Agent skill · writing content · aiskillstore
generating-output-styles
Creates custom output styles for Claude Code that modify system prompts and behavior. Use when the user asks to create output styles, customize Claude's response format, generate output-style files, or mentions output style configuration.
Why this skill is useful
Adds specific guidelines and templates for creating custom output styles that modify Claude's behavior, which the AI wouldn't reliably generate on its own.
What it needs
About 3k tokens when loaded. Last updated 2026-08-07. 405 stars on the source repository.
What this skill does
Generating Output Styles Creates custom output styles for Claude Code following Anthropic's standards and best practices. Context Output styles modify Claude Code's system prompt to adapt its behavior beyond software engineering. They directly affect the main agent loop and control response tone, structure, and approach. Key capabilities: Generate valid output style markdown files with frontmatter Apply proper naming and description standards Structure instructions following progressive disclosure Configure keep-coding-instructions appropriately Place files in correct locations (user vs project level) Workflow Phase 1: Gather Requirements 1. Determine the output style purpose and target behavior 2. Identify if coding instructions should be retained 3. Choose placement: ~/.claude/output-styles/ (user) or .claude/output-styles/ (project) 4. Reference output style documentation at .claude/skills/output-style/references/output-style-docs.md Phase 2: Create Output Style File 1. Craft frontmatter: name: Clear, descriptive name (shown in UI) description: Brief explanation for users keep-coding-instructions: true/false (default: false) 2. Write system prompt modifications: Start with role definition Define specific behaviors and approaches Include formatting guidelines Add any special instructions or constraints Keep instructions concise and actionable 3. Structure content: Use markdown headers for organization Provide concrete examples when helpful Avoid contradicting core Claude Code functionality Focus on additive instructions, not restrictions Phase 3: Validate and Save 1. Verify YAML frontmatter syntax (opening/closing ---) 2. Ensure description is user-friendly and clear 3. Confirm keep-coding-instructions matches requirements 4. Save to appropriate location 5. …
How to use it
Reference it in AdaL, Claude Code, Cursor or any coding agent — nothing to install:
@skills aiskillstore/generating-output-styles