How To Install Codex Skills

Codex skills are plain folders that contain markdown instructions and optional supporting files. The easiest install path is Codex-native: attach the downloaded pack to Codex, use the built-in $skill-installer, and ask Codex to install the skills into your workspace.

Quick install steps

1. Download your skill pack.
2. Open Codex.
3. Attach the ZIP file or unzipped pack folder to the chat.
4. Type $skill-installer.
5. Ask Codex: Install this skill pack into my Codex workspace so I can use it any time I want with $.
6. Restart Codex if it tells you to restart before the new skills appear.
7. Start using the installed skills in future chats.

You do not need to manually copy folders into hidden system paths. Let Codex handle the install. The pack is structured so Codex can read the skill folders, install them, and make them available from your skill list.

Codex includes the $skill-installer system skill for installing skills. Use it whenever you want to add a purchased or downloaded skill pack to your workspace.

How to use a skill after installing

Once the pack is installed, type $ in Codex and start typing the skill name. Codex will show matching skills from your available skill list.

For example, type:

$app-idea-validator

Then give Codex the real task:

Use $app-idea-validator to evaluate this app idea before we build.

Or:

Use $anti-slop-editor-skill to clean up this landing page copy before publishing.

The $ invocation is the cleanest way to use a specific skill on purpose. Codex can also select skills from their descriptions when the task clearly matches, but explicit invocation is better when you know exactly which workflow you want.

What to review before first use

After installation, open the pack's README.md or START_HERE.md so you know what is included. Then pick one skill for one active task. Do not ask Codex to run the entire pack at once.

Every CodexSkills.ai skill is built to include:

• YAML frontmatter with a clear name and description.
• Required inputs.
• Workflow steps.
• Output format.
• Quality bar.
• Mistakes to avoid.
• Final verification checklist.

If any of those are missing, the agent has too much room to improvise.

Best first prompt

Use this pattern:

Use $skill-name for this task. Here is the context, goal, constraints, source material, and what a good output looks like: ...

The skill provides the workflow. Your prompt provides the current project context.

Download the free starter pack to test the install flow before buying a full pack. When you are ready for a complete workflow library, browse all packs.