Model Handoff Skill

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name: model-handoff

description: Maintain a HANDOFF.md file in the workspace so context survives seamlessly when switching between LLM models (e.g. Claude → GPT → Gemini). Use when the user says they are switching models, asks how to preserve context across model switches, wants to save tokens by rotating models, or asks how a new model can pick up where the last one left off. Also use proactively during long sessions to keep HANDOFF.md current.

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# Model Handoff Skill

Enables seamless context continuity when switching between LLM models mid-session. Maintains a `HANDOFF.md` file that any model can read to instantly understand the current project state, active tasks, and behavioral expectations.

Core Concept

Every model starts a session cold. `HANDOFF.md` is a dense, always-current fast-boot file that eliminates the ramp-up. It is the single source of truth for model-to-model context transfer.

HANDOFF.md Structure

Write `HANDOFF.md` to the workspace root with these sections:

# HANDOFF.md — Model Switch Context

## Who you are
[Agent name, persona, tone, key behavioral rules. Reference SOUL.md if present.]

## Who you're helping
[User name, role, location, preferences. Reference USER.md and MEMORY.md if present.]

## Active projects
[For each project: name, status, key files, next steps. Be specific — include file paths.]

## Agent roster
[If multi-agent: list agent IDs, models, roles.]

## Key credentials & tools
[Point to credential files — never inline secrets. e.g. "Azure SP creds: azure-config.json"]

## Behavioral rules
[Critical rules a new model must follow. Keep to essentials only.]

## How to keep this file current
[Brief note on when to update.]

## Last updated
[Timestamp + 1-line session summary]

When to Create/Update

**Create** `HANDOFF.md` when:

**Update** `HANDOFF.md` when:

**Keep current proactively** — do not wait to be asked. Update during long sessions when meaningful things happen.

Wiring HANDOFF.md into the Workspace

After creating `HANDOFF.md`, add a reference in `AGENTS.md` so every model is instructed to read it on a model switch:

## Every Session
...
- **If you are a new model taking over** (model switch): Read `HANDOFF.md` first — it's your fast-boot summary of everything active

What to Say When Switching

Tell the user to open with this when switching to a new model:

> **"Read HANDOFF.md. You are [agent name]."**

That single line forces the new model to self-load before responding.

Writing Guidelines

References