design — Claude Code skill: what it does, how to install

---
name: design
description: "Comprehensive design skill: brand identity, design tokens, UI styling, logo generation (55 styles, Gemini, Atlas Cloud, or MuAPI AI), corporate identity program (50 deliverables, CIP mockups), HTML presentations (Chart.js), banner design (22 styles, social/ads/web/print), icon design (15 styles, SVG, Gemini 3.1 Pro), social photos (HTML→screenshot, multi-platform). Actions: design logo, create CIP, generate mockups, build slides, design banner, generate icon, create social photos, social media images, brand identity, design system. Platforms: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Threads, Google Ads."
argument-hint: "[design-type] [context]"
license: MIT
metadata:
  author: claudekit
  version: "2.1.0"
---

# Design

Unified design skill: brand, tokens, UI, logo, CIP, slides, banners, social photos, icons.

## When to Use

- Brand identity, voice, assets
- Design system tokens and specs
- UI styling with shadcn/ui + Tailwind
- Logo design and AI generation
- Corporate identity program (CIP) deliverables
- Presentations and pitch decks
- Banner design for social media, ads, web, print
- Social photos for Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok

## Sub-skill Routing

| Task | Sub-skill | Details |
|------|-----------|---------|
| Brand identity, voice, assets | `brand` | Bundled sibling skill |
| Tokens, specs, CSS vars | `design-system` | Bundled sibling skill |
| shadcn/ui, Tailwind, code | `ui-styling` | Bundled sibling skill |
| Logo creation, AI generation | Logo (built-in) | `references/logo-design.md` |
| CIP mockups, deliverables | CIP (built-in) | `references/cip-design.md` |
| Presentations, pitch decks | Slides (built-in) | `references/slides.md` |
| Banners, covers, headers | Banner (built-in) | `references/banner-sizes-and-styles.md` |
| Social media images/photos | Social Photos (built-in) | `references/social-photos-design.md` |
| SVG icons, icon sets | Icon (built-in) | `references/icon-design.md` |

## Script Paths

Script paths in this skill and its `references/` are relative to the directory that contains this SKILL.md, not to the project: `scripts/<file>` is this skill's own `scripts/` folder, and `../<skill>/scripts/<file>` is a sibling sub-skill installed alongside it. Build the full path from that directory (Claude Code reports it as the skill's base directory when the skill loads) and keep the working directory at the project root — the scripts read and write project files such as `docs/brand-guidelines.md`, `assets/design-tokens.json` or `src/` relative to it.

## Logo Design (Built-in)

55+ styles, 30 color palettes, 25 industry guides. Gemini Nano Banana, Atlas
Cloud, and MuAPI image generation.

### Logo: Generate Design Brief

```bash
python3 scripts/logo/search.py "tech startup modern" --design-brief -p "BrandName"
```

### Logo: Search Styles/Colors/Industries

```bash
python3 scripts/logo/search.py "minimalist clean" --domain style
python3 scripts/logo/search.py "tech professional" --domain color
python3 scripts/logo/search.py "healthcare medical" --domain industry
```

### Logo: Generate with AI

**ALWAYS** generate output logo images with white background.

```bash
python3 scripts/logo/generate.py --brand "TechFlow" --style minimalist --industry tech
python3 scripts/logo/generate.py --prompt "coffee shop vintage badge" --style vintage
python3 scripts/logo/generate.py --brand "TechFlow" --provider atlas
python3 scripts/logo/generate.py --brand "TechFlow" --provider muapi
python3 scripts/logo/generate.py --brand "TechFlow" --provider muapi --muapi-model nano-banana-pro
```

**IMPORTANT:** When scripts fail, try to fix them directly.

After generation, **ALWAYS** ask user about HTML preview via `AskUserQuestion`. If yes, use the bundled `ui-ux-pro-max` skill for the gallery.

## CIP Design (Built-in)

50+ deliverables, 20 styles, 20 industries. Gemini Nano Banana (Flash/Pro).

### CIP: Generate Brief

```bash
python3 scripts/cip/search.py "tech startup" --cip-brief -b "BrandName"
```

### CIP: Search Domains

```bash
python3 scripts/cip/search.py "business card letterhead" --domain deliverable
python3 scripts/cip/search.py "luxury premium elegant" --domain style
python3 scripts/cip/search.py "hospitality hotel" --domain industry
python3 scripts/cip/search.py "office reception" --domain mockup
```

### CIP: Generate Mockups

```bash
# With logo (RECOMMENDED)
python3 scripts/cip/generate.py --brand "TopGroup" --logo /path/to/logo.png --deliverable "business card" --industry "consulting"

# Full CIP set
python3 scripts/cip/generate.py --brand "TopGroup" --logo /path/to/logo.png --industry "consulting" --set

# Pro model (4K text)
python3 scripts/cip/generate.py --brand "TopGroup" --logo logo.png --deliverable "business card" --model pro

# Without logo
python3 scripts/cip/generate.py --brand "TechFlow" --deliverable "business card" --no-logo-prompt
```

Models: `flash` (default, `gemini-2.5-flash-image`), `pro` (`gemini-3-pro-image`). Override the ids with `GEMINI_FLASH_IMAGE_MODEL` / `GEMINI_PRO_IMAGE_MODEL`.

