# Manim Composer

Trigger when: (1) User wants to create an educational/explainer video, (2) User has a...

- Repository: https://github.com/adithya-s-k/manim_skill (1241 stars)
- Category: Design
- License: MIT
- Last updated: 2026-01-23
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add adithya-s-k/manim_skill --skill manim-composer -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add adithya-s-k/manim_skill --skill manim-composer -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add adithya-s-k/manim_skill --skill manim-composer -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add adithya-s-k/manim_skill --skill manim-composer -g -a gemini-cli -y`

## Description

Trigger when: (