How to Use Agent Skills with GitHub Copilot [VS Code Integration Guide]

GitHub Copilot users can leverage Agent Skills too.

This article explains how to set up and use Agent Skills with GitHub Copilot in VS Code.

Support Status

GitHub Copilot supports the Agent Skills standard through its VS Code extension. Combined with Copilot Chat, you get interactive coding assistance using skills.

Skill Placement

Project-Specific

Copyyour-project/
└── .github/
    └── copilot/
        └── skills/
            └── my-skill/
                └── SKILL.md

Global (VS Code Settings)

Configure a global skills directory in VS Code settings:

Copy{
  "github.copilot.skills.directory": "~/.copilot/skills"
}

Then place skills in:

Copy~/.copilot/
└── skills/
    └── my-skill/
        └── SKILL.md

Invoking Skills

In Copilot Chat

In Copilot Chat (Ctrl+Shift+I or Cmd+Shift+I):

Copy@workspace /code-review Review this file

Combined with @workspace context enables project-aware reviews.

Inline Usage

After selecting code, use Copilot's inline suggestions:

Copy/refactor Refactor this code

Comparison with Other Tools

GitHub Copilot Strengths

• IDE integration: Seamless in-editor use
• Code completion synergy: Skill output feeds into completions
• @workspace context: Project-wide awareness

Use Cases

Code Review

Copy@workspace /code-review
Check this file from a security perspective

Documentation Generation

Copy/docstring Generate JSDoc for this function

Test Generation

Copy@workspace /test-generator
Create Jest tests for this component

Sharing Skills

To use the same SKILL.md across tools, use symbolic links:

Copy# Share Claude Code skills
ln -s ~/.claude/skills/code-review ~/.copilot/skills/code-review

Caveats

Extension Updates

The GitHub Copilot extension updates frequently. If skill features don't work, update to the latest version.

Feature Limitations

Compared to terminal-based Claude Code or Codex CLI, autonomous execution features like file operations are limited. Copilot focuses on coding assistance.

Summary

Agent Skills work with GitHub Copilot too.

• Place in .github/copilot/skills/
• Invoke with @workspace /skill-name in Copilot Chat
• IDE integration for seamless use

Browse the Skills list for skills useful in VS Code development.

Related Articles

• How to Set Up Skills in Claude Code - For terminal users
• How to Use Skills with Cursor - For Cursor users
• AI Coding Tools Comparison 2026 - Understand tool differences
• 10 Best Agent Skills for Developers - Recommended skills