# Skill (ChatGPT)

> A packaged set of instructions, sometimes with examples or code, that makes ChatGPT do one repeatable task the same way every time.

**Category:** ChatGPT

**A skill is a small package for one job.** It holds the steps, plus anything the job needs: an example of a good result, a template, a script. Teach the job once and ChatGPT does it your way from then on.

Once installed, ChatGPT can pick a skill **on its own** when your request matches the skill's **description**, or you call it with an @mention. You can create one by chat (with the built-in skill-creator), in the editor, or by uploading a file, and share it with colleagues. Skills are on Business, Enterprise, Edu, and Healthcare, and often ship inside a [plugin](/glossary#chatgpt-plugin).

## At work

You format every client update the same way? Turn that into a skill with a sharp description, share it with the team, and everyone's updates match.

## Often confused with

Custom instructions. [Custom instructions](/glossary#chatgpt-custom-instructions) are broad background for every chat; a skill is one specific job, picked up when it fits.

## Related terms

- Plugin (ChatGPT)
- Project (ChatGPT)
- Playbook

## See it in a lesson

[Skills and plugins](/en/learn/chatgpt/working-smart/skills-and-plugins)

## Further reading

- [Skills in ChatGPT](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001066-skills-in-chatgpt): Creating, uploading, sharing, and plans.
- [Plugins in ChatGPT](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001256-plugins-in-chatgpt): How skills ship inside plugins.
- [Moving your custom GPT workflows to plugins](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/migrate-custom-gpts): How skills are matched to a request.

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Last updated: 14/10/2026  
Source: Rollo Academy glossary