---
title: "Getting Started"
description: "Install the localskills CLI, authenticate, and install your first agent skill for Cursor, Claude Code, Windsurf, and more."
---

> Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.localskills.sh/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Getting Started

localskills.sh is a platform for creating, sharing, and installing reusable
agent skills and rules for AI coding tools. Publish a skill once and install it
into Cursor, Claude Code, Codex CLI, Windsurf, Cline, GitHub Copilot, OpenCode,
or Aider; the CLI writes each tool's native format.

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## 1. Install the CLI

Install the `localskills` CLI globally via npm:

```sh
npm i -g @localskills/cli
```

Or use `pnpm`, `yarn`, or `bun`:

```sh
pnpm add -g @localskills/cli
yarn global add @localskills/cli
bun add -g @localskills/cli
```

Verify the installation:

```sh
localskills --version
```

## 2. Authenticate

Running `localskills login` starts a browser device-code flow. The CLI shows a
verification code, opens your browser, and waits for approval:

```sh
localskills login
```

Your token is stored in `~/.localskills/config.json`. For headless environments
(CI servers, containers, SSH sessions), create an API token in the dashboard
and pass it directly:

```sh
localskills login --token lsk_your_token_here
```

Verify your identity at any time:

```sh
localskills whoami
```

## 3. Install your first skill

Install a skill by slug. The CLI walks you through platform selection, scope
(global or project), and install method:

```sh
localskills install my-skill
```

Skip the prompts by passing flags directly:

```sh
localskills install my-skill -t cursor,claude --project --symlink
```

Run `localskills install` without a slug to browse available skills
interactively, or explore the public catalog at `localskills.sh/explore`.

## 4. Publish your own

Publish a single file, or a whole skill folder (a directory with a `SKILL.md`
plus scripts and references) as a multi-file package:

```sh
localskills publish .claude/skills/my-skill --visibility public
```

Every publish creates a new version you can roll back from the dashboard.
Skills default to *private*, visible only to your organization.

> **Note**
>
> Prefer working in the browser? The dashboard's **New Skill** page accepts
> markdown directly or a drag-and-dropped folder/zip, no CLI required.

## Where to next

**Agents, not humans?** Connect your AI agent straight to the platform with the
[MCP server](/mcp); agents can search, read, and publish skills without leaving
their workflow.

**Working with a team?** Organizations add folders with access control, teams,
custom roles, SSO, SCIM, audit logs, and GitHub Sync. Start at
[Organizations & Teams](/teams).

**Publishing from CI?** Exchange your pipeline's OIDC token for platform access
with no stored secrets; see [CI/CD & OIDC](/cicd).

Source: https://docs.localskills.sh/getting-started/index.mdx