> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cohesive.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How Skills work

> Save reusable instructions for recurring formats, preferences, and processes.

A Skill is a named set of instructions the agent can use again: a report format, a review rubric, a writing preference, or domain context.

## Auto and Manual

**Auto** Skills are available for the agent to select when their description matches a task. **Manual** Skills are used when you explicitly select them. Either mode can be invoked from the composer.

A clear description matters. “Review vendor proposals against our security, cost, and implementation criteria” tells the agent when to use the Skill more reliably than “Proposal helper.”

## Ask to save an instruction

Once an approach is useful, ask explicitly:

*"Save this as a Skill: meeting briefs should include the account context, open commitments, and three goals. Use it whenever I ask for meeting preparation."*

Review the saved instructions in your Skills library. To revise them, say what should change. The agent is instructed to create or edit your Skills when you ask, rather than silently save every correction.

## Write a focused Skill

Include:

* **When to use it.** The tasks or situations it applies to.
* **What to do.** The steps, criteria, or format.
* **What to check.** Required evidence, missing information, and review points.

A Skill is reusable context, not training of a new model. It doesn't grant access to files or apps.

## Start from a template

Copy a [Skill template](/product/skills/templates) and adapt it to your work, or [create your own](/product/skills/managing). Keep Skills focused enough that you can inspect and improve one without rewriting the rest.