What it is, and what it is not
The README describes a pipeline: recon → architect → design → build → backend → test → diff → entrepreneur → brand → launch → deploy. Its fine print says it rebuilds functionality and UX patterns, and never copies the target’s source code, proprietary assets, logos, trademarks, copy or private APIs. “Clone any app” covers features and flow, not content, network or licences. It always rebrands before launch.
Install
Install and first-run steps follow the upstream README fetched on 24 Oct 2026. We verified on 2026-10-24 with Claude Code 2.1.299 that plugin/folder install works and first-run produces recon; upstream PR#4 remains Open; Path escapes not reproduced in this environment.
A. Claude Code plugin marketplace
Run inside Claude Code (README, “Install”)
/plugin marketplace add Jakeschincariol/replica-skill
/plugin install replica-skill@replica-skillClaude Code namespaces plugin skills, so they show up as /replica-skill:replica-recon and so on. Open pull request #4 reports that the plugin loader rejects the current "skills": "./" setting with “Path escapes plugin directory”; if the skills do not appear, use the folder copy below.
B. Copy the folders (plain /replica-recon names)
Run in your terminal (README, “Copy the folders instead”)
git clone https://github.com/Jakeschincariol/replica-skill.git
cp -r replica-skill/replica-* ~/.claude/skills/For one project only, copy the same folders into that repository’s .claude/skills/ instead. If upstream merges the skills/replica-* layout from PR #4, this path will change; check the README first.
C. Chat only (no Claude Code)
Paste into a chat (README, “Install”)
Paste any single SKILL.md at the top of a chat.
The README says it then runs as a mode. The method works without Claude Code, but the Python tools are unavailable.
The README also offers a shortcut: paste the repository URL into Claude and ask it to install the skill. The commands above are the explicit versions.
Command names: /replica-skill:… or /replica-recon
A plugin install gives namespaced commands such as /replica-skill:replica-recon. A folder copy gives plain names such as /replica-recon. Both run the same SKILL.md files.
First run checklist
- Confirm the skills appear: /replica-recon after a folder copy, or /replica-skill:replica-recon after a plugin install.
- Run recon on a public app you are allowed to study. The README says it writes replica/recon.md and a features.csv matrix under replica/.
- The Python tools need Python 3.8 or newer. The README says there is nothing to pip install.
- If the plugin install fails with a path or /doctor error, switch to the folder copy and see PR #4.
The eleven skills
| Command | What it does |
|---|---|
/replica-recon | Maps an app’s screens, flows, components and data model from public pages, screenshots and store listings. |
/replica-architect | Plans the stack, database schema and API for your version. |
/replica-design | Rebuilds the design system as tokens, with your own assets. |
/replica-build | Builds the app screen by screen from the recon map. |
/replica-backend | Covers auth, database, payments and integrations. |
/replica-test | Clicks through every flow and tests it for bugs. |
/replica-diff | Compares your build against the original for a parity score and a missing list. |
/replica-entrepreneur | Reads public reviews for complaints and turns them into fixes and positioning. |
/replica-brand | Names and rebrands your version and lists trademark checks. |
/replica-launch | Drafts a landing page, pricing and app store listing. |
/replica-deploy | Ships it on your own domain. |
Read the official README on GitHub
Known issues
Upstream reports, both still open on 24 Oct 2026. PR #4 Path escapes was not reproduced on Claude Code 2.1.299 (2026-10-24); other versions were not tested — do not treat as fixed. Issue #10 remains user-reported; we have not reproduced it.
- PR #4 · Open · user-reported
Plugin loader rejects the skills path. Open as of 24 Oct 2026, not merged. The pull request reports “Path escapes plugin directory: ./” for "skills": "./" in .claude-plugin/plugin.json and proposes moving the eleven folders into skills/. On Claude Code 2.1.299 (2026-10-24) Path escapes was not reproduced; other Claude Code versions were not tested. Do not treat this as fixed. - Issue #10 · Open · user-reported
imgdiff.py crashes on a truncated PNG header. Open as of 24 Oct 2026. The report says replica-diff/imgdiff.py prints a raw struct.error traceback when a PNG’s IHDR chunk is truncated, instead of its usual one-line error. User-reported; we have not reproduced it.
Before you install
- This is third-party code that includes Python scripts. Read the SKILL.md files and scripts before you install or run them.
- Listing is not an audit. AgentSkillsDir has not reviewed this code for security.
- Study only apps you are allowed to study, follow their terms, and run the trademark checks in /replica-brand before you launch anything.
FAQ
What is replica skill?
Eleven Claude skills by Jake Schincariol that map public app flows and rebuild features clean-room style. Source: Jakeschincariol/replica-skill (MIT).
Is this the same as Replicate / Replica / Replicas API?
No. Unrelated names; this entry is only Jake’s replica-skill repo.
Does AgentSkillsDir clone apps for me?
No. We link the skill source and install notes. Nothing installs from this page; we do not host or run the skills.
Does “clone any app” mean copying code or brands?
Upstream says no: rebuild functionality and UX patterns; not the target’s code, logos, trademarks, copy, private APIs, or owned catalogues. Always rebrand before launch per their fine print.
How do I install it?
Prefer the README paths: Claude Code plugin commands, or copy replica-* into ~/.claude/skills/ (or project .claude/skills/). Paste a single SKILL.md into chat if you are not on Claude Code.
Why do commands show as /replica-skill:…?
Claude Code namespaces plugin skills. Copy folders instead if you want plain /replica-recon.
Is it free?
The skill repo is MIT. Model usage, hosting, and third-party APIs you wire up are separate and may cost money.
Do I need Python?
Tools need Python 3.8+; chat-only SKILL.md mode skips tools.
Plugin install failed / doctor path error?
See upstream PR #4 (Open as of 2026-10-24): plugin skills path layout. Try folder copy. On Claude Code 2.1.299 (2026-10-24) Path escapes was not reproduced; other versions were not tested — do not treat as fixed.
imgdiff crashed on a PNG?
See upstream issue #10 (Open): truncated/malformed IHDR. User-reported; not claimed as resolved here.
Is this legal / safe to ship a competitor?
We are not lawyers. Follow the repo fine print, site terms, trademark checks in /replica-brand, and your own counsel before selling. We do not claim a security audit.
Will you split pages for each of the eleven skills?
Not now. One directory page; subpages only if this URL shows real demand.
Related
Browse all Claude skills in the directory
Corrections and suggestions
Spotted something out of date, or want to suggest a skill? Email a correction. To suggest a resource, submit it for manual review.