CR

Generates temporary markdown files in .agents/scratches/ with automatic frontmatter and unique IDs.

Install

mkdir -p .claude/skills/create-scratch && curl -L -o skill.zip "https://agentskills.codes/api/skills/download/3873" && unzip -o skill.zip -d .claude/skills/create-scratch && rm skill.zip

Installs to .claude/skills/create-scratch

Activation

This is the description your AI agent reads to decide when to run this skill — the better it matches your request, the more reliably it fires.

Create a new scratch file in .agents/scratches/
47 charsno explicit “when” trigger
Beginner

Key capabilities

  • Generate a unique three-word ID for a scratch file
  • Create frontmatter with the current date and formatted title
  • Save the file as {id}-{slug}.md in .agents/scratches/
  • Accept content directly as an argument
  • Accept multi-line content using heredoc syntax
  • Accept piped content from standard input

How it works

This skill creates a new markdown file in the .agents/scratches/ directory, automatically generating a unique ID, current date, and a formatted title from the provided slug.

Inputs & outputs

You give it
slug and content for the scratch file
You get back
a new markdown file in .agents/scratches/

When to use create-scratch

  • Capture quick code snippets during debugging
  • Draft ideas for new features
  • Store temporary notes for current session

About this skill

You are creating a new scratch file in the .agents/scratches/ directory.

Your Task

  1. Determine the slug - Based on the conversation context and intent, determine an appropriate file slug (kebab-case recommended). Ask the user if unclear.
  2. Gather content - Collect or generate the scratch content from the discussion
  3. Create the file - Use the create-scratch script to generate the file

Usage

The script will automatically:

  • Generate a unique three-word ID (e.g., calm-teal-cloud)
  • Create frontmatter with current date and formatted title
  • Save the file as {id}-{slug}.md in .agents/scratches/

Creating the File

Option 1: Direct Content

If you have the content ready, run:

bun scripts/create-scratch.ts "<slug>" "Your scratch content here"

Option 2: Multi-line Content (Heredoc)

For multi-line content, use heredoc:

bun scripts/create-scratch.ts "<slug>" << HEREDOC
Your multi-line
scratch content
goes here
HEREDOC

Option 3: Pipe Content

You can also pipe content:

echo "Your content" | bun scripts/create-scratch.ts "<slug>"

File Format

The created file will have:

---
date: 2026-01-21
title: Scratch Title
---

Your content here

The title is automatically formatted from the slug (e.g., quick-notesQuick Notes).

Guidelines

  • Use descriptive slugs in kebab-case (e.g., exploration-ideas, temporary-notes)
  • Scratch files are for temporary notes, explorations, or ideas
  • The unique ID ensures no filename conflicts
  • Files are automatically dated for organization

Begin

Create a scratch file using an appropriate slug based on the conversation context and content for notes or exploration.

Prerequisites

bun

How it compares

This workflow automates the creation of standardized temporary files with unique IDs and structured frontmatter, unlike manually creating and organizing scratch files.

Compared to similar skills

create-scratch side by side with the closest alternatives in the catalog.

SkillInstallsUpdatedSafetyDifficulty
create-scratch (this skill)16moReviewBeginner
obsidian-bases114moReviewIntermediate
video-transcript-downloader42moReviewIntermediate
obsidian-clipper-template-creator36moNo flagsBeginner

Try saying

Example prompts that trigger this skill in your AI assistant.

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