---
type: reference
title: Skills CLI Commands
description: Complete reference for all skills CLI commands — add, use, list, find, update, remove, init, experimental_install, experimental_sync.
tags:
  - unverified
  - skills
  - cli
  - commands
timestamp: 2026-07-18
verified: 2026-08-28
---

# Commands Reference

## `skills add` — Install Skills

Install skills from a source (git repo, URL, or local path) into your agent directories.

```bash
npx skills add <source> [options]
```

### Options

| Option | Description |
|--------|-------------|
| `-g, --global` | Install to user directory (`~/`) instead of project (`./`) |
| `-a, --agent <agents...>` | Target specific agents |
| `-s, --skill <skills...>` | Install specific skills by name. Use `'*'` for all. |
| `-l, --list` | List available skills without installing |
| `--copy` | Copy files instead of symlinking |
| `-y, --yes` | Skip all confirmation prompts |
| `--all` | Install all skills to all agents without prompts |

### Examples

```bash
npx skills add vercel-labs/agent-skills --list
npx skills add vercel-labs/agent-skills --skill frontend-design --skill skill-creator
npx skills add vercel-labs/agent-skills -a claude-code -a opencode
npx skills add vercel-labs/agent-skills --all
```

## `skills use` — Use Without Installing

Generate a prompt for one skill, or start a supported coding agent interactively with the skill loaded.

```bash
npx skills use <source> [options]
# Generate prompt only
npx skills use vercel-labs/agent-skills@web-design-guidelines | claude
# Use with specific agent
npx skills use vercel-labs/agent-skills --skill web-design-guidelines --agent claude-code
```

## `skills list` (alias: `ls`) — List Installed Skills

```bash
npx skills list
npx skills ls -g           # Global only
npx skills ls -a claude-code -a cursor
```

## `skills find` — Search for Skills

```bash
npx skills find                    # Interactive search
npx skills find typescript         # Search by keyword
npx skills find react --owner vercel
```

## `skills update` — Update Installed Skills

```bash
npx skills update                  # All skills (interactive)
npx skills update my-skill         # Single skill
npx skills update -g               # Global only
npx skills update -y               # Non-interactive
```

## `skills remove` (alias: `rm`) — Remove Installed Skills

```bash
npx skills remove                  # Interactive
npx skills remove web-design-guidelines
npx skills remove --all            # Remove everything
```

## `skills init` — Create a New SKILL.md Template

```bash
npx skills init                    # In current directory
npx skills init my-skill           # In a subdirectory
```

## `skills experimental_install` — Restore from Lock File

```bash
npx skills experimental_install
```

## Aliases

| Alias | Full Command |
|-------|-------------|
| `skills a` | `skills add` |
| `skills i` | `skills experimental_install` |
| `skills install` (no args) | `skills experimental_install` |
| `skills ls` | `skills list` |
| `skills rm` | `skills remove` |

## Related

* [Source Formats](/tools/vercel-labs-skills/source-formats.md) — What sources you can use with add/use
* [Installation Scope](/tools/vercel-labs-skills/installation-scope.md) — Global vs project