Create File-Based Instructions

This skill helps you scaffold VS Code file-based instructions (.instructions.md files) that provide background knowledge to Copilot about specific parts of the codebase. These files are applied automatically based on glob patterns or semantic matching, giving Copilot domain-specific context when working on matching files.

When Not to Use

• Setting project-wide instructions — use .github/copilot-instructions.md or AGENTS.md instead
• Creating reusable agent workflows with structured steps — use Agent Skills instead
• Adding instructions that need to be invokable on demand — use Agent Skills instead

Workflow

Step 1: Investigate the topic

Build understanding of the area the instructions should cover. Identify: