How to use the Split Layout Technical agent skill

What does the split-layout-technical skill make the agent do?

Without the skill, a request for a two-column page usually gets a generic marketing layout. With it, the agent organises the page around two panels with different jobs: one panel is the hero or immersive focal area, and the other carries explanation, specs, metadata or navigation. The skill covers framing, spacing, typography, metadata treatment and how panels behave, not just a vertical divider.

In practice the agent applies thin frame lines, inset boundary rules, tiny corner markers, small monospace labels for top rails, metadata strips and specs, quiet editorial headlines, and one selective accent colour derived from the design. On smaller screens the panels stack vertically while keeping them visually separate.

• Two panels on desktop, usually equal or near-equal, each with a distinct role
• Mono utility text for labels, coordinates, status copy and specs
• Restrained neutral palette with one accent used for active details, not a colour wash
• At least one embedded premium surface such as a bordered media frame or canvas region

Install the skill from the ZIP file

Download the ZIP for split-layout-technical from this page and unzip it. The skill is a folder that contains SKILL.md, plus a demo folder with demo/index.html, demo/PROMPT.md and demo/source.json. Place the skill folder in one of the two locations below.

For a personal skill available across your projects, put it in ~/.claude/skills/. For a skill that only applies to one project, put it in that project's .claude/skills/ folder.

If you use the Claude apps instead of files on disk, open Settings, go to Capabilities, then Skills, and upload the skill there.

• Personal: ~/.claude/skills/split-layout-technical/
• Project only: .claude/skills/split-layout-technical/ inside your project folder
• Claude apps: Settings → Capabilities → Skills → upload

How do you trigger the skill with a natural request?

The skill loads when your request matches its description, which covers split-screen design systems with dual panels, fine frame lines, mono metadata, editorial typography and inset surfaces. You can also name it directly. The demo prompts in the package use the form $split-layout-technical followed by the task, so naming it explicitly is a reliable option.

Be specific about what each panel should hold. The skill is most useful when you tell it which side is visual and which side is informational, and roughly what the page is for, such as a product, portfolio or concept showcase.

• Name it: "Use $split-layout-technical to build a responsive product page for a ceramic studio."
• Describe panel roles: "Left panel a full-bleed photo in a bordered frame; right panel specs in two-column rows."
• Ask for the rails: "Add a mono top rail with a version marker and footer metadata strip."

Examples of what you can ask for

The demo prompts in the package show the pattern: a concept name, a purpose, and the content anchors the page should use. The demo/index.html file is described as a visual and interaction reference, so you can point the agent at it when you want output that matches that finish.

Keep requests to one page or one concept at a time. The skill is a layout and design-system direction, so it works best when the content is already decided and you want the framing handled well.

• A login or access section split between a brand visual and a sign-in form, as the demo prompt describes
• A product page with a visual hero on one side and technical parameters on the other
• A portfolio piece with a framed image window and a dense metadata column
• A concept presentation for a team that needs consistent framing and spacing rules

What does the skill need, and what are the safety notes?

The listing states that the skill requires nothing beyond the skill itself. It does not run scripts and does not use the network, so installing it adds instructions and demo files rather than executable code. You should still read SKILL.md before installing any skill, since it sets the rules the agent follows.

Because the skill controls layout and style, review the generated HTML, CSS and any copy as you would for any code the agent writes. Check accessibility, contrast of small mono text, and that the content is accurate.

• Requirements: none listed
• Runs scripts: no
• Uses network: no
• Files: demo/index.html, demo/PROMPT.md, demo/source.json, SKILL.md

Tips for better results

The skill tells the agent to keep the headline calm and let mono labels carry the technical detail. If your output looks too busy, ask for fewer corner markers and dividers, which the skill lists as a tuning knob. If it looks too cold, ask for a more editorial display moment.

Ask for a split ratio explicitly when one side needs more weight. The default is 50/50, but the skill allows a shift when one panel needs dominance. Also avoid asking for bright, rounded or playful styling, because the skill steers away from those patterns.

• Reduce frame density if the page feels cluttered
• Shift the split ratio when one panel must dominate
• Ask for editorial serif display or a more product-technical sans and mono mix
• Avoid requests for bold multi-colour or playful rounded UI, which the skill rejects