Build Custom OpenClaw Skills
Create your own secure OpenClaw skills from scratch. Learn the AgentSkills spec, parameters, API integration, testing, multi-step workflows, and safe publishing to ClawHub.
What You'll Learn
- Explain the AgentSkills specification structure and progressive disclosure pattern
- Create a working SKILL.md with proper YAML frontmatter and instruction blocks
- Implement parameterized skills using $ARGUMENTS and shell expansion syntax
- Design secure API integrations with credential isolation and error handling
- Use Promptfoo and Cisco Skill Scanner to test and validate skills
- Build multi-step workflows using subagents and task orchestration
- Apply the security checklist to prevent the 7 common skill attack vectors
- Execute the publishing workflow for ClawHub and GitHub following quality and safety standards
Course Syllabus
Prerequisites
- Completed 'OpenClaw for Everyone' course (or equivalent OpenClaw familiarity)
- Basic comfort with text editors and file management
- Understanding of API concepts (helpful but not required)
Related Skills
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know how to code?
Not for basic skills. SKILL.md files are Markdown — plain text with some structure. For advanced skills with API integrations or scripts, basic familiarity with concepts like API keys and JSON helps, but we explain everything step by step.
Do skills only work with OpenClaw?
No! The AgentSkills standard works across Claude Code, VS Code Copilot, Codex CLI, Cursor, and more. Skills you build here are portable across all compliant agents.
How is this different from prompt engineering?
Prompt engineering is about writing good instructions for a single conversation. Skill building packages those instructions into reusable, shareable, parameterized tools that any agent can use — with proper testing and security.
Will I learn how to publish skills publicly?
Yes. Lesson 8 covers publishing to ClawHub and GitHub, including the security checks your skill should pass before going public.