---
type: howto
title: Installing Skills via npm / npx
description: Three methods for installing skills — pi install, npx-based setup tools, and manual git clone.
tags:
  - unverified
  - installation
  - npm
  - npx
timestamp: 2026-07-18
verified: 2026-08-28
---

# Installing Skills via NPM / Npx

## Method 1: Direct `pi install` (recommended)

```bash
# Install a package containing skills
pi install npm:pi-web-access
pi install npm:@anton-kochev/pi-skills
pi install npm:bigpowers
pi install npm:@monopi/skills

# Install from GitHub (also works for packages with skills)
pi install git:github.com/badlogic/pi-skills
pi install https://github.com/badlogic/pi-skills

# Project-level install (goes to .pi/settings.json)
pi install -l npm:pi-web-access

# Try without installing (current session only)
pi -e npm:pi-web-access
```

## Method 2: Npx-based setup tools

Some meta-installers provide one-command setup:

```bash
# monopi: one-command setup for pi with skills, extensions, themes, etc.
npx @monopi/monopi

# Pin a version
npx @monopi/monopi --version 0.2.13

# Project-local install
npx @monopi/monopi --local

# Remove all monopi packages
npx @monopi/monopi --remove
```

## Method 3: Manual clone (git repos)

```bash
# Clone the official pi-skills collection
git clone https://github.com/badlogic/pi-skills ~/.pi/agent/skills/pi-skills

# Or project-level
git clone https://github.com/badlogic/pi-skills .pi/skills/pi-skills
```

## Package Sources

| Source Type | Example | Notes |
|-------------|---------|-------|
| **npm** | `npm:@foo/bar@1.0.0` | Pinned versions, installed to `~/.pi/agent/npm/` |
| **git** | `git:github.com/user/repo@v1` | Pinned to tags/commits, cloned to `~/.pi/agent/git/` |
| **local** | `./relative/path` | Points to local directory, added without copying |

## Dependencies

- Runtime dependencies belong in `dependencies` in `package.json`
- Pi-provided packages (`@earendil-works/pi-ai`, `@earendil-works/pi-agent-core`, `@earendil-works/pi-coding-agent`, `@earendil-works/pi-tui`, `typebox`) as `peerDependencies` with `"*"` range
- When pi installs from npm or git, it runs `npm install` automatically

## Related

* [Package Structure](/tools/npx-skills/package-structure.md) — How pi packages are structured for npm distribution
* [Best Practices](/tools/npx-skills/best-practices.md) — Distribution tips for skill authors