# SkillMD MCP server

> Lets an AI client search, inspect, lint, and install Agent Skills (SKILL.md) from the SkillMD registry.

- Repository: https://github.com/skillmds/SkillMD
- Page: https://hostedmcp.org/servers/skillmds/skillmd
- Official: yes
- Transport: stdio, remote
- Stars: 144
- License: MIT
- Latest version: 1.3.11

## Install

### Claude Code

```sh
claude mcp add --env 'SKILLMD_TOKEN=<YOUR_SKILLMD_TOKEN>' skillmd -- npx -y get-skill
```

### Cursor (`~/.cursor/mcp.json`)

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "skillmd": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "get-skill"
      ],
      "env": {
        "SKILLMD_TOKEN": "<YOUR_SKILLMD_TOKEN>"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

### VS Code (`.vscode/mcp.json`)

```json
{
  "servers": {
    "skillmd": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "get-skill"
      ],
      "env": {
        "SKILLMD_TOKEN": "<YOUR_SKILLMD_TOKEN>"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

### VS Code CLI

```sh
code --add-mcp '{"name":"skillmd","type":"stdio","command":"npx","args":["-y","get-skill"],"env":{"SKILLMD_TOKEN":"<YOUR_SKILLMD_TOKEN>"}}'
```

### Claude Desktop (`claude_desktop_config.json`)

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "skillmd": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "get-skill"
      ],
      "env": {
        "SKILLMD_TOKEN": "<YOUR_SKILLMD_TOKEN>"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

### Codex

```sh
codex mcp add skillmd --env 'SKILLMD_TOKEN=<YOUR_SKILLMD_TOKEN>' -- npx -y get-skill
```

### Codex config.toml (`~/.codex/config.toml`)

```toml
[mcp_servers.skillmd]
command = "npx"
args = ["-y", "get-skill"]

[mcp_servers.skillmd.env]
SKILLMD_TOKEN = "<YOUR_SKILLMD_TOKEN>"
```

### Gemini CLI

```sh
gemini mcp add -s user -e 'SKILLMD_TOKEN=<YOUR_SKILLMD_TOKEN>' skillmd npx -- -y get-skill
```

### Gemini settings.json (`~/.gemini/settings.json`)

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "skillmd": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "get-skill"
      ],
      "env": {
        "SKILLMD_TOKEN": "<YOUR_SKILLMD_TOKEN>"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

## Environment variables

| Name | Required | Secret | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| `SKILLMD_TOKEN` | no | yes | SkillMD personal access token (enables skillmd_list_saved and personalized recommendations) |
| `SKILLMD_API` | no | no | Override the registry API base URL |

## FAQ

### What tools does the SkillMD MCP server expose?

It exposes tools for registry search, full skill detail, safe install, trending and recommendations, saved skills, and on-the-spot linting.

### Does installing a skill execute its scripts?

No. Installation writes files only, verifies SHA-256 integrity, guards against zip-slip paths, and never runs scripts.

### Can I lint a SKILL.md file through MCP?

Yes, the skillmd_lint tool validates any SKILL.md content on the spot.

### Do I need an account to search and install skills?

No account is needed for searching or installing; a token is only used for actions like listing saved skills or publishing.