### CIP: Render HTML Presentation

```bash
python3 scripts/cip/render-html.py --brand "TopGroup" --industry "consulting" --images /path/to/cip-output
```

**Tip:** If no logo exists, use Logo Design section above first.

## Slides (Built-in)

Strategic HTML presentations with Chart.js, design tokens, copywriting formulas.

Load `references/slides-create.md` for the creation workflow.

### Slides: Knowledge Base

| Topic | File |
|-------|------|
| Creation Guide | `references/slides-create.md` |
| Layout Patterns | `references/slides-layout-patterns.md` |
| HTML Template | `references/slides-html-template.md` |
| Copywriting | `references/slides-copywriting-formulas.md` |
| Strategies | `references/slides-strategies.md` |

## Banner Design (Built-in)

22 art direction styles across social, ads, web, print. This workflow needs nothing outside the bundle: `references/banner-sizes-and-styles.md` and the bundled `ui-ux-pro-max` skill for style and palette guidance. Browser research, image generation, and screenshot capture are optional runtime capabilities; when unavailable, use supplied assets, CSS-built visuals, and the runtime's standard preview or capture workflow.

Load `references/banner-sizes-and-styles.md` for complete sizes and styles reference.

### Banner: Workflow

1. **Gather requirements** via `AskUserQuestion` — purpose, platform, content, brand, style, quantity
2. **Research** — Read `references/banner-sizes-and-styles.md` and use the bundled `ui-ux-pro-max` skill for style and palette guidance; if browser research is available and permitted, collect 3–5 references
3. **Design** — Create the HTML/CSS banner at exact platform dimensions; use supplied assets or CSS-built visuals, or an authorized image-generation capability if the runtime provides one
4. **Export** — Capture PNG at exact dimensions with the runtime's browser or screenshot capability; if unavailable, deliver the HTML/CSS source and mark PNG export as pending
5. **Present** — Show all options side-by-side, iterate on feedback

### Banner: Quick Size Reference

| Platform | Type | Size (px) |
|----------|------|-----------|
| Facebook | Cover | 820 x 312 |
| Twitter/X | Header | 1500 x 500 |
| LinkedIn | Personal | 1584 x 396 |
| YouTube | Channel art | 2560 x 1440 |
| Instagram | Story | 1080 x 1920 |
| Instagram | Post | 1080 x 1080 |
| Google Ads | Med Rectangle | 300 x 250 |
| Website | Hero | 1920 x 600-1080 |

### Banner: Top Art Styles

| Style | Best For |
|-------|----------|
| Minimalist | SaaS, tech |
| Bold Typography | Announcements |
| Gradient | Modern brands |
| Photo-Based | Lifestyle, e-com |
| Geometric | Tech, fintech |
| Glassmorphism | SaaS, apps |
| Neon/Cyberpunk | Gaming, events |

### Banner: Design Rules

- Safe zones: critical content in central 70-80%
- One CTA per banner, bottom-right, min 44px height
- Max 2 fonts, min 16px body, ≥32px headline
- Text under 20% for ads (Meta penalizes)
- Print: 300 DPI, CMYK, 3-5mm bleed

## Icon Design (Built-in)

15 styles, 12 categories. Gemini 3.1 Pro Preview generates SVG text output.

### Icon: Generate Single Icon

```bash
python3 scripts/icon/generate.py --prompt "settings gear" --style outlined
python3 scripts/icon/generate.py --prompt "shopping cart" --style filled --color "#6366F1"
python3 scripts/icon/generate.py --name "dashboard" --category navigation --style duotone
```

### Icon: Generate Batch Variations

```bash
python3 scripts/icon/generate.py --prompt "cloud upload" --batch 4 --output-dir ./icons
```

### Icon: Multi-size Export

```bash
python3 scripts/icon/generate.py --prompt "user profile" --sizes "16,24,32,48" --output-dir ./icons
```

### Icon: Top Styles

| Style | Best For |
|-------|----------|
| outlined | UI interfaces, web apps |
| filled | Mobile apps, nav bars |
| duotone | Marketing, landing pages |
| rounded | Friendly apps, health |
| sharp | Tech, fintech, enterprise |
| flat | Material design, Google-style |
| gradient | Modern brands, SaaS |

**Model:** `gemini-3.1-pro-preview` — text-only output (SVG is XML text). No image generation API needed.

## Social Photos (Built-in)

Multi-platform social image design: HTML/CSS → screenshot export. Uses the bundled `ui-ux-pro-max`, `brand`, and `design-system` skills; screenshot export runs through Chrome headless, Playwright, or Puppeteer (see the reference).

