# Garden Skills Installation Methods: 3 Ways to Add AI Skills to Claude

> Discover Garden Skills installation methods. Learn how to add AI skills to Claude via npm package, repository cloning, or direct GUI import from the Claude Marketplace.

- Repository: [ConardLi/garden-skills](https://github.com/ConardLi/garden-skills)
- Tags: how-to-guide
- Published: 2026-08-30

---

**Garden Skills supports npm package installation, repository cloning with the pack-skill script, and direct GUI import through the Claude Marketplace.**

Garden Skills is an open-source collection of reusable AI capabilities maintained in the `ConardLi/garden-skills` repository. The project offers multiple installation pathways to accommodate different workflows, from Node.js developers integrating via package managers to non-technical users importing skills directly through Claude's interface.

## Method 1: Install via npm Package Manager

The simplest approach for Node.js projects uses the published `garden-skills` package available on the npm registry. This method installs core utilities and all bundled skill definitions as project dependencies.

Install using your preferred package manager:

```bash

# Using npm

npm install garden-skills

# Using pnpm

pnpm add garden-skills

# Using Yarn

yarn add garden-skills

```

After installation, import and initialize skills programmatically:

```javascript
import { loadSkill } from 'garden-skills';

const skill = await loadSkill('web-design-engineer');
await claude.useSkill(skill);

```

This approach is ideal when you want **version-locked dependencies** and seamless integration with existing JavaScript or TypeScript build systems.

## Method 2: Clone Repository and Pack Individual Skills

For custom configurations or offline deployment, clone the repository and use the bundled packaging script to generate standalone skill manifests.

First, clone the repository and navigate to the project root:

```bash
git clone https://github.com/ConardLi/garden-skills.git
cd garden-skills

```

Run the `scripts/release/pack-skill.mjs` script to bundle a specific skill into a self-contained JSON file:

```bash
node scripts/release/pack-skill.mjs web-design-engineer

```

This creates [`dist/skills/web-design-engineer.json`](https://github.com/ConardLi/garden-skills/blob/main/dist/skills/web-design-engineer.json) containing the complete skill definition. Import the generated manifest directly into Claude:

```javascript
await claude.importSkill('./dist/skills/web-design-engineer.json');

```

Use this method when you need **custom skill configurations** or want to ship skills without publishing to npm.

## Method 3: Import via Claude Marketplace GUI

Non-technical users can add skills through Claude's native interface without touching command-line tools or code editors.

1. Open Claude and navigate to **Marketplace** → **Add Skill** → **Import from URL**
2. Paste the raw URL to a skill's [`manifest.json`](https://github.com/ConardLi/garden-skills/blob/main/manifest.json) file, such as: `https://github.com/ConardLi/garden-skills/blob/main/skills/kb-retriever/manifest.json`
3. Click **Import** to register the skill instantly

This **GUI-based approach** requires no local installation and works best for rapid prototyping or trying skills before permanent integration.

## Key Files and Architecture

Understanding the repository structure helps determine which installation method fits your use case:

- **[`package.json`](https://github.com/ConardLi/garden-skills/blob/main/package.json)**: Declares the npm package metadata, entry points for the core library, and dependency tree
- **`scripts/release/pack-skill.mjs`**: Node.js CLI utility that bundles individual skills into portable JSON manifests by aggregating the skill configuration and assets
- **`skills/{name}/manifest.json`**: Individual skill definitions containing prompts, tools, and metadata required by Claude
- **[`README.md`](https://github.com/ConardLi/garden-skills/blob/main/README.md)**: Project documentation covering quick-start instructions for all three installation pathways

All methods ultimately produce a valid [`manifest.json`](https://github.com/ConardLi/garden-skills/blob/main/manifest.json) that Claude's runtime consumes, differing only in how that manifest reaches your environment.

## Summary

- **npm installation** provides the most straightforward integration for Node.js projects using standard package managers like npm, pnpm, or Yarn
- **Repository cloning with `pack-skill.mjs`** enables custom builds and offline distribution of individual skills without registry dependencies
- **Claude Marketplace import** offers zero-install access for immediate testing through the GUI
- All approaches generate a [`manifest.json`](https://github.com/ConardLi/garden-skills/blob/main/manifest.json) file that serves as the canonical skill definition consumed by Claude

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the difference between installing via npm and using the pack-skill script?

Installing via npm adds the entire `garden-skills` package as a project dependency, giving you access to all bundled skills through JavaScript imports. The `pack-skill.mjs` script creates standalone JSON files for individual skills, useful when you need to distribute a single skill file or customize the manifest before deployment.

### Can I install Garden Skills without using Node.js or npm?

Yes. The Claude Marketplace GUI method requires no local Node.js installation or package managers. Simply paste the raw GitHub URL of any skill's [`manifest.json`](https://github.com/ConardLi/garden-skills/blob/main/manifest.json) directly into Claude's interface to import skills immediately.

### What format does Claude expect for skill imports?

Claude expects a valid [`manifest.json`](https://github.com/ConardLi/garden-skills/blob/main/manifest.json) file following the Garden Skills schema defined in each skill directory. Whether you install via npm, pack with the script, or import via URL, Claude ultimately reads this JSON structure containing the skill's instructions, tools, and configuration parameters.

### Where can I find the pack-skill script in the repository?

The packaging utility is located at `scripts/release/pack-skill.mjs` in the root of the `ConardLi/garden-skills` repository. This Node.js module accepts a skill name as its argument and outputs a bundled JSON file to the `dist/skills/` directory.