ITG NowHome › AI glossary › Agent skills
What are agent skills?
Agent skills are small packs of instructions and files that teach an AI agent how to do one kind of task well.
- Category Agents & tools
- Also called agent skill, SKILL.md
- Updated 20 Oct 2026
Agent skills, explained simply
Agent skills are small folders of instructions that an AI agent can load when it needs them. A skill might explain how to make a slide deck or review a document.
They matter because you teach the AI once and reuse it. You don't have to retype long instructions every time.
For example, a skill could hold your company's writing style and a checklist. When you ask for a report, the agent reads the skill and follows it.
A skill is often just a text file, usually named SKILL.md, plus any extra files it needs.
On ITG Now, our free tool guides point out when a tool supports skills and where to find free ones on GitHub.
Related terms
AI agentClaude CodePluginPromptMarkdown
Where you'll see it on ITG Now
- GuideHallmark: Free AI Web Design Skill for Claude Code (2026)
- GuideOn-Brand Diagrams with Claude: Diagram Design Guide (2026)
- GuideArchify: Free AI Diagram Generator for Claude and Codex (2026)
- GuideBrag: A Free AI Launch Video Maker for Your Project
- GuideDeepTutor: Free AI Tutor That Learns From Your Notes
Questions people ask about Agent skills
Are agent skills free?
Skills are just files, so many are free to copy and share. The AI tool that runs them may have its own cost.
Agent skills vs plugins: what is the difference?
A skill is a set of instructions for a task. A plugin can add new tools or features and may bundle skills too.
Is it safe to install a skill from the internet?
Read it first. A skill can tell your AI to run commands, so only use ones from sources you trust.