# Use the portable Beacon skill

Install one reviewed skill file that guides an agent through safe Beacon MCP workflows.

A skill is a Markdown instruction file for a compatible AI agent.

The Beacon skill guides MCP use. It does not grant access or replace Beacon permissions and approvals.

Canonical skill address:

```text
https://postwithbeacon.com/skills/beacon/SKILL.md
```

## Install for one project

Review the canonical file before installation.

```sh
mkdir -p .agents/skills/beacon
curl --fail --location https://postwithbeacon.com/skills/beacon/SKILL.md \
  --output .agents/skills/beacon/SKILL.md
```

Use a project installation when contributors need the same reviewed instructions.

## Install for one user

```sh
mkdir -p ~/.agents/skills/beacon
curl --fail --location https://postwithbeacon.com/skills/beacon/SKILL.md \
  --output ~/.agents/skills/beacon/SKILL.md
```

Use a user installation when you need the skill across projects.

## Verify the file

Confirm that the frontmatter contains `name: beacon`.

Confirm that the file uses `https://postwithbeacon.com/mcp` and requires `beacon_check_post` before creation.

Do not add an agent key, access token, or other credential to the skill file.

## Update the skill

Installed copies do not update automatically. Review the canonical file again, then replace the installed copy.

Next, [connect through MCP](/docs/developers/mcp/connect).