Add an existing skill to an agent (preview)

[This article is prerelease documentation and is subject to change.]

In addition to creating skills from scratch, you can add existing skills to your agent by browsing a skill catalog or uploading a skill package.

Note

This article reflects the new agent experience in Microsoft Copilot Studio, which is currently available as a production-ready preview. Learn about the two experiences in Classic vs. new agent experience.

  • Production-ready previews are subject to supplemental terms of use.
  • Some capabilities available in the classic experience aren't yet available in the new experience.
  • Agents created in the new experience can't be converted to the classic experience.

Prerequisites

  • An agent created in the new experience. See Create an agent (preview).
  • A Markdown file containing the skill name and description in YAML front matter, plus instructions.

Upload a skill file

You can add a skill to your agent by uploading a skill file.

  1. Open your agent in Copilot Studio.

  2. Select the Build tab.

  3. In the components panel, select Skills.

  4. In Add skill, select Upload a skill.

  5. Drag and drop the file onto the upload box. Alternatively, select the box and browse to the file you want to upload.

  6. The system validates the file and adds the skill to your agent.

Tip

Start with a simple skill and refine it based on testing. You can edit the instructions for a skill you upload in your preferred text editor and then replace the uploaded skill.

Accepted formats for skill files and packages

  • A Markdown file containing the skill name and description in YAML front matter, plus instructions.
  • A ZIP file that must include a SKILL.md file, with the skill name and description formatted in YAML front matter and instructions in Markdown. The package can optionally include supporting files, such as scripts, templates, and reference documents.
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