Distribution Guide

Current Distribution Model

Individual Users

Download skill folder
Zip the folder
Upload to Claude.ai: Settings > Capabilities > Skills
Or place in Claude Code skills directory: .opencode/skills/

Organization-Level

Admins deploy skills workspace-wide
Automatic updates, centralized management

Via API

/v1/skills endpoint for managing skills programmatically
Add to Messages API via container.skills parameter
Version control through Claude Console
Works with Claude Agent SDK for custom agents

Use Case	Best Surface
End users interacting directly	Claude.ai / Claude Code
Manual testing during development	Claude.ai / Claude Code
Applications using skills programmatically	API
Production deployments at scale	API
Automated pipelines and agent systems	API

Recommended Approach

1. Host on GitHub

Public repo for open-source skills
Clear README with installation instructions (repo-level, NOT inside skill folder)
Example usage and screenshots

2. Document in MCP Repo (if applicable)

Link to skills from MCP documentation
Explain value of using both together
Provide quick-start guide

3. Create Installation Guide

## Installing the [Service] Skill
1. Download: `git clone https://github.com/company/skills`
   Or download ZIP from Releases
2. Install: Claude.ai > Settings > Skills > Upload skill (zipped)
3. Enable: Toggle on the skill, ensure MCP server connected
4. Test: Ask Claude "[trigger phrase from description]"

Packaging for Distribution

Run packaging script to validate and zip:

scripts/package_skill.py <path/to/skill-folder>
scripts/package_skill.py <path/to/skill-folder> ./dist  # custom output dir

Validates: frontmatter, naming, description (<200 chars), structure. Creates: skill-name.zip with proper directory structure.

Plugin Marketplaces

For marketplace distribution, see:

plugin-marketplace-overview.md — Concepts and workflow
plugin-marketplace-schema.md — JSON schema for marketplace.json
plugin-marketplace-sources.md — Source types (path, GitHub, git)
plugin-marketplace-hosting.md — Hosting options and auto-updates
plugin-marketplace-troubleshooting.md — Common issues

Positioning Your Skill

Focus on outcomes:

"Enables teams to set up complete project workspaces in seconds instead of 30-minute manual setup."

Include MCP story (if applicable):

"Our MCP server gives Claude access to your Linear projects. Our skills teach Claude your sprint planning workflow. Together: AI-powered project management."

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