Watch the setup
The switch is hiding in Claude’s settings.
Open Customize, choose Skills, and pick what you want to enable. The Short also shows the one setting you need to check before skills can run.
Why it matters
Stop teaching Claude the same job over and over.
A skill saves the method, not just the answer. That makes repeat work faster and more consistent.
Without a skill
With a skill
Three-step setup
Turn on Claude Skills.
Open Skills
Open Claude, choose Customize, and select Skills. This is where you manage Claude’s built-in skills and upload your own.
Turn on code execution
Make sure code execution and file creation is enabled. Claude needs it to run the instructions and supporting files inside a skill.
Enable or upload a skill
Turn on one of Claude’s built-in skills, or upload a custom skill folder that contains its SKILL.md instructions.
What you are uploading
A folder that teaches one job.
The center of a custom skill is a file named SKILL.md. It explains when the skill should be used and the steps Claude should follow.
The folder can also hold templates, examples, scripts, or reference material that the job needs.
The simple version
- 1.Put your instructions in SKILL.md.
- 2.Place it inside a folder with any supporting files.
- 3.Upload the folder in Claude’s Skills settings.
Keep the skill description clear and concise so Claude can recognize when it should be used.
Everyday uses
Good jobs to turn into skills.
Rewrite stiff AI-sounding text in your natural voice
Format every report with the same sections and standards
Create spreadsheets or presentations using your preferred process
Apply a repeatable checklist whenever Claude handles a familiar job
Then use Claude normally
You do not need a special command. In my example, I paste stiff text and ask Claude to make it sound more human. Claude sees that the request matches my enabled skill and uses the saved process on its own.
FAQ
Claude Skills questions
Behind the video
The gear I use to make these.
Everything here is sitting in my office right now. If you buy through an Amazon link, I earn a small commission — it helps the channel, and costs you nothing extra.
Sony Alpha a5000
Compact mirrorless camera for talking-head videos.
View on Amazon →Elgato Facecam
Dedicated webcam when I don't want to rig the mirrorless.
View on Amazon →Elgato Key Light
Bright, dimmable, computer-controlled key light.
View on Amazon →Elgato Stream Deck +
One-press control for lights, scenes, and apps.
View on Amazon →Elgato Wave:3 Mic
Clean mic for voiceovers and screen recordings.
View on Amazon →DJI Mic Mini
Wireless lav mic for away-from-desk shots.
View on Amazon →Elgato Prompter
Built-in screen so I can read while looking at the lens.
View on Amazon →Meross Smart Plug
Reliable HomeKit smart plugs for fans and lamps.
View on Amazon →Govee Smart Bulbs
Color Wi-Fi bulbs with app and voice control.
View on Amazon →EMART Umbrella Lights
Budget-friendly fill lights for even coverage.
View on Amazon →Amazon Associates disclosure: I earn from qualifying purchases. I only list gear I own and use.