handoff — Claude Code skill: what it does, how to install
Creates a handoff document from the current conversation so another agent can continue the work. Use it when a task moves to a new session or agent.
- Author Matt Pocock
- License MIT
- GitHub ★ 302,251
- Installs 1,038,491
- Updated 2026-10-22
- Source shown below
What handoff does
This skill turns the current conversation into a handoff document for a fresh agent. It saves the file in the OS temporary directory: $TMPDIR, /tmp, or %TEMP% on Windows, and redacts sensitive material such as API keys, passwords, and personal data.
The document includes a suggested skills section for skills the next agent should call through the Skill tool. It references existing specs, plans, ADRs, issues, commits, and diffs rather than copying their contents. An argument sets the focus for the next session. Install it when unfinished work regularly moves between agents; it adds an unnecessary step for a short one-off chat.
What it helps with
- pass conversation context to a new agent
- write a handoff file to the OS temporary directory
- redact API keys and passwords from a handoff
- list skills for the next agent to call
- avoid duplicating existing plans and diffs
How to install handoff
Command from the source
/plugin marketplace add mattpocock/skillsCommand from the source
/plugin install mattpocock-skills@mattpocockCommand from the source
npx skills add mattpocock/skills --skill handoff -a claude-codeWith the Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add mattpocock/skills --skill handoff -a claude-codeManually
~/.claude/skills/handoff/SKILL.mdCopy the whole skill folder; for one project use .claude/skills/handoff/
Manually
.agents/skills/handoff/SKILL.mdFor all projects use ~/.agents/skills/
Manually
.cursor/skills/handoff/SKILL.mdCursor also reads .agents/skills/ and .claude/skills/
GitHub CLI (gh ≥ 2.90)
gh skill install mattpocock/skills handoffManually
.github/skills/handoff/SKILL.mdGemini CLI
gemini skills install https://github.com/mattpocock/skills --path skills/productivity/handoffManually
.devin/skills/handoff/SKILL.mdThe legacy .windsurf/skills/ path still works
Claude.ai
Zip the folder and upload it in Settings → Capabilities → Skills
How to use it: example prompts
- Create a handoff for the next session focused on fixing the current issue.
- Write a handoff document for a new agent and include suggested skills.
- Prepare a handoff before another agent takes over without copying the existing plan.
Source text
SKILL.md · MIT
--- name: handoff description: Compact the current conversation into a handoff document for another agent to pick up. argument-hint: "What will the next session be used for?" disable-model-invocation: true --- Write a handoff document summarising the current conversation so a fresh agent can continue the work. Save to the temporary directory of the user's OS (`$TMPDIR`, else `/tmp`; `%TEMP%` on Windows) - not the current workspace. Include a "suggested skills" section in the document, naming which skills the next agent should call the Skill tool for. Do not duplicate content already captured in other artifacts (specs, plans, ADRs, issues, commits, diffs). Reference them by path or URL instead. Redact any sensitive information, such as API keys, passwords, or personally identifiable information. If the user passed arguments, treat them as a description of what the next session will focus on and tailor the doc accordingly.
© Matt Pocock · MIT · mattpocock/skills
Questions about handoff
How do I install handoff in Claude Code?
Run npx skills add mattpocock/skills --skill handoff -a claude-code. It can also be installed through the Claude Code marketplace.
What does handoff do?
It condenses the current conversation into a handoff document for a fresh agent. The document includes context and a suggested skills section.
Where does handoff save its document?
It writes to the OS temporary directory: $TMPDIR or /tmp, and %TEMP% on Windows. It does not save the document in the current workspace.
