills, browse the full library, or read what Claude Skills are if you're new to the concept.