Load `references/social-photos-design.md` for sizes, templates, best practices.

### Social Photos: Workflow

1. **Orchestrate** — Track the steps below with the runtime's native task list; parallel subagents for independent work
2. **Analyze** — Parse prompt: subject, platforms, style, brand context, content elements
3. **Ideate** — 3-5 concepts, present via `AskUserQuestion`
4. **Design** — bundled `brand` → `design-system` → `ui-ux-pro-max` skills; HTML per idea × size
5. **Export** — Chrome headless, Playwright, or Puppeteer screenshot at exact px (2x device scale factor where the tool supports it; see the reference)
6. **Verify** — Open the exported PNGs in an available browser or image viewer and inspect them; fix layout/styling issues and re-export
7. **Report** — Summary to `plans/reports/` with design decisions
8. **Organize** — Sort output files and reports into the project's asset directories

### Social Photos: Key Sizes

| Platform | Size (px) | Platform | Size (px) |
|----------|-----------|----------|-----------|
| IG Post | 1080×1080 | FB Post | 1200×630 |
| IG Story | 1080×1920 | X Post | 1200×675 |
| IG Carousel | 1080×1350 | LinkedIn | 1200×627 |
| YT Thumb | 1280×720 | Pinterest | 1000×1500 |

## Workflows

### Complete Brand Package

1. **Logo** → `scripts/logo/generate.py` → Generate logo variants
2. **CIP** → `scripts/cip/generate.py --logo ...` → Create deliverable mockups
3. **Presentation** → Load `references/slides-create.md` → Build pitch deck

### New Design System

1. **Brand** (brand skill) → Define colors, typography, voice
2. **Tokens** (design-system skill) → Create semantic token layers
3. **Implement** (ui-styling skill) → Configure Tailwind, shadcn/ui

## References

| Topic | File |
|-------|------|
| Design Routing | `references/design-routing.md` |
| Logo Design Guide | `references/logo-design.md` |
| Logo Styles | `references/logo-style-guide.md` |
| Logo Colors | `references/logo-color-psychology.md` |
| Logo Prompts | `references/logo-prompt-engineering.md` |
| CIP Design Guide | `references/cip-design.md` |
| CIP Deliverables | `references/cip-deliverable-guide.md` |
| CIP Styles | `references/cip-style-guide.md` |
| CIP Prompts | `references/cip-prompt-engineering.md` |
| Slides Create | `references/slides-create.md` |
| Slides Layouts | `references/slides-layout-patterns.md` |
| Slides Template | `references/slides-html-template.md` |
| Slides Copy | `references/slides-copywriting-formulas.md` |
| Slides Strategy | `references/slides-strategies.md` |
| Banner Sizes & Styles | `references/banner-sizes-and-styles.md` |
| Social Photos Guide | `references/social-photos-design.md` |
| Icon Design Guide | `references/icon-design.md` |

## Scripts

| Script | Purpose |
|--------|---------|
| `scripts/logo/search.py` | Search logo styles, colors, industries |
| `scripts/logo/generate.py` | Generate logos with Gemini AI |
| `scripts/logo/core.py` | BM25 search engine for logo data |
| `scripts/cip/search.py` | Search CIP deliverables, styles, industries |
| `scripts/cip/generate.py` | Generate CIP mockups with Gemini |
| `scripts/cip/render-html.py` | Render HTML presentation from CIP mockups |
| `scripts/cip/core.py` | BM25 search engine for CIP data |
| `scripts/icon/generate.py` | Generate SVG icons with Gemini 3.1 Pro |

## Prerequisites

**Python:** This skill uses Python scripts. On Windows, use `python` instead of `python3` (e.g., `python scripts/logo/search.py` instead of `python3 scripts/logo/search.py`).

Check if Python is installed:
```bash
python3 --version || python --version
```

## Setup

```bash
export GEMINI_API_KEY="your-key"  # https://aistudio.google.com/apikey
pip install google-genai pillow

# Optional MuAPI provider (no extra Python package required)
export MUAPI_API_KEY="your-key"
```

MuAPI uses the asynchronous model endpoint and prediction result API. See the
[MuAPI API reference](https://muapi.ai/docs/api-reference) for authentication
and the [nano-banana model contract](https://api.muapi.ai/api/v1/models/nano-banana)
or [nano-banana-pro model contract](https://api.muapi.ai/api/v1/models/nano-banana-pro)
for the current model-specific schemas. The logo generator supports both documented
model slugs and sends their shared required `prompt` plus optional `aspect_ratio`
fields; the Pro model also accepts an optional `resolution` field that this focused
logo workflow leaves at the provider default.

> **Note for Windows:** Use `python` instead of `pip` where needed (e.g., `python -m pip install ...`).

## Integration

**Bundled sub-skills:** brand, design-system, ui-styling
**Related Skills:** ui-ux-pro-max