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How to Upload and Use Locally-Built Claude Skills in the Claude.ai Web App

Move your custom Claude Skills from your local development environment to the user-friendly Claude.ai web interface. This guide shows you how to package your skill folder, upload it, and begin using it for daily tasks directly in your browser.

From How I AI

Claude Skills Explained: My Workflow for Creating Reusable AI Agents with Cursor and Claude Code

with Claire Vo

How to Upload and Use Locally-Built Claude Skills in the Claude.ai Web App

Tools Used

Claude

Anthropic AI assistant

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Prepare and Zip Your Skill Folder

In your computer's file explorer, locate the folder containing the skill you want to upload (e.g., demo-to-follow-up). Compress this entire folder into a single .zip archive.

2

Check Skill Name Formatting

Before uploading, open the SKILL.md file inside your folder. Ensure the name field in the metadata at the top is all lowercase and only contains letters, numbers, and hyphens (e.g., demo-to-follow-up). Save any changes and re-zip the folder if necessary.

Pro Tip: Getting the name format right is a common stumbling block. Double-checking this step can save you from a frustrating upload error.
3

Upload the Skill to the Web UI

Navigate to Claude.ai in your web browser. Find the option to add or upload new skills/capabilities and select the .zip file you just created.

4

Start Using Your Skill

Once the upload is successful, the skill will be available in your chat sessions. To use it, simply provide context related to the skill's purpose, like pasting in customer demo notes, and Claude will automatically apply your custom instructions.

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