SKILL.md files.
What are Agent Skills?
Agent Skills are:- Markdown-based: Written in simple Markdown format with YAML frontmatter
- Modular: Each skill is a self-contained capability
- Reusable: Skills can be shared across agents and projects
- Context-aware: Automatically loaded based on task similarity
- Code-free: No code changes needed to add new capabilities
Skills Directory Structure
SKILL.md Format
Basic Structure
EachSKILL.md file has two parts:
- YAML Frontmatter: Metadata about the skill
- Markdown Content: Instructions and methodology
Example: Financial Analysis Skill
Using Agent Skills
Static Loading (Load All Skills)
Load all skills from a directory when creating the agent:Dynamic Loading (Task-Based)
Dynamically load only relevant skills based on task similarity:Creating Custom Skills
Step 1: Create Directory
Step 2: Write SKILL.md
Step 3: Use the Skill
Skill Examples
Data Visualization Skill
Dynamic Skills Loader
Best Practices
1. Keep Skills Focused
2. Include Examples
Always provide concrete examples in your skills:3. Use Clear Instructions
4. Provide Guidelines
Sharing Skills
Skills can be easily shared across projects and teams:Next Steps
Structured Outputs
Get structured responses from agents
Creating Agents
Learn how to create agents
Reference
- Skills handling:
swarms/structs/agent.py:705-783 - Dynamic skills loader:
swarms/structs/dynamic_skills_loader.py - Example skills:
examples/single_agent/agent_skill_examples/ - Anthropic Agent Skills: Agent Skills Documentation