carrel

**`${ARGS}` (skill-constructed)** is used by *thin wrappers* whose calling skill assembles a typed-flag argument list. The skill conducts the interview, resolves defaults, applies vault context, and then invokes the slash command with a fully-formed flag set. Because the wrapper body cannot contain conditionals, all orchestration lives in the skill — the wrapper just shells out.

Set up or update overnight vault maintenance and analytical tasks

Batch convert or transcribe a folder of files and file them to your vault

Save a web page or online article to your vault as markdown

Regenerate your reference card with current setup information

Use when a researcher wants to think through ideas, get feedback on arguments, explore connections in their work, discuss a paper, or needs intellectual engagement. Triggers on 'help me think about', 'what do you think of', 'push back on this', 'what am I missing', 'explore connections'. <example>help me think through this argument</example> <example>what am I missing in this analysis?</example> <example>push back on my reasoning here</example>

Use when onboarding a new researcher into their AI research environment. Conducts a warm, adaptive interview to understand research area, data types, sensitivity needs, existing tools, and comfort level. Triggers on 'set up', 'get started', 'configure', 'onboard', or when .carrel/ directory is missing. <example>set up my research environment</example> <example>I'm new here, help me get started</example> <example>configure my tools for research</example>

This skill should be used when a researcher wants to configure, understand, or adjust overnight vault maintenance. Triggers on 'schedule', 'automate', 'overnight', 'background processing', 'morning brief', 'unattended', 'what did Carrel do', 'review automation settings', 'trust level', or '/carrel-automate'.

This skill should be used when a researcher wants to share their Carrel vault with someone else — an RA, co-author, lab member, or advisor. Triggers on 'share with', 'onboard a collaborator', 'generate a handbook', 'lab handbook', 'help my RA get up to speed', or when the /carrel-share command is invoked. Distinct from /carrel-setup, which sets up a NEW vault for a NEW researcher; this skill assumes an existing vault with accumulated context.

This skill should be used when a researcher wants to convert a PDF, Word document, PowerPoint, spreadsheet, or image to markdown. Triggers on 'convert', 'import', 'add this paper', a dropped file path, or any mention of PDF/DOCX/PPTX/XLSX conversion.

Guided recovery for environment.json drift. Use when the researcher runs /carrel-fix, mentions environment drift, broken setup state, or wants help repairing conflicting settings.

This skill should be used when a researcher wants to set up their AI research environment, mentions 'setup', 'get started', 'configure', 'onboard', or when opening a project folder with no .carrel/ directory. Also triggers on 'what tools do I have', 'check my setup', 'add a new tool'.

4 hooks across 4 events