Bug: YAML multiline syntax (>-) shown instead of parsed description in skill list
Resolved 💬 3 comments Opened Dec 15, 2025 by frytyler Closed Dec 15, 2025
Description
When a skill's SKILL.md frontmatter uses YAML multiline folded scalar syntax (>-), Claude Code displays the raw >- instead of the parsed description text in the available tools/skills list.
Steps to Reproduce
- Create a skill with YAML frontmatter using multiline syntax:
---
name: comments
description: >-
Enable inline conversations using @droid/@user markers. Tag @droid to ask the AI,
AI responds with @{your-name}. Use /comments check to address markers...
---
- Install the skill to
~/.claude/skills/ - Observe the skill description in Claude's tool list
Expected Behavior
The description should show:
Enable inline conversations using @droid/@user markers. Tag @droid to ask the AI, AI responds with @{your-name}. Use /comments check to address markers...
Actual Behavior
The description shows:
>- (user)
The YAML syntax indicator is displayed instead of the parsed content.
Workaround
We have a working workaround: Use single-line quoted descriptions instead of multiline:
# Instead of this:
description: >-
Enable inline conversations using @droid/@user markers. Tag @droid to ask the AI,
AI responds with @{your-name}...
# Use this:
description: "Enable inline conversations using @droid/@user markers. Tag @droid to ask the AI, AI responds with @{your-name}..."
This fixes the display issue in Claude Code's skill list.
Environment
- Claude Code CLI
- Skills installed via custom skill manager (droid)
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