karanb192 Claude Skills
A practical collection of Claude Code skills focused on real-world dev workflows — PR reviews, dependency analysis, security audits, and architecture diagrams.
awesome-claude-skills
The definitive collection of Agent Skills for Claude - supercharge your AI workflows across Claude Code, Claude.ai, and API
Claude just got Skills! This is the definitive collection of 50+ Agent Skills for Claude Code, Claude.ai, and Claude API to boost productivity, enforce best practices, and automate complex workflows.
🎯 Why this list? Verified skills ✓ | Active maintenance ✓ | Clear use cases ✓ | Community-driven ✓ | 50+ Skills ✓
💡 New to Skills? Start with the Quick Start Guide • Looking for something specific? Use
Ctrl+Fto search • Want to contribute? Check Contributing
Contents
- Quick Start
- What are Skills?
- Featured Skills
- How to Install Skills
- Skills vs MCP vs System Prompts
- Skill Categories
- Skill Collections
- FAQ
- Resources
- Contributors
- Contributing
- License
Quick Start
Get your first skill running in 30 seconds:
# 1. Install obra's superpowers collection (20+ battle-tested skills)
git clone https://github.com/obra/superpowers ~/.claude/skills/superpowers
# 2. Try test-driven-development skill
# In Claude Code, just say: "Let's use TDD to build a user authentication system"
# Claude will automatically load the TDD skill and guide you through RED-GREEN-REFACTOR!
That's it! Skills load automatically when relevant. No configuration needed.
What are Skills?
Agent Skills are modular capabilities that extend Claude's functionality through organized folders containing instructions, scripts, and resources. Each skill teaches Claude how to perform specialized tasks in a repeatable, standardized way.
Key benefits:
- Efficient: Skills use only 30-50 tokens until loaded
- Portable: Works across Claude Code CLI, Claude.ai, and API
- Composable: Stack multiple skills together
- Context-aware: Claude automatically identifies relevant skills
Skills are available on Claude Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise plans with code execution enabled.
Featured Skills
Start with these top 10 essential skills:
| Skill | Why You Need It | Category | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| test-driven-development | Write bulletproof code with RED-GREEN-REFACTOR workflow | 🧪 Testing | ✅ |
| systematic-debugging | Find bugs 10x faster with 4-phase root cause analysis | 🐛 Debugging | ✅ |
| using-git-worktrees | Work on multiple features simultaneously without context switching | 🤝 Workflow | ✅ |
| mcp-builder | Build custom MCP servers to extend Claude's capabilities | ⚙️ Development | ✅ |
| Extract text, tables, metadata from PDFs with merge & annotation support | 📄 Documents | ✅ | |
| docx | Create, edit, and analyze Word documents with tracked changes | 📄 Documents | ✅ |
| artifacts-builder | Build complex React artifacts with Tailwind CSS and shadcn/ui | ⚙️ Development | ✅ |
| skill-creator | Create your own skills and contribute to the ecosystem | 🎯 Meta | ✅ |
| requesting-code-review | Pre-review preparation with formatted diffs and clear PR descriptions | 🤝 Workflow | ✅ |
| subagent-driven-development | Quality-gated iteration with multi-agent workflows for complex tasks | 🎯 Meta | ✅ |
How to Install Skills
Method 1: Git Clone (Recommended)
# Linux/macOS
mkdir -p ~/.claude/skills
git clone https://github.com/owner/skill-name ~/.claude/skills/skill-name
# Windows (PowerShell)
mkdir $env:USERPROFILE\.claude\skills
git clone https://github.com/owner/skill-name $env:USERPROFILE\.claude\skills\skill-name
Pro tip: Clone entire skill collections like obra/superpowers to get 20+ skills at once!
Method 2: Manual Installation
- Create a folder in
~/.claude/skills/ - Add a
SKILL.mdfile with YAML frontmatter and instructions - (Optional) Include supporting scripts and resources
Verify installation:
# Check if skill is loaded
ls ~/.claude/skills/
# Skills load automatically - just start using Claude!
Skills vs MCP vs System Prompts
Confused about when to use Skills vs other Claude customization methods? Here's the breakdown:
| Feature | Skills | MCP Servers | System Prompts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Task-specific workflows | External tool integration | General behavior modification |
| Setup | Git clone to ~/.claude/skills/ | Install & configure MCP server | Edit CLAUDE.md in project |
| Activation | Automatic (context-aware) | Explicit tool calls | Always active |
| Best For | TDD, debugging, git workflows | APIs, databases, file systems | Project conventions, style guides |
| Portability | Cross-platform (CLI, web, API) | Platform-dependent | Project-specific |
| Token Cost | 30-50 until loaded | Per-call | Always consuming tokens |
| Examples | test-driven-development | Weather API, GitHub integration | "Use TypeScript strict mode" |
When to use what:
- ✅ Skills → Repeatable workflows (TDD, debugging, code review)
- ✅ MCP → External data/tools (APIs, search, databases)
- ✅ System Prompts → Project-specific rules and conventions
Skill Categories
📄 Document & File Processing
Source: anthropics/skills | Verified: ✅ Description: Extract text, tables, metadata from PDFs. Merge documents and add annotations. Use Case: Processing contracts, extracting data from reports, combining PDF files Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
docx
Source: anthropics/skills | Verified: ✅ Description: Create, edit, and analyze Word documents with support for tracked changes and comments. Use Case: Automating document generation, processing feedback, extracting structured data Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
xlsx
Source: anthropics/skills | Verified: ✅ Description: Excel spreadsheet operations including formulas, charts, pivot tables, and data validation. Use Case: Financial reports, data analysis, automated spreadsheet generation Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
pptx
Source: anthropics/skills | Verified: ✅ Description: PowerPoint presentation creation with templates, charts, and multimedia integration. Use Case: Automated slide generation, presentation analysis, template customization Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🧪 Testing & Quality
test-driven-development
Source: obra/superpowers | Verified: ✅ Description: RED-GREEN-REFACTOR cycle: write failing tests, implement code, refactor for quality Use Case: Building new features with strong test coverage guarantees Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
webapp-testing
Source: anthropics/skills | Verified: ✅ Description: Playwright-based web app testing for UI verification and debugging Use Case: Testing web UIs, validating user flows, catching visual regressions Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
condition-based-waiting
Source: obra/superpowers | Verified: ✅ Description: Async testing patterns with proper wait conditions to prevent flaky tests Use Case: Testing asynchronous operations, API calls, animations Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
testing-anti-patterns
Source: obra/superpowers | Verified: ✅ Description: Identifies common testing mistakes: brittle assertions, test interdependence, poor isolation Use Case: Code reviews, refactoring existing test suites Stars: ⭐⭐⭐
e2e-testing-skill
Status: Community-needed Description: End-to-end test automation across multiple services and browser environments. Use Case: Integration testing, cross-browser compatibility validation
snapshot-testing
Status: Community-needed Description: Visual regression testing with component snapshot management. Use Case: Component libraries, design system maintenance
🐛 Debugging & Troubleshooting
systematic-debugging
Source: obra/superpowers | Verified: ✅ Description: Four-phase root cause process: reproduce, isolate, identify, verify fix. Use Case: Complex bugs, production issues, multi-component failures Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
root-cause-tracing
Source: obra/superpowers | Verified: ✅ Description: Deep problem investigation with dependency chain analysis. Use Case: Tracing cascading failures, understanding system interactions Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
verification-before-completion
Source: obra/superpowers | Verified: ✅ Description: Ensures fixes are validated before marking work complete. Use Case: Bug fixes, refactoring work, feature additions Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
defense-in-depth
Source: obra/superpowers | Verified: ✅ Description: Multiple validation layers for comprehensive error handling. Use Case: Critical systems, production code, API endpoints Stars: ⭐⭐⭐
performance-profiling
Status: Community-needed Description: Identify performance bottlenecks, memory leaks, and CPU-intensive operations. Use Case: Optimization work, scaling applications, investigating slowness
🤝 Collaboration & Workflow
requesting-code-review
Source: obra/superpowers | Verified: ✅ Description: Pre-review preparation and PR best practices with formatted diffs. Use Case: Before submitting PRs, preparing for team review Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
receiving-code-review
Source: obra/superpowers | Verified: ✅ Description: Constructive feedback integration and iteration on review comments. Use Case: Responding to PR feedback, implementing requested changes Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
using-git-worktrees
Source: obra/superpowers | Verified: ✅ Description: Parallel development branches for context switching optimization. Use Case: Juggling multiple features, emergency hotfixes, experimental branches Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
finishing-a-development-branch
Source: obra/superpowers | Verified: ✅ Description: Guides merge/PR decisions and maintaining clean git history. Use Case: Preparing features for merge, cleaning up commit history Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
brainstorming
Source: obra/superpowers | Verified: ✅ Description: Socratic design refinement and feature exploration through guided questioning. Use Case: Architecture decisions, API design, feature planning Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
writing-plans
Source: obra/superpowers | Verified: ✅ Description: Creates detailed implementation strategies and architecture documentation. Use Case: Complex features, system design, technical specs Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
executing-plans
Source: obra/superpowers | Verified: ✅ Description: Batch execution with checkpoints for progress tracking and recovery. Use Case: Large refactors, multi-step implementations Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
⚙️ Development & Architecture
mcp-builder
Source: anthropics/skills | Verified: ✅ Description: Create high-quality Model Context Protocol servers for external integrations. Use Case: Building custom MCP servers, extending Claude's capabilities Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
artifacts-builder
Source: anthropics/skills | Verified: ✅ Description: Build complex claude.ai HTML artifacts using React, Tailwind CSS, and shadcn/ui. Use Case: Interactive demos, prototypes, data visualizations Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
api-development
Status: Community-needed Description: RESTful API design patterns with OpenAPI/Swagger generation. Use Case: Building backend services, documenting APIs
database-migration
Status: Community-needed Description: Schema version management and safe migration patterns for production. Use Case: Database evolution, schema changes, data migrations
refactoring-patterns
Status: Community-needed Description: Code smell detection and systematic refactoring techniques. Use Case: Legacy code modernization, improving code quality
🔒 Security & Performance
security-review
Status: Community-needed Description: Automated vulnerability scanning and OWASP compliance checks. Use Case: Security audits, pre-deployment checks, compliance validation
dependency-audit
Status: Community-needed Description: Supply chain security analysis with CVE detection in dependencies. Use Case: Regular security checks, updating vulnerable packages
performance-optimization
Status: Community-needed Description: Algorithmic improvements and resource usage optimization strategies. Use Case: Improving application speed, reducing memory footprint
load-testing
Status: Community-needed Description: Stress testing patterns and performance benchmarking. Use Case: Capacity planning, finding breaking points
📚 Documentation & Automation
documentation-generator
Status: Community-needed Description: Auto-generate API documentation and keep docs synchronized with code. Use Case: Maintaining up-to-date documentation, API references
changelog-automation
Status: Community-needed Description: Conventional commits integration with automated release note generation. Use Case: Release management, version tracking
ci-cd-integration
Status: Community-needed Description: GitHub Actions workflow creation and automated deployment pipelines. Use Case: DevOps automation, continuous delivery
🎬 Media & Content Creation
canvas-design
Source: Community | Verified: ⏳ Description: Create visual designs and graphics using Claude's canvas capabilities. Use Case: Quick mockups, diagrams, visual brainstorming Stars: ⭐⭐⭐
slack-gif-creator
Source: Community | Verified: ⏳ Description: Generate custom GIFs for Slack communication and team engagement. Use Case: Team communication, visual humor, notifications Stars: ⭐⭐
algorithmic-art
Source: Community | Verified: ⏳ Description: Generate procedural art and visualizations using code-based techniques. Use Case: Creative coding, data visualization, generative design Stars: ⭐⭐⭐
video-editing-helper
Status: Community-needed Description: Assist with video editing workflows, ffmpeg commands, and transitions. Use Case: Video production, content creation, media processing
📊 Data & Analysis
data-visualization
Status: Community-needed Description: Create charts, graphs, and interactive visualizations from datasets. Use Case: Data exploration, reporting, presentation of insights
sql-query-builder
Status: Community-needed Description: Generate optimized SQL queries with proper indexing and performance tuning. Use Case: Database queries, data extraction, performance optimization
csv-processing
Status: Community-needed Description: Parse, transform, and analyze CSV files with data cleaning and validation. Use Case: Data migration, ETL processes, data quality checks
✍️ Writing & Research
brand-guidelines
Source: Community | Verified: ⏳ Description: Maintain and enforce brand voice, style, and messaging consistency. Use Case: Content creation, marketing materials, company communications Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
internal-comms
Source: Community | Verified: ⏳ Description: Draft internal communications, memos, and team announcements. Use Case: HR communications, team updates, policy announcements Stars: ⭐⭐⭐
research-assistant
Status: Community-needed Description: Gather, synthesize, and cite sources for research projects. Use Case: Academic research, market analysis, competitive intelligence
technical-writing
Status: Community-needed Description: Create clear technical documentation following industry best practices. Use Case: API docs, user manuals, technical specifications
🎯 Meta Skills
skill-creator
Source: anthropics/skills | Verified: ✅ Description: Teaches methods for developing effective skills following best practices. Use Case: Building custom skills, contributing to the ecosystem Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
template-skill
Source: anthropics/skills | Verified: ✅ Description: Minimal skeleton for new skill projects with proper structure. Use Case: Starting new skills from scratch Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
writing-skills
Source: obra/superpowers | Verified: ✅ Description: Creating skills following best practices with proper YAML frontmatter. Use Case: Contributing new skills, maintaining skill quality Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
sharing-skills
Source: obra/superpowers | Verified: ✅ Description: Contributing skills via branches and pull requests to community repositories. Use Case: Open-source contributions, sharing expertise Stars: ⭐⭐⭐
testing-skills-with-subagents
Source: obra/superpowers | Verified: ✅ Description: Validating skill quality and effectiveness using subagent-driven testing. Use Case: Quality assurance for skills, debugging skill behavior Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
subagent-driven-development
Source: obra/superpowers | Verified: ✅ Description: Quality-gated iteration with multi-agent workflows for complex tasks. Use Case: Large-scale refactoring, parallel development streams Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skill Collections
Looking for curated skill bundles? Start with these collections:
| Collection | Skills | Maintainer | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| obra/superpowers | 20+ | @obra | Development workflows & best practices |
| anthropics/skills | 10+ | @anthropics | Official skills & document processing |
FAQ
How do I know if a skill is working?
