Install and use Skills in Codex

Install a public package

npx --yes https://howai.build/cli/howai-cli-0.1.5.tgz install cobalt-system-deck --api https://howai.build

The installer requires Node.js 22 or newer. It verifies the ZIP and file hashes, then reports the directory and version. It does not execute package scripts. Public packages need no HowAI sign-in; restricted packages require authorization and entitlement.

~/.agents/skills/cobalt-system-deck/SKILL.md

Install for a repository

Codex discovers repository Skills from .agents/skills locations between its working directory and repository root. For a team workflow, choose the intended project root and avoid accidentally installing into an unrelated working folder.

npx --yes https://howai.build/cli/howai-cli-0.1.5.tgz install cobalt-system-deck --api https://howai.build --target "$PWD/.agents/skills"

An explicit --target must be an absolute Skills parent directory. Keep the complete package and record any runtime requirements. Committing the instructions does not provision dependencies or service credentials for teammates.

Select the Skill for a first run

Use the available-Skills picker or the explicit Skill selection supported by your Codex interface. In Codex command-style entry, a Skill can be selected with $ followed by its name. Use the installed name rather than guessing it from the catalog URL.

Use the installed deck Skill with brief.md.
Make a concise internal update from the supplied facts.
Identify missing evidence, keep outputs in this project,
and explain how to inspect the delivered files.

If the Skill cannot be found, check the directory on the machine running Codex. Local files do not automatically appear in a separate hosted or remote environment. Restart or refresh the session if discovery has not updated.

What belongs in AGENTS.md?

Do not copy your entire project policy into every Skill. Keep a small test brief so you can tell whether an update changed the process or merely the generated wording.

Validate and maintain it

npx --yes https://howai.build/cli/howai-cli-0.1.5.tgz list --api https://howai.build

• Confirm SKILL.md is at the expected folder depth.
• Check which Skill was selected before judging a result.
• Open the promised files and inspect facts, layout and format.
• Update with the same target options and review local changes first.

Usage limits and public resets

Installing a Skill does not increase your Codex usage allowance. Check your own Codex usage settings for your remaining quota and normal reset windows.

FAQ

Official references

• OpenAI: Build skills