Ark

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docs / getting-started / your-first-package

Your first package

This guide walks you through creating, auditing, and publishing a simple skill package — from empty directory to live on the marketplace.

Step 1 — Create the directory

Terminal
$ mkdir my-first-skill
$ cd my-first-skill

Step 2 — Initialize the manifest

Run ark init to scaffold an ark.json manifest. The interactive prompt will ask for your package name, type, and category.

Terminal
$ ark init

  Package name: my-first-skill
  Type (skill/agent/bundle/system/os): skill
  Category: creative
  Description: A slash command that summarizes any text
  Author name: Your Name
  Author email: you@example.com

   Created ark.json
   Created CLAUDE.md
   Created bin/install.sh

Step 3 — Add your content

A skill package typically contains a CLAUDE.md with the slash command definition. Edit it to describe what your skill does:

CLAUDE.md
# my-first-skill

## /summarize

Summarize any text in 3 bullet points.

Usage: /summarize [text or file path]

Rules:
- Maximum 3 bullets
- Each bullet ≤ 15 words
- Plain language, no jargon

Step 4 — Run the audit

Before submitting, check your score. The static audit is free and instant.

Terminal
$ ark audit --static

  Structure        17/20   ark.json valid, installer present
  Security         20/20   no secrets found
  Code Quality     14/20   CLAUDE.md present, no error handling
  Completeness     11/15   missing README
  Robustness        9/15   no verify script
  ─────────────────────────
  Total            71/100
  ✓ Certified

  Price range: $9 — $15

  Suggestions:
    → Add a README.md for +3 Completeness
    → Add bin/verify.sh for +4 Robustness
Score 60+ required. Your 71 qualifies. Follow the suggestions to reach a higher tier and unlock a better price range.

Step 5 — Fix issues and re-audit

Add the suggested improvements, then re-run the audit to confirm your score improved.

Terminal
$ touch README.md
$ touch bin/verify.sh
$ ark audit --static

  Total            78/100
  ✓ Certified

  Price range: $9 — $15

Step 6 — Create a creator account

You need a creator account to publish. Go to getark.dev/creators/join or run:

Terminal
$ ark login

  Email: you@example.com
   Check your email for a magic link

Step 7 — Publish

Terminal
$ ark publish

   Validated ark.json
   Archive created (4.1 KB)
   Audit report attached (score: 78)
   Submitted for review

  Package ID: my-first-skill@1.0.0
  Review takes 24-48h. We'll email you at you@example.com.
What happens next: our team manually reviews every submission. If approved, your package appears on the marketplace and you receive an email. If there are issues, we'll tell you what to fix.