Complete schema and configuration reference for .claude/skills/skill-rules.json. This JSON file defines all skills and their trigger conditions for the auto-act
Skill_Rules_Reference provides a comprehensive schema and configuration guide for defining and managing skill rules in Metaflow’s automation framework. It details the structure of `.claude/skills/skill-rules.json`, which controls how specific skills trigger based on file paths, content patterns, and user prompts, and how enforcement actions like blocking or suggesting are applied. The skill ensures consistent and precise control over automated task execution by specifying triggers, priorities, and enforcement levels.
This skill is designed for technical marketers and growth engineers who maintain or customize automation workflows, particularly those managing content validation or SEO compliance pipelines. It also serves agency strategists who implement guardrails to prevent critical errors in deployment or content changes, and SEO/PPC operators responsible for configuring automated checks that align with platform policies or content guidelines. Anyone needing to audit or extend Metaflow’s skill triggers will find this reference essential.
Practitioners begin by defining the version and the set of skill rules within the JSON file, ensuring each skill has a clearly specified type such as “guardrail” or “domain.” Next, they configure prompt triggers that detect keywords or intent regex patterns within user inputs to activate advisory or blocking behaviors. They then set file triggers using glob patterns and content regex to target specific files or code constructs, including exclusions and creation-only flags to fine-tune applicability. Finally, skip conditions are established to prevent redundant enforcement during a session or when environment overrides are set, balancing enforcement with workflow flexibility.
How do I ensure a skill blocks an action rather than just warns? Set the enforcement field to “block” and provide a clear blockMessage with actionable instructions. Can I exclude certain files from triggering a skill? Yes, pathExclusions in fileTriggers allow granular exclusion of files, such as tests or specs. What prevents repetitive alerts from the same skill during a session? The sessionSkillUsed flag in skipConditions skips enforcement if the skill was already triggered, reducing noise during iterative work.
Attach the Skill_Rules_Reference by linking its JSON configuration to your Metaflow agent task to define skill behaviors and enforcement logic. Once integrated, expect the agent to monitor file changes and user prompts against the defined triggers, blocking or suggesting actions as configured. This skill forms the backbone for managing automated guardrails and advisory rules within your workflows, ensuring consistent quality control and compliance. You can learn more about setting up and customizing skill rules within Metaflow by...
For broader context, see our roundup of claude skills marketing, and read Claude skills for SEO for related setup guidance.