skills.md Codex Docs, 2026-03-07 06:14 UTC → 2026-05-01 18:29 UTC

1# Agent Skills1# Agent Skills

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3Use agent skills to extend Codex with task-specific capabilities. A skill packages instructions, resources, and optional scripts so Codex can follow a workflow reliably. You can share skills across teams or with the community. Skills build on the [open agent skills standard](https://agentskills.io).3Use agent skills to extend Codex with task-specific capabilities. A skill packages instructions, resources, and optional scripts so Codex can follow a workflow reliably. Skills build on the [open agent skills standard](https://agentskills.io).

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5Skills are the authoring format for reusable workflows. Plugins are the installable distribution unit for reusable skills and apps in Codex. Use skills to design the workflow itself, then package it as a [plugin](https://developers.openai.com/codex/plugins/build) when you want other developers to install it.

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5Skills are available in the Codex CLI, IDE extension, and Codex app.7Skills are available in the Codex CLI, IDE extension, and Codex app.

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7Skills use **progressive disclosure** to manage context efficiently: Codex starts with each skill’s metadata (`name`, `description`, file path, and optional metadata from `agents/openai.yaml`). Codex loads the full `SKILL.md` instructions only when it decides to use a skill.9Skills use **progressive disclosure** to manage context efficiently: Codex starts with each skill's name, description, and file path. Codex loads the full `SKILL.md` instructions only when it decides to use a skill.

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11Codex includes an initial list of available skills in context so it can choose the right skill for a task. To avoid crowding out the rest of the prompt, this list is capped at roughly 2% of the model’s context window, or 8,000 characters when the context window is unknown. If many skills are installed, Codex shortens skill descriptions first. For very large skill sets, some skills may be omitted from the initial list, and Codex will show a warning.

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13This budget applies only to the initial skills list. When Codex selects a skill, it still reads the full SKILL.md instructions for that skill.

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9A skill is a directory with a `SKILL.md` file plus optional scripts and references. The `SKILL.md` file must include `name` and `description`.15A skill is a directory with a `SKILL.md` file plus optional scripts and references. The `SKILL.md` file must include `name` and `description`.

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251. **Explicit invocation:** Include the skill directly in your prompt. In CLI/IDE, run `/skills` or type `$` to mention a skill.311. **Explicit invocation:** Include the skill directly in your prompt. In CLI/IDE, run `/skills` or type `$` to mention a skill.

262. **Implicit invocation:** Codex can choose a skill when your task matches the skill `description`.322. **Implicit invocation:** Codex can choose a skill when your task matches the skill `description`.

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28Because implicit matching depends on `description`, write descriptions with clear scope and boundaries.34Because implicit matching depends on `description`, write concise descriptions with clear scope and boundaries. Front-load the key use case and trigger words so Codex can still match the skill if descriptions are shortened.

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30## Create a skill36## Create a skill

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66Codex supports symlinked skill folders and follows the symlink target when scanning these locations.72Codex supports symlinked skill folders and follows the symlink target when scanning these locations.

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68## Install skills74These locations are for authoring and local discovery. When you want to

75distribute reusable skills beyond a single repo, or optionally bundle them with

76app integrations, use [plugins](https://developers.openai.com/codex/plugins/build).

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78## Distribute skills with plugins

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70To install skills beyond the built-ins, use `$skill-installer`. For example, to install the `$linear` skill:80Direct skill folders are best for local authoring and repo-scoped workflows. If

81you want to distribute a reusable skill, bundle two or more skills together, or

82ship a skill alongside an app integration, package them as a

83[plugin](https://developers.openai.com/codex/plugins/build).

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85Plugins can include one or more skills. They can also optionally bundle app

86mappings, MCP server configuration, and presentation assets in a single

87package.

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89## Install curated skills for local use

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91To add curated skills beyond the built-ins for your own local Codex setup, use `$skill-installer`. For example, to install the `$linear` skill:

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72```bash93```bash

73$skill-installer linear94$skill-installer linear

74```95```

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76You can also prompt the installer to download skills from other repositories. Codex detects newly installed skills automatically; if one doesn’t appear, restart Codex.97You can also prompt the installer to download skills from other repositories.

98Codex detects newly installed skills automatically; if one doesn't appear,

99restart Codex.

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101Use this for local setup and experimentation. For reusable distribution of your

102own skills, prefer plugins.

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78## Enable or disable skills104## Enable or disable skills

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