Principle Skill

Overview

Enables Claude to manage Principle animation projects through file organization and documentation, as Principle is a macOS desktop application. Claude can help organize project files and document animation specifications.

Quick Install

curl -sSL https://canifi.com/skills/principle/install.sh | bash

Or manually:

cp -r skills/principle ~/.canifi/skills/

Setup

Configure via canifi-env:

# First, ensure canifi-env is installed:
# curl -sSL https://canifi.com/install.sh | bash

canifi-env set PRINCIPLE_PROJECTS_PATH "/Users/username/Documents/Principle"

Privacy & Authentication

Your credentials, your choice. Canifi LifeOS respects your privacy.

Option 1: Manual Browser Login (Recommended)

If you prefer not to share credentials with Claude Code:

1. Complete the Browser Automation Setup using CDP mode
2. Login to the service manually in the Playwright-controlled Chrome window
3. Claude will use your authenticated session without ever seeing your password

Option 2: Environment Variables

If you're comfortable sharing credentials, you can store them locally:

canifi-env set SERVICE_EMAIL "your-email"
canifi-env set SERVICE_PASSWORD "your-password"

Note: Credentials stored in canifi-env are only accessible locally on your machine and are never transmitted.

Capabilities

• Organize Principle project files
• Document animation specifications
• Export animation previews
• Manage project versions
• Catalog component animations
• Create animation documentation

Usage Examples

Example 1: Organize Animation Files

User: "Organize my Principle animation files by project"
Claude: I'll organize your Principle files.
1. Scanning Principle projects directory
2. Identifying .prd files
3. Creating project-based folder structure
4. Moving files to appropriate folders
5. Creating index of all animations

Example 2: Document Animation Specs

User: "Create documentation for our button animation specs"
Claude: I'll create animation documentation.
1. Reviewing animation requirements
2. Documenting timing curves
3. Specifying duration and properties
4. Creating developer-friendly spec sheet
5. Saving to project documentation

Example 3: Catalog Components

User: "Create a catalog of all our animated components"
Claude: I'll create a component catalog.
1. Listing all Principle project files
2. Extracting component information
3. Organizing by component type
4. Creating searchable documentation

Authentication Flow

Principle is a desktop application and does not require web authentication. Claude assists with file management and documentation tasks.

Error Handling

• File Not Found: Verify project path configuration
• Permission Denied: Check folder access permissions
• Invalid File: Verify .prd file integrity
• Directory Missing: Create necessary folder structure
• Export Failed: Check available disk space

Self-Improvement Instructions

When working with Principle projects:

1. Document common animation patterns
2. Update file organization strategies
3. Track version file naming conventions
4. Log documentation template improvements

Notes

• Principle is macOS-only desktop app
• .prd files are Principle project format
• Preview exports can be video or GIF
• Works well with Sketch/Figma imports
• Animation timing uses cubic bezier curves