# GitHub skills (/connect/skills-and-plugins/github-skills)



## What is a GitHub skill? [#what-is-a-github-skill]

GitHub skills let you install any public GitHub repository as a skill for your AI teammate. This is useful for custom skills you've built yourself, open-source tools your team uses, or capabilities that are not in Helio's curated catalog.

<LivePreview component="AssistantSkills" />

## How to Install from a GitHub URL [#how-to-install-from-a-github-url]

1. Open your DM with the AI teammate
2. Paste the repository URL in chat and ask them to install it, e.g. `Install https://github.com/owner/repo as a skill`
3. The teammate reads the skill manifest, confirms any required permissions or configuration with you, and installs it
4. Once installed, the skill appears under **Installed** in the Skills section of Teammate Settings

## What Helio looks for in a skill repository [#what-helio-looks-for-in-a-skill-repository]

A valid Helio skill repository must contain a manifest file at the root that defines:

* The skill's name and description
* What permissions it requires (network, file system, external APIs)
* What tools it exposes to the AI teammate
* Any configuration fields the user needs to fill in

## When to use a GitHub source vs Browse [#when-to-use-a-github-source-vs-browse]

| Situation                                         | Recommendation                                               |
| ------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| You built a custom skill for your team            | Send the GitHub URL directly                                 |
| It's a widely-used open-source integration        | Check Browse first; Helio may already curate it              |
| You want a source reviewed for the shared catalog | Propose its direct GitHub URL to Helio's catalog maintainers |
| You're testing a skill in development             | GitHub URL — faster iteration                                |

<Callout type="info">
  Installing a GitHub skill again under the same name doesn't overwrite the old one — your teammate will report that the skill already exists. To move to a newer version, ask them to remove the existing skill first, then install it again from the same URL.
</Callout>

<Cards>
  <Card title="Install a skill" href="/connect/skills-and-plugins/install" description="Catalog, GitHub, and attachment workflows." />

  <Card title="Connect GitHub" href="/connect/connect-tools-to-ai-teammates/connect-github-to-ai-teammates" description="Give your teammate access to your repositories." />
</Cards>