Skills load automatically when Claude detects they're relevant. You'll see Claude using skill-specific patterns (like RED-GREEN-REFACTOR for TDD). To check installed skills:
ls ~/.claude/skills/
Can I use multiple skills at once?
Yes! Skills are composable. Claude automatically loads and coordinates multiple skills as needed. For example, you might use test-driven-development + systematic-debugging + using-git-worktrees simultaneously.
Do skills work on all platforms?
Yes! Skills use the same format across Claude Code CLI, Claude.ai, and the Claude API. Install once, use everywhere.
How do I update skills?
cd ~/.claude/skills/skill-name
git pull origin main
Can I create my own skills?
Absolutely! Check out the skill-creator skill and our Contributing Guide for best practices.
Do skills consume tokens?
Minimal! Each skill uses only 30-50 tokens until Claude loads it. Once loaded, only relevant portions are used.
What's the difference between skills and MCP servers?
See the comparison table above. TL;DR: Skills for workflows, MCP for external tools.
Where can I find more skills?
- obra/superpowers - 20+ battle-tested skills
- anthropics/skills - Official Anthropic skills
- claudeskills.info - Searchable directory
- This list! Browse the categories above
Can I share my skills?
Yes! Submit a PR to this repo or publish your own repository. Use the sharing-skills skill for guidance.
Are there any security concerns?
Skills can execute code, so only install from trusted sources. Review the skill's SKILL.md and any scripts before installing. Look for the ✅ Verified badge on skills that have been community-reviewed.
Resources
Official Documentation
- Agent Skills Documentation - Official Anthropic skills docs
- Skills Announcement - Claude Skills launch announcement
- Engineering Deep Dive - Technical details
Official Repositories
- anthropics/skills - Official Anthropic skills repository
- obra/superpowers - Battle-tested core skills library (20+ skills)
Related Awesome Lists
- awesome-claude-code - Commands, workflows, and tools for Claude Code
- awesome-claude - General Claude resources
Community Resources
- Claude Skills Hub - Searchable skills directory
- Simon Willison's Blog - "Claude Skills are awesome, maybe a bigger deal than MCP"
Tools & Utilities
- create-claude-skill - Interactive skill creator
- template-skill - Minimal skill template
Contributors
Thanks to these amazing people who have contributed to this list:
This awesome list is maintained by the community. Want to see your name here? Contribute!
Contributing
We welcome contributions! Please see CONTRIBUTING.md for detailed guidelines.
Quick contribution checklist:
- ✅ Skill has working
SKILL.mdwith YAML frontmatter - ✅ Clear documentation and use cases
- ✅ Actively maintained (commits within 6 months)
- ✅ Relevant to Claude workflows
- ✅ No security vulnerabilities or malicious code
Ways to contribute:
- Add new skills to existing categories
- Create entirely new categories
- Improve skill descriptions
- Add usage examples and tutorials
- Report broken or outdated skills
- Help verify community skills (earn the ✅ badge!)
License
MIT License - see LICENSE file for details.
This awesome list is licensed under MIT. Individual skills maintain their own licenses.
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to:
- Anthropic for creating Agent Skills and Claude Code
- @obra for the incredible superpowers skills library
- The Claude community for continuous innovation and contributions
Star this repo if you find it helpful! ⭐
Have a skill to share? Open a PR or create an issue!
Questions? Check the discussions or open an issue.
🚀 Built with skills. For skills. By the community.
Follow this repo for updates | Star to support | Contribute to grow the ecosystem
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