Custom Mode

Turn a SKILL.md into a Custom Mode so it stays in context for the session. Use when a playbook should last longer than one slash invoke.

Loaded on demand when the task matches the description.

Install path

.cursor/skills/custom-mode/SKILL.md

---
name: custom-mode
description: Pin a Cursor skill as a Custom Mode for the whole session. Use when the user wants an always-on playbook, a focused mode, or a skill that should stay in the chat badge.
icon: beaker
color: green
---

# Custom Mode

A slash skill attaches to one message. A Custom Mode keeps that skill pinned until you leave the chat.

## When to pin

- A playbook you will follow for many turns (polish pass, landing page, cloud brief)
- A review stance that should not fade after the first reply
- Pairing with `/goal` so the long objective has a procedure

Do **not** pin taste rules. Those belong in `.mdc` files with globs.

## How

1. Type `/` and pick the skill.
2. Press ⌥⏎ (Mac) or Alt+Enter (Windows), or choose **Use as Mode**.
3. Confirm the badge in the chat input. Style it with optional `icon` and `color` on the skill frontmatter.

## Frontmatter

```markdown
---
name: polish-pass
description: Make a working UI feel finished. Use after a feature works.
icon: sparkle
color: cyan
---
```

Unrecognized icons fall back to the lightning badge. Colors: `default`, `green`, `cyan`, `blue`, `purple`, `magenta`, `orange`, `yellow`, `red`, `brand`.

## Done when

The next messages in this chat still follow the procedure without you pasting it again.