Microsoft 365 Copilot Co-work allows users to automate tasks through customizable skills, which are markdown files containing instructions. This article explains two methods to create custom skills: developing them through conversation with Copilot and importing existing markdown skills from other AI tools. Users can manage up to 50 custom skills to streamline workflows in various domains such as marketing, reporting, and personal preferences.
Microsoft 365 Copilot Co-work is a powerful AI assistant designed to carry out tasks on your behalf. It can send emails, create documents, schedule meetings, manage your calendar, and much more. These tasks are often executed through what are called "skills." Skills are specialized instructions that enable Copilot to perform specific functions in applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and even Deep Research.
A skill in Copilot Co-work is essentially a markdown file containing a set of instructions. This file tells Copilot what to do, when to trigger the skill, and how to behave during the task. Each skill has two core parts:
Here is a simplified example of what a skill markdown file looks like:
---
name: Earnings Report Visualization
trigger: quarterly earnings
---
Step 1: Extract financial data from the latest report.
Step 2: Create a Sankey diagram showing cash flow.
Step 3: Format the visualization for clarity.
You can create these markdown files manually or use AI tools, including Copilot itself, to generate them.
Custom skills are stored in your OneDrive under the Documents folder in a subfolder named co-work/skills. This centralized location allows you to view, manage, and update your skills easily.
The most natural way to build a skill is by having a conversation with Copilot Co-work. You describe the task you want to automate, and through iterative refinement, Copilot helps you develop the skill.
For example, to create a skill for generating an earnings report visualization:
This process results in a markdown skill file that captures all your instructions and preferences, ready to be reused whenever needed.
If you already have markdown skill files from other AI tools, you can import them directly into Copilot Co-work without rebuilding them from scratch.
For instance, there is a popular GitHub repository maintained by Corey Haynes that contains numerous marketing-related skills. You can:
This method allows you to quickly add multiple skills at once. After processing, these skills become available in your Copilot environment, categorized by topics such as marketing, SEO, analytics, strategy, and operations.
To check which skills you have enabled, simply ask Copilot, "What skills do I have available in co-work?" It will list all the built-in and custom skills you can use.
You can invoke any skill directly by referencing its name or trigger words in your prompt. Copilot understands the context and executes the skill without needing you to re-explain the task.
Many skills are designed to ask clarifying questions to ensure they understand your intent fully before proceeding, enhancing accuracy and relevance.
Custom skills can cover a wide range of scenarios, including:
co-work/skills.By leveraging these methods, you can tailor Copilot Co-work to your unique workflows, saving time and enhancing productivity.
If you are interested in exploring more about Copilot Co-work or want to see tutorials on workflow automation, document creation, or AI integration, stay tuned for more content.
