Zapier Workflow Skill for Claude (Trained & Ready to Use)

Download and install a production-ready Claude Code Skill that transforms how you work with Zapier. No more explaining your workflows every conversation—Claude remembers everything and learns as you use it.

Introduction: The Problem with Zapier MCP

Last month, I connected Zapier's MCP to Claude Code. Suddenly, I had access to 8,000+ individual tools—every Zapier action available at my fingertips. It felt like magic.

Then reality set in.

Every new conversation, Claude had no idea which tools I actually used. It didn't know my Google Sheets were for expense tracking, or that I preferred Perplexity over Google for research. Worse, my carefully crafted multi-step Zaps—the complex workflows I'd spent hours optimizing—were completely invisible to Claude. They existed in Zapier's dashboard, but Claude couldn't trigger them.

I was spending more time explaining my workflows than actually using them.

That's when I built the Zapier Workflow Skill—a pre-trained skill that solves both problems at once.

📊 Stats Alert:

Zapier processes 2 billion+ tasks per month across 8,000+ app integrations, making it the backbone of business automation for millions of users. According to Gartner's 2024 Market Guide, 73% of organizations now use some form of workflow automation, with integration platforms like Zapier at the center of their tech stack.

🎯 Goal: Install a ready-to-use skill that gives Claude persistent memory for your Zapier workflows, enabling webhook-triggered Zaps and intelligent MCP tool orchestration.

Download Now

Download Zapier Workflow Skill (.zip)

Extract and copy to ~/.claude/skills/ for global installation. See installation steps below.

Skills vs MCP vs Sub-Agents for Zapier Automation

Before diving into the skill, it's important to understand how different Claude Code extension mechanisms compare for Zapier automation:

Why You Need Both Skills AND MCP

Zapier MCP alone gives Claude access to tools but no guidance—like giving someone keys to 8,000 rooms without a map.

A Zapier Skill provides the map: which tools to use, when to use them, and your personal preferences. It also enables webhook-triggered Zaps that MCP can't access.

The combination is powerful: MCP provides the capabilities, Skills provide the intelligence.

💡 Expert Insight:

Think of MCP as Claude's hands and Skills as Claude's memory. MCP lets Claude do things; Skills help Claude remember how YOU want things done. For Zapier automation, you need both.

What This Skill Solves

The Two Types of Zapier Automation

Understanding the landscape helps you see why this skill is necessary:

Zapier MCP gives Claude access to tools, but:

❌ No memory - Claude doesn't remember which tools YOU use or why

❌ No context - Doesn't know when to use specific tools for your workflows

❌ Only one-off actions - Can't trigger your complex, multi-step Zaps

❌ Fresh start every session - All context lost between conversations

What This Skill Provides

This pre-built skill bridges both gaps:

✅ Remembers your MCP tool preferences - "Use Google Sheets for expenses, Notion for tasks"

✅ Knows when/why to use each tool - "Search with Perplexity when researching, not Google"

✅ Triggers multi-step Zaps - "Run my daily digest" = webhook POST to your complex Zap

✅ Self-learning - Claude updates the skill as you teach it, never forgets

✅ Cross-session persistence - Works across all conversations (global install)

💡 Expert Insight:

The fundamental innovation is persistence. Instead of explaining your Zapier setup every conversation, you teach Claude once and it remembers forever. It's like having an assistant who actually keeps notes.

Quick Start: Download and Install

Download the Skill

Download Zapier Workflow Skill (.zip)

Installation Steps

Step 1: Extract the zip file

unzip zapier-workflow-skill.zip

Step 2: Choose your installation location

Step 3: Verify installation

Ask Claude: "What Zapier tools do I have?"

If the skill is loaded correctly, Claude will check its reference files and respond accordingly.

⚠️ Warning: This skill stores webhook URLs in plain text. Webhook URLs contain authentication tokens. Install globally at ~/.claude/skills/ (not in project repos) and add .claude/ to your .gitignore if installed in a project.

Skill Architecture

The skill follows Anthropic's best practices for progressive disclosure:

zapier-w/
├── SKILL.md                    # Main instructions (~540 lines)
└── references/
    ├── mcp-patterns.md         # MCP tool preferences and workflows
    └── zaps.md                  # Webhook-triggered Zap documentation

How Progressive Disclosure Works

This architecture means Claude only loads what it needs, keeping the context window efficient.

Zapier's Official Skills (From GitHub)

Zapier provides their own official skills at github.com/zapier/zapier-mcp/tree/main/skills. These complement the Workflow Skill by adding developer-focused automation:

work-on-ticket Skill

View on GitHub

Purpose: Retrieves Jira ticket details, creates appropriately named branches, and initiates task planning. This skill automates the entire "starting work" workflow that developers do dozens of times per week.

Trigger phrases: "work on PROJ-123", "start ticket PROJ-456"

Connected app: Jira (requires Zapier MCP connection)

What it does:

1. Fetches ticket title, description, and acceptance criteria from Jira
2. Creates a properly formatted branch name (e.g., feature/PROJ-123-add-user-auth)
3. Sets up the task context so Claude understands what you're building
4. Initiates planning mode with ticket requirements loaded

Example:

User: "work on AGP-123"
Claude: [Fetches Jira ticket AGP-123]
        [Creates branch: feature/AGP-123-implement-search-filter]
        "I've loaded ticket AGP-123: 'Implement search filter for dashboard'.
         The acceptance criteria include... Ready to plan the implementation?"

git-commit Skill

View on GitHub

Purpose: Generates storytelling-focused Conventional Commits messages with Jira context integration. Instead of generic commit messages, this skill creates meaningful commits that tell the story of your changes.

Trigger phrases: "commit", "commit my changes"

Connected app: Jira (requires Zapier MCP connection)

What it does:

1. Analyzes staged changes to understand what was modified
2. Fetches related Jira ticket context (if branch includes ticket ID)
3. Generates a Conventional Commit message (feat/fix/chore/docs/refactor)
4. Includes ticket reference and meaningful description

Example:

User: "commit"
Claude: [Analyzes git diff]
        [Fetches context from PROJ-123]
        "Suggested commit message:
         feat(search): implement fuzzy matching for dashboard filter

         - Add Fuse.js for client-side fuzzy search
         - Create SearchFilter component with debounced input
         - Update Dashboard to integrate new filter

         Refs: PROJ-123"

code-review Skill

View on GitHub

Purpose: Performs comprehensive code reviews analyzing code quality, security, performance, and best practices. This skill reviews code with the rigor of a senior engineer.

Trigger phrases: "review AGP-123", "code review", "review this PR"

Connected app: Jira (requires Zapier MCP connection)

What it does:

1. Analyzes code changes for the specified ticket or current branch
2. Checks for security vulnerabilities (SQL injection, XSS, etc.)
3. Identifies performance issues (N+1 queries, memory leaks)
4. Evaluates code quality (DRY violations, complexity, naming)
5. Provides actionable feedback with specific line references

Review categories:

• Security: Authentication, authorization, input validation, secrets exposure
• Performance: Query optimization, caching opportunities, algorithm efficiency
• Quality: Code organization, naming conventions, test coverage
• Best Practices: Error handling, logging, documentation

How to Install Zapier's Official Skills

For Claude Code:

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/zapier/zapier-mcp.git
 
# Copy skills to your Claude skills directory
cp -r zapier-mcp/skills/* ~/.claude/skills/

For Claude.ai:

# Generate skill zips
cd zapier-mcp
make zip-skills
 
# Upload via Settings → Skills → Upload Skill

📌 Pro Tip:

Combine Zapier's official skills with this Workflow Skill. The official skills handle developer workflows (tickets, commits, reviews) while the Workflow Skill handles your custom automations (research, tracking, notifications).

Setting Up Zapier MCP

Before using this skill, connect Zapier's MCP tools to Claude Code:

Connect Zapier MCP

1. Go to Zapier MCP servers: Visit https://mcp.zapier.com/mcp/servers

2. Create a new MCP server:

   • Click "New MCP Server" (top left)
   • Select Claude Code in the MCP Client dropdown
   • Give it a name (e.g., "My Zapier Tools")

3. Add tools:

   • Click "Add tools"
   • Select the Zapier actions you want (each becomes an MCP tool)
   • Common tools: Run Zap, Add Row to Google Sheets, Send Email, etc.

4. Connect to Claude Code:

   claude mcp add zapier https://mcp.zapier.com/api/mcp/mcp -t http -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN"

5. Restart Claude Code - Close and reopen completely

📌 Pro Tip:

Start with 5-10 essential tools rather than all 8,000. You can always add more later. The skill helps you document which tools you actually use and why.

Creating Webhook-Triggered Zaps

For complex, multi-step workflows that you want to trigger on-demand:

Build Your Webhook Zap

1. In Zapier dashboard:

   • Create a new Zap
   • Choose "Webhooks by Zapier" as trigger
   • Select "Catch Hook"
   • Copy the webhook URL provided

2. Build your workflow:

   • Add whatever actions you want (API calls, data processing, etc.)
   • Test and optimize the Zap

3. Document it in the skill:

   • Tell Claude about the new Zap (webhook URL, what it does, trigger phrases)
   • Claude will automatically add it to references/zaps.md
   • Now you can trigger it just by asking!

Example: Adding a Daily Digest Zap

User: "I have a new Zap I want you to know about. Here's the webhook:
       https://hooks.zapier.com/hooks/catch/12345/abcdef
       It runs my daily digest - searches AI news, summarizes findings,
       and emails me a report. Trigger phrases: 'run daily digest',
       'morning briefing', 'AI news update'"

Claude: [Reads references/zaps.md]
        [Uses Edit tool to add the new Zap]
        "Added! Now when you say 'run my daily digest', I'll trigger
         this webhook and you'll get your AI news report via email."

Self-Learning: How Claude Updates the Skill

This is the key differentiator. The skill includes a self-improvement protocol that allows Claude to update its own reference files based on your feedback.

What Gets Captured

How Learning Works

When you teach Claude something new:

1. You correct or instruct Claude:

   User: "No, when tracking expenses use my 'Personal Budget' sheet, not 'Expenses'"
   

2. Claude identifies what to update:

   Claude: [Reads references/mcp-patterns.md]
           [Uses Edit tool to update the preference]
   

3. Change becomes permanent:

   Claude: "Got it - updated the skill. I'll use 'Personal Budget' sheet
            for expense tracking from now on."
   

💡 Expert Insight:

The skill is designed to learn your preferences organically through conversation. You don't need to manually edit files—just use Claude normally and correct it when needed. Over time, it builds a complete picture of your Zapier workflow preferences.

Proactive Pattern Detection

After successfully helping you with MCP tools, Claude will suggest saving valuable patterns:

Claude: "That worked well! I noticed I used Perplexity to research,
         then saved results to Google Sheets.

         Would you like me to save this as a pattern? If you tell me:
         - What trigger words to listen for
         - When/why to use this workflow
         - Any preferences or variations

         I'll remember it and do this automatically next time!"

Usage Examples

Triggering a Webhook Zap

User: "Run my daily digest"

Claude: [Reads references/zaps.md for webhook details]
        [Uses Bash tool: curl -X POST https://hooks.zapier.com/...]
        "Started your Daily AI Digest. You'll get the report via email
         in ~3 minutes."

Using MCP Tool Orchestration

User: "Research the latest on quantum computing and save key findings"

Claude: [Reads references/mcp-patterns.md for tool preferences]
        [Calls Perplexity Search MCP tool]
        [Analyzes results, identifies key points]
        [Calls Google Sheets MCP tool to save findings]
        "Here's what I found... [summary]
         Saved 5 key findings to your 'Research Notes' sheet."

Learning New Preferences

User: "Actually, save research to Notion instead of Google Sheets"

Claude: [Reads references/mcp-patterns.md]
        [Uses Edit tool to update research workflow]
        "Updated! I'll save research findings to Notion from now on.
         Which Notion database should I use?"

Decision Logic: Webhooks vs MCP Tools

The skill includes built-in decision logic to choose the right approach:

Use Webhook-Triggered Zaps When:

• Task is complex, multi-step, and already refined
• User mentions a specific Zap name (check references/zaps.md)
• Deterministic execution is critical
• Task involves 5+ API calls or complex orchestration
• Cost/time efficiency matters (pre-built Zaps are optimized)

Use MCP Tool Orchestration When:

• Task is simple (1-3 actions)
• Flexibility is needed (parameters change)
• Testing a new workflow pattern
• User explicitly asks to use specific MCP tools

Troubleshooting

"Claude isn't detecting my Zapier MCP tools"

Check if MCP is connected:

• Look for tools starting with mcp__zapier__ in available tools
• Ask: "What Zapier tools do I have?"

If not showing up:

1. Verify you ran the connection command from Zapier MCP
2. Restart Claude Code completely (not just reload)
3. Check the authorization token was correct

"Webhook URL not triggering my Zap"

Common issues:

1. Wrong URL - Make sure you copied the full URL from Test tab
2. Zap not turned on - Enable the Zap in Zapier dashboard
3. Trigger node incorrect - Must be "Webhooks by Zapier" → "Catch Hook"

Test manually:

curl -X POST https://hooks.zapier.com/hooks/catch/[your-url]

"Claude keeps asking to document tools I already documented"

Likely causes:

• Using different Claude Code instance/installation
• Skill installed at project level, not global

Fix:

1. Check references/mcp-patterns.md has your tools
2. Verify skill is at ~/.claude/skills/ (global)
3. If project-level, copy to global for persistence

Security Considerations

⚠️ Critical: Webhook URLs contain authentication tokens. If someone has your webhook URL, they can trigger your Zaps.

Best practices:

• ✅ Install globally at ~/.claude/skills/ (not in project repos)
• ✅ Add .claude/ to your .gitignore if installed in a project
• ✅ Never commit skill files with real webhook URLs to public repos
• ✅ Regenerate webhook URLs if accidentally exposed
• ✅ Use Zapier's webhook authentication features when available

If you accidentally committed webhook URLs:

1. Remove the commit from git history (git rebase, BFG Repo-Cleaner)
2. Regenerate webhook URLs in Zapier dashboard
3. Update skill files with new URLs
4. Add .claude/ to .gitignore

What's Included in the Download

The zip file contains a complete, ready-to-use skill:

zapier-w/
├── SKILL.md                    # Complete skill instructions
│   ├── Problem definition
│   ├── Installation guide
│   ├── Self-improvement protocol
│   ├── Decision logic
│   ├── Execution patterns
│   ├── Setup detection
│   └── FAQ & Troubleshooting
└── references/
    ├── mcp-patterns.md         # Template for MCP tool patterns
    └── zaps.md                  # Template for webhook Zaps

The reference files start as templates. As you use Claude with the skill installed, it will populate these files with your actual tools, preferences, and workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Claude Code Skill for Zapier?

A Claude Code Skill for Zapier is a pre-built package that teaches Claude how to work with your specific Zapier workflows. It provides persistent memory for your tool preferences, webhook URLs, and workflow patterns—something Zapier MCP alone cannot do. Skills are filesystem-based modules that Claude automatically discovers and uses when relevant.

Do I need Zapier MCP for this skill to work?

No! The skill works with webhooks only, MCP tools only, or both. Each mode is independent and valuable on its own. If you only want to trigger pre-built Zaps via webhooks, you don't need MCP connected. If you want Claude to use individual Zapier actions, connect MCP and the skill will help guide which tools to use.

How is a Zapier Skill different from just using Zapier MCP?

Zapier MCP gives Claude access to 8,000+ tools but no memory of your preferences. Every conversation starts fresh. This skill adds persistent memory—Claude remembers which tools you use, when to use them, your sheet names, your preferred formats, and your custom workflows. It also enables webhook-triggered Zaps that MCP can't access.

Can Claude trigger multi-step Zaps automatically?

Yes! Once a Zap is documented in references/zaps.md with its webhook URL, Claude can trigger it using the Bash tool with curl. Just say "run my daily digest" and Claude will POST to the webhook, starting your entire multi-step Zap.

Will my Zapier preferences persist across projects?

Yes, if you install globally at ~/.claude/skills/. Project-level installation (.claude/skills/) only persists within that specific project. For cross-project persistence, always install to the global location.

How does the self-learning feature work?

When you correct Claude ("use this sheet, not that one") or teach it something new, the skill instructs Claude to update its reference files using the Edit tool. These changes persist permanently. Over time, Claude builds a complete picture of your Zapier workflow preferences without you manually editing any files.

Can I use this skill with Claude.ai (not just Claude Code)?

Yes! Generate a zip file from the skill folder and upload it via Claude.ai Settings → Skills → Upload Skill. The skill works the same way, though some features like file editing require Claude Pro/Team with code execution enabled.

Is it safe to store webhook URLs in the skill?

Webhook URLs contain authentication tokens and should be treated as secrets. Install the skill globally at ~/.claude/skills/ (not in project repos), add .claude/ to .gitignore, and never commit skill files with real webhook URLs to public repositories. If exposed, regenerate webhook URLs in Zapier immediately.

What's the difference between Zapier's official skills and this Workflow Skill?

Zapier's official skills (work-on-ticket, git-commit, code-review) focus on developer workflows with Jira integration. This Workflow Skill is a general-purpose automation framework for any Zapier workflow—research, tracking, notifications, data processing, etc. Use both together for comprehensive coverage.

How many Zapier tools can I document in the skill?

Keep reference files under 10,000 words for optimal performance. In practice, this means 50-100 well-documented tools or workflows. Prune outdated patterns and consolidate similar workflows as your library grows.

Related Resources

• How to Create Claude Code Skills - Build your own custom skills
• Zapier's Official Skills Repository - Developer-focused skills from Zapier
• Zapier MCP Documentation - Official Zapier MCP setup
• 5 Ways to Automate Claude with Zapier - Zapier's official guide
• Claude Code Documentation - Official Claude Code docs
• Agent Skills Overview - Anthropic's skills documentation
• WebSearchAPI.ai - Add web search capabilities to your Claude skills

Conclusion

The Zapier Workflow Skill transforms how you work with Zapier and Claude. Instead of explaining your workflows every conversation, you teach Claude once and it remembers forever. The self-learning capability means it gets smarter with every interaction.

⭐ Key Takeaway: Download the skill, install it globally, and start using your Zapier workflows immediately. Claude will learn your preferences as you go—no manual configuration required. Within a week, you'll wonder how you ever worked without it.

Download Zapier Workflow Skill (.zip)

About the Author: I'm James Bennett, Lead Engineer at WebSearchAPI.ai, where I architect the core retrieval engine enabling LLMs and AI agents to access real-time, structured web data with over 99.9% uptime and sub-second query latency. With a background in distributed systems and search technologies, I've reduced AI hallucination rates by 45% through advanced ranking and content extraction pipelines for RAG systems. My expertise includes AI infrastructure, search technologies, large-scale data integration, and API architecture for real-time AI applications.

Last updated: December 2025