Why this matters
You have a way you like things done: how a spreadsheet is laid out, how a staff update sounds. Explaining it in every chat gets old, and when you forget, the result comes back in some other style.
A Claude skill is a small folder of instructions that teaches Claude one kind of task. Claude loads it only when a request needs it, so you just ask in plain words and the right skill kicks in.
In this module you switch on the setting skills need, find your skills, turn one on, then ask for a spreadsheet and a Word document and watch Claude pick the right skills by itself.
What you’ll build
Code execution and file creation switched on, which Anthropic’s built-in Excel, Word, PowerPoint and PDF skills need. The internal-comms example skill turned on in Customize, Skills.
A real spreadsheet from one plain request (Claude uses the xlsx skill), and a staff update as a Word document (Claude uses internal-comms plus docx), with Claude’s work details showing which skills it used.
What you need
- Nothing to start the practiceClaude is a practice copy. Nothing is saved or downloaded for real.
- A Claude account, to do it for realclaude.ai. Skills work on the Free, Pro, Max, Team and Enterprise plans. On Team and Enterprise an Owner may need to allow them first.
Concepts
3 ideas you’ll use in the practice.
A skill is instructions Claude reaches for
Each skill has a name and a short description of when to use it. Claude reads the descriptions, and when your request matches one, it loads that skill’s full instructions.
That is why you do not have to name the skill. "Make me an Excel file of this week’s jobs" is enough.
Turn on what skills need first
Many skills make real files, so they need Code execution and file creation, under Settings, Capabilities. Without it, Claude can only describe the file.
Your skills live in Customize, Skills. Built-in ones are there already, examples can be turned on, and your own skills appear there too.
Check which skill Claude used
Open Claude’s work details under the answer to see which skills it read. Two can work together: one for the writing style and one for the Word file.
If the wrong skill kicks in, or none does, say what you wanted in the same chat. You can also write a skill of your own, so a job you repeat every week comes out the same way each time.
Practice
Do every step yourself in a practice copy of the real tool. It checks your work, and “Do it for me” finishes any step you get stuck on.
Do it for real
Now repeat it in your own account. Tick each step as you go.
Quick check
3 questions to check you’ve got it.
1. How does Claude decide to use a skill?
- You must type the skill’s name
- Your request matches the skill’s description
- It uses every skill on every chat
Show the answer
Your request matches the skill’s description. Claude reads each skill’s description and loads the full skill only when a request needs it.
2. Claude only describes the spreadsheet instead of making one. What is the likely fix?
- Turn on Code execution and file creation in Settings, Capabilities
- Upgrade to Max
- Ask in capital letters
Show the answer
Turn on Code execution and file creation in Settings, Capabilities. File-making skills need that setting. Without it, Claude cannot create the file.
3. Where do you see which skills Claude used?
- In Settings
- In Claude’s work details under the answer
- Nowhere, it is hidden
Show the answer
In Claude’s work details under the answer. The work details show each skill Claude read for that answer.
Install a custom skill
Next in this course: Install a custom skill.
Start module 3 →