Google’s October 13, 2026 rollout update separates skills in the Gemini app from skills in Workspace: the app rollout started, while the Workspace rollout was delayed. The September announcement also describes the open SKILL.md standard. This ongoing transition makes portability worth checking, but a shared instruction format does not transfer tools, connections or permissions. The October 13 update is earlier guidance, not a new launch today.
Copying a SKILL.md file does not copy the environment around it. A procedure can be readable in another assistant yet fail because a tool, local file path or supported integration is missing.
Make dependencies explicit
List required inputs, reference files, tools and expected output. Separate the decision process from environment-specific commands. Check the destination product’s actual skill format and supported features; a similar folder name is not a compatibility promise.
For example, a skill may turn an approved outline into a document. In one environment it writes a local file; in another it needs a document connector. If that connector is unavailable, the result should explain the missing capability instead of claiming that a document was saved.
Verify one complete task
Use a small permitted sample and follow the output to its real destination. Check file contents, references and access. Record environment-specific adjustments separately so a later update does not silently replace working settings in another installation.