Guide · Agent skill
How to use the software-for-agents skill (deprecated redirect)
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
software-for-agents is a deprecated agent skill from the OpenRig project. It does not teach the agent anything new; it tells the agent to load its successor, agent-operated-software, which holds the maintained guidance. This guide explains what the skill does, how to install it if an older instruction still requires it, and how to move to the current skill.
Software for Agents (Deprecated Redirect)mvschwarz/openrig · Apache-2.0 Download the skill Quick start
- 1Confirm you need this skill. Check whether the instructions you are following name software-for-agents. If they do not, install agent-operated-software instead.
- 2Download the ZIP. Download the skill ZIP from the directory page.
- 3Unzip it into the right folder. Unzip into ~/.claude/skills/ for personal use, or into a project's .claude/skills/ folder for one project.
- 4Or upload it in the Claude apps. In the Claude apps, go to Settings → Capabilities → Skills and upload the ZIP.
- 5Load the successor. Make sure agent-operated-software is also available, since this skill sends the agent there for the actual guidance.
What this skill does (and doesn't do)
The skill's SKILL.md file is a compatibility redirect. Its title reads 'Renamed to agent-operated-software', and its body tells the agent to load agent-operated-software for the maintained architecture and operating guidance.
It exists so that older OpenRig instructions which still reference the former name keep working for a short transition period. After that period it is scheduled for removal, so it is not a source of guidance in its own right.
- Purpose: redirect older references to the successor skill
- Successor: agent-operated-software
- Stage: deprecated
How to install software-for-agents
Install this skill only if older instructions you are following require the name software-for-agents. Otherwise, install agent-operated-software instead.
You can add the skill in one of three ways: download the ZIP from the directory page and unzip it into ~/.claude/skills/ for your personal skills, unzip it into a project's .claude/skills/ folder for one project, or upload the ZIP in the Claude apps under Settings → Capabilities → Skills.
- Personal: unzip into ~/.claude/skills/
- Per project: unzip into the project's .claude/skills/ folder
- Claude apps: Settings → Capabilities → Skills, then upload the ZIP
How to trigger it with natural requests
The skill's description says to use it when older OpenRig instructions name software-for-agents, or when they describe agent-in-the-middle or studio software under the former skill name. In practice the agent should load it when it meets those references.
You do not need to ask for the skill by name. Pointing the agent at the older instructions is usually enough, because the description is what tells the agent when to use it.
- Example: 'Follow these older OpenRig setup notes that mention software-for-agents.'
- Example: 'Read these studio software instructions written under the former skill name.'
Move to the current skill
Because the redirect only points elsewhere, the practical step is to load agent-operated-software. The source says not to extend or copy guidance into this file, so updates belong in the successor.
When you update your own notes or instructions, replace the old name with agent-operated-software so they keep working after the redirect is removed.
- Search the directory for agent-operated-software and install it
- Update older instructions to reference the new name
Requirements and safety notes
The listing shows no requirements. The skill runs no scripts and makes no network calls. The only file in the package is SKILL.md.
Because it contains only a redirect, there is little to review for safety. Still, check the successor skill's own files and behaviour before relying on it, since that is where the operating guidance is.
- Requires: nothing listed
- Runs scripts: no
- Uses network: no
- Files: SKILL.md
What people use it for
- Following an older OpenRig setup guide that still names software-for-agents without rewriting it first
- Maintaining a team's notes during the OpenRig rename so old references still resolve
- Checking which instructions still use the former skill name before the redirect is removed
Frequently asked questions
Is software-for-agents a useful skill to install?
Not on its own. The skill's SKILL.md only tells the agent to load agent-operated-software, which holds the maintained guidance. Install it only if older instructions you use still require the name.
Is software-for-agents free?
The listing shows the skill under the Apache-2.0 licence. The listing does not mention any price, so nothing in the source indicates a cost.
What are the requirements for software-for-agents?
The listing shows no requirements. It runs no scripts, uses no network, and consists of a single file, SKILL.md.
What should I use instead of software-for-agents?
Use agent-operated-software. The skill itself names it as the successor and says it holds the maintained architecture and operating guidance.
How do I install software-for-agents in Claude?
Download the ZIP from the directory page and unzip it into ~/.claude/skills/ or a project's .claude/skills/ folder. You can also upload the ZIP in the Claude apps under Settings → Capabilities → Skills.
Why does the skill still exist if it is deprecated?
It is a compatibility redirect. It keeps older OpenRig instructions that reference the former name working for one transition period before it is removed.
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Our verdict
Use software-for-agents only if older OpenRig instructions you follow still name it; it adds no guidance of its own and simply points to agent-operated-software. Anyone looking for current, useful guidance should install agent-operated-software instead, and anyone planning to depend on this redirect long term should update their references now.
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