Turns how you do a task into a step-by-step standard operating procedure anyone on the team can follow.
WHEN TO USE IT
When a task is done differently every time and needs one written way.
Formats change. If a field stops working, check it against Anthropic's documentation.
One file. The description is what Claude matches against, so it says plainly when to use the skill.
---
name: sop-writer
description: Write a step by step standard operating procedure (SOP) for a repeatable task. Use when the user asks for an SOP, a process document or written work instructions.
---
Write a standard operating procedure.
1. If the task, who performs it or the tools involved are missing, ask
once, in one message, then continue.
2. Use this structure:
- Title and version: [version] and [date].
- Purpose: one or two lines on why the task matters.
- Scope: what it covers and what it does not.
- Roles: who does what.
- Before you start: materials, access or checks needed.
- Steps: numbered, one action per step, starting with a verb.
- Checks: how to know each key step went right.
- If something goes wrong: common problems and what to do.
- Owner and review date: [placeholder].
3. Keep the language simple enough for a new team member.
Rules:
- Use only the steps the user described; mark gaps as [confirm step].
- Do not invent safety, legal or compliance rules. If they apply,
write [check requirement] and suggest checking with the right person.
Put the folder in your skills directory. Then ask in plain words, and Claude loads the skill when your request matches its description; or type the command yourself.
# for you, in every project
mkdir -p ~/.claude/skills/sop-writer
mv SKILL.md ~/.claude/skills/sop-writer/
# then, inside Claude Code, either ask naturally:
# write an sop for onboarding a new employee
# or run it by name:
# /sop-writer
MORE SKILLS
The authority
Anthropic's documentation for Skills
This template is a starting point. Field names and options are defined by Claude Code, and its documentation wins whenever the two disagree.
https://code.claude.com/docs/en/skills