skills.md Codex Docs, 2026-03-27 00:39 UTC → 2026-04-07 00:40 UTC

2 2 

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).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).

4 4 

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) when you want other developers to install it.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.

6 6 

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

8 8 

69 69 

70These locations are for authoring and local discovery. When you want to70These locations are for authoring and local discovery. When you want to

71distribute reusable skills beyond a single repo, or optionally bundle them with71distribute reusable skills beyond a single repo, or optionally bundle them with

72app integrations, use [plugins](https://developers.openai.com/codex/plugins).72app integrations, use [plugins](https://developers.openai.com/codex/plugins/build).

73 73 

74## Distribute skills with plugins74## Distribute skills with plugins

75 75 

76Direct skill folders are best for local authoring and repo-scoped workflows. If76Direct skill folders are best for local authoring and repo-scoped workflows. If

77you want to distribute a reusable skill, bundle two or more skills together, or77you want to distribute a reusable skill, bundle two or more skills together, or

78ship a skill alongside an app integration, package them as a78ship a skill alongside an app integration, package them as a

79[plugin](https://developers.openai.com/codex/plugins).79[plugin](https://developers.openai.com/codex/plugins/build).

80 80 

81Plugins can include one or more skills. They can also optionally bundle app81Plugins can include one or more skills. They can also optionally bundle app

82mappings, MCP server configuration, and presentation assets in a single82mappings, MCP server configuration, and presentation assets in a single