.github/instructions/*.instructions.md

Path-specific Copilot instructions

Apply language or module conventions only to matching files.

Revision: 1
Verified: 2026-07-26

Save or explore

#copilot #scope #frontmatter

Compatibility and paths

GitHub Copilot.github/instructions/{{name}}.instructions.mdFiles matching applyTo

VS Code.github/instructions/{{name}}.instructions.mdFiles matching applyTo

Trust and provenance

Curated record reviewed 2026-07-26. Results still depend on the supplied context and target environment.

Instruction format

Files matching applyTo

Fill variables

Values stay in this browser tab and are not stored.

NamerequiredDescriptionrequiredPath GlobrequiredPrimary RulerequiredValidation CommandrequiredAnti PatternrequiredInstall CommandrequiredTest Commandrequired

Generated asset8 required field(s) must be completed

---
name: '{{name}}'
description: '{{description}}'
applyTo: '{{pathGlob}}'
---

# Rules
- {{primaryRule}}
- Run `{{validationCommand}}` after changes.
- Avoid {{antiPattern}}.

Real example

Input

Project uses .github/instructions/{{name}}.instructions.md with the required variables filled.

Expected result

---
name: 'example-value'
description: 'example-value'
applyTo: 'example-value'
---

# Rules
- example-value
- Run `example-value` after changes.
- Avoid example-value.

Source evidence

GitHub Copilot custom instructionsofficial