A Claude Skill is a folder of instructions, and sometimes scripts, that teaches Claude to do one job the same good way every time. Install one once, and Claude uses it whenever the job comes up. You don't need to code.
This guide sets up the base that every other guide builds on.
1Pick where you'll use Claude
| Where | Best for | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| claude.ai or the desktop app | Writing, research, decks and models you download | A Claude account. Skills work on every plan, including Free |
| Claude Code | Files that live on your computer, repeatable workflows, building product | A terminal and a paid plan or API key |
Start with claude.ai if you're not technical. You can add Claude Code later; skills work in both.
2Turn on code execution
Skills need Claude to be able to run code and create files.
- Open claude.ai and go to Settings → Capabilities.
- Turn on Code execution and file creation.
On a Team plan this is on by default. On Enterprise, an owner turns it on under Organization settings → Plugins & skills.
3Install your first skill on claude.ai
- Download a skill as a ZIP. The ZIP must contain the skill's folder, with a
SKILL.mdfile inside it. - Go to Customize → Skills.
- Click +, then + Create skill, then Upload a skill.
- Choose the ZIP. The skill appears in your list, where you can switch it on or off.
Anthropic's own walkthrough is in the Claude help center.
4Or install skills in Claude Code
Install Claude Code from the official docs, open a terminal in your project folder, and run claude.
There are two ways to add skills:
From a plugin marketplace (most GitHub skill packs)
/plugin marketplace add owner/repo /plugin install plugin-name@marketplace-name
The repo's README gives you the exact names. For example, Anthropic's official directory is anthropics/claude-plugins-official.
By copying the folder
Put the skill folder in ~/.claude/skills/ to use it in every project, or in .claude/skills/ inside one project to keep it there. Claude Code finds it automatically. The Claude Code skills docs cover the details.
5Give Claude your facts once
Every skill does better when it knows your company. Instead of re-explaining it in every chat, write it down once.
Interview me to build a one-page facts file about my startup. Ask one question at a time: company name and one-line description, the customer, the problem, what they use today, what we do differently, stage, traction with dates and sources, team, round size, and what we'll do with the money. Rules: use only what I tell you. Where I don't know something, write "Add: ..." instead of guessing. At the end, give me the file as markdown, with a section called "Approved proof points": the numbers I'm happy to share with investors.
Save the result as profile.md in a Claude Project (claude.ai) or in your project folder (Claude Code), so every chat can read it.
6Install skills that are safe
Skills can run code on your computer, so treat them like any software you install.
Every skill in our Skill Library was checked on GitHub before we listed it, and we tell you which ones need a paid key.
What's next
You're set up. Pick the guide for where you are: validate your idea, get your first customers, or jump into the raise with your pitch deck.