
Create AGENTS.md
OfficialFreeGenerate structured AGENTS.md files for coding projects.
Free · Opens the source repo
What Create AGENTS.md does
The Create AGENTS.md skill helps developers and teams generate a comprehensive AGENTS.md file for their repositories. This file serves as a dedicated resource for AI coding agents, providing them with the necessary context and instructions to work effectively on a project. By adhering to the public guidance outlined at agents.md, this skill ensures that the AGENTS.md file is not only complete but also standardized, making it easier for various AI tools to interpret and utilize the information provided.
AGENTS.md is designed to complement the traditional README.md file, which is typically aimed at human readers. While README.md serves as an introduction to the project, AGENTS.md focuses on technical details that are crucial for automated tools. This separation allows for a cleaner and more organized documentation structure, ensuring that both human users and AI agents can find the information they need without confusion.
The skill provides clear guidelines for structuring the AGENTS.md file, including essential sections such as Project Overview, Setup Commands, Development Workflow, and Testing Instructions. These sections are customizable based on the specific needs of the project, allowing teams to include relevant details that will aid AI agents in their tasks. Additionally, the skill encourages best practices in documentation, such as including code style guidelines and deployment instructions, which can further streamline the development process.
This skill is particularly beneficial for teams that regularly collaborate with AI coding agents or those looking to enhance their project's documentation for automated tools. By using Create AGENTS.md, developers can ensure that their projects are well-prepared for AI integration, ultimately improving efficiency and reducing friction in the development workflow.
When to use it
Use this skill when you want to create or enhance an AGENTS.md file for your repository to support AI coding tools.
When not to use it
This skill may not be suitable for projects that do not involve AI coding agents or where a simple README.md suffices.
What you can build with it
Onboarding New Team Members
When new developers join a project, having a well-structured AGENTS.md can help them understand the context and setup quickly.
Integrating AI Tools
If your project utilizes AI coding agents, this skill ensures they have the necessary context to contribute effectively.
Maintaining Documentation Standards
Use this skill to ensure that your project documentation adheres to best practices, making it easier for both humans and AI to navigate.
How to install Create AGENTS.md
View source1. Install with the skills CLI
npx skills add github/awesome-copilot/create-agentsmd --agent claude-code2. Or install it manually
Download the skill folder and drop it into ~/.claude/skills/ for all projects, or .claude/skills/ to scope it to one repo. Restart Claude Code so it picks up the new skill.
Anthropic's agentic coding CLI, and the reference implementation of Agent Skills. Drop a skill folder into ~/.claude/skills and Claude Code loads it automatically whenever a task matches the skill's description. Claude Code docs
Inside SKILL.md
Written by githubCreate high‑quality AGENTS.md file
You are a code agent. Your task is to create a complete, accurate AGENTS.md at the root of this repository that follows the public guidance at https://agents.md/.
AGENTS.md is an open format designed to provide coding agents with the context and instructions they need to work effectively on a project.
What is AGENTS.md?
AGENTS.md is a Markdown file that serves as a "README for agents" - a dedicated, predictable place to provide context and instructions to help AI coding agents work on your project. It complements README.md by containing detailed technical context that coding agents need but might clutter a human-focused README.
Key Principles
- Agent-focused: Contains detailed technical instructions for automated tools
- Complements README.md: Doesn't replace human documentation but adds agent-specific context
- Standardized location: Placed at repository root (or subproject roots for monorepos)
- Open format: Uses standard Markdown with flexible structure
- Ecosystem compatibility: Works across 20+ different AI coding tools and agents
File Structure and Content Guidelines
1. Required Setup
- Create the file as
AGENTS.mdin the repository root - Use standard Markdown formatting
- No required fields - flexible structure based on project needs
2. Essential Sections to Include
Project Overview
- Brief description of what the project does
- Architecture overview if complex
- Key technologies and frameworks used
Setup Commands
- Installation instructions
- Environment setup steps
- Dependency management commands
- Database setup if applicable
Development Workflow
- How to start development server
- Build commands
- Watch/hot-reload setup
- Package manager specifics (npm, pnpm, yarn, etc.)
Testing Instructions
- How to run tests (unit, integration, e2e)
- Test file locations and naming conventions
- Coverage requirements
- Specific test patterns or frameworks used
- How to run subset of tests or focus on specific areas
Code Style Guidelines
- Language-specific conventions
- Linting and formatting rules
- File organization patterns
- Naming conventions
- Import/export patterns
Build and Deployment
- Build commands and outputs
- Environment configurations
- Deployment steps and requirements
- CI/CD pipeline information
3. Optional but Recommended Sections
Security Considerations
- Security testing requirements
- Secrets management
- Authentication patterns
- Permission models
Monorepo Instructions (if applicable)
- How to work with multiple packages
- Cross-package dependencies
- Selective building/testing
- Package-specific commands
Pull Request Guidelines
- Title format requirements
- Required checks before submission
- Review process
- Commit message conventions
Debugging and Troubleshooting
- Common issues and solutions
- Logging patterns
- Debug configuration
- Performance considerations
Example Template
Use this as a starting template and customize based on the specific project:
# AGENTS.md
## Project Overview
[Brief description of the project, its purpose, and key technologies]
## Setup Commands
- Install dependencies: `[package manager] install`
- Start development server: `[command]`
- Build for production: `[command]`
## Development Workflow
- [Development server startup instructions]
- [Hot reload/watch mode information]
- [Environment variable setup]
## Testing Instructions
- Run all tests: `[command]`
- Run unit tests: `[command]`
- Run integration tests: `[command]`
- Test coverage: `[command]`
- [Specific testing patterns or requirements]
## Code Style
- [Language and framework conventions]
- [Linting rules and commands]
- [Formatting requirements]
- [File organization patterns]
## Build and Deployment
- [Build process details]
- [Output directories]
- [Environment-specific builds]
- [Deployment commands]
## Pull Request Guidelines
- Title format: [component] Brief description
- Required checks: `[lint command]`, `[test command]`
- [Review requirements]
## Additional Notes
- [Any project-specific context]
- [Common gotchas or troubleshooting tips]
- [Performance considerations]
Working Example from agents.md
Here's a real example from the agents.md website:
# Sample AGENTS.md file
## Dev environment tips
- Use `pnpm dlx turbo run where <project_name>` to jump to a package instead of scanning with `ls`.
- Run `pnpm install --filter <project_name>` to add the package to your workspace so Vite, ESLint, and TypeScript can see it.
- Use `pnpm create vite@latest <project_name> -- --template react-ts` to spin up a new React + Vite package with TypeScript checks ready.
- Check the name field inside each package's package.json to confirm the right name—skip the top-level one.
## Testing instructions
- Find the CI plan in the .github/workflows folder.
- Run `pnpm turbo run test --filter <project_name>` to run every check defined for that package.
- From the package root you can just call `pnpm test`. The commit should pass all tests before you merge.
- To focus on one step, add the Vitest pattern: `pnpm vitest run -t "<test name>"`.
- Fix any test or type errors until the whole suite is green.
- After moving files or changing imports, run `pnpm lint --filter <project_name>` to be sure ESLint and TypeScript rules still pass.
- Add or update tests for the code you change, even if nobody asked.
## PR instructions
- Title format: [<project_name>] <Title>
- Always run `pnpm lint` and `pnpm test` before committing.
Implementation Steps
-
Analyze the project structure to understand:
- Programming languages and frameworks used
- Package managers and build tools
- Testing frameworks
- Project architecture (monorepo, single package, etc.)
-
Identify key workflows by examining:
- package.json scripts
- Makefile or other build files
- CI/CD configuration files
- Documentation files
-
Create comprehensive sections covering:
- All essential setup and development commands
- Testing strategies and commands
- Code style and conventions
- Build and deployment processes
-
Include specific, actionable commands that agents can execute directly
-
Test the instructions by ensuring all commands work as documented
-
Keep it focused on what agents need to know, not general project information
Best Practices
- Be specific: Include exact commands, not vague descriptions
- Use code blocks: Wrap commands in backticks for clarity
- Include context: Explain why certain steps are needed
- Stay current: Update as the project evolves
- Test commands: Ensure all listed commands actually work
- Consider nested files: For monorepos, create AGENTS.md files in subprojects as needed
Monorepo Considerations
For large monorepos:
- Place a main AGENTS.md at the repository root
- Create additional AGENTS.md files in subproject directories
- The closest AGENTS.md file takes precedence for any given location
- Include navigation tips between packages/projects
Final Notes
- AGENTS.md works with 20+ AI coding tools including Cursor, Aider, Gemini CLI, and many others
- The format is intentionally flexible - adapt it to your project's needs
- Focus on actionable instructions that help agents understand and work with your codebase
- This is living documentation - update it as your project evolves
When creating the AGENTS.md file, prioritize clarity, completeness, and actionability. The goal is to give any coding agent enough context to effectively contribute to the project without requiring additional human guidance.
Frequently asked questions about Create AGENTS.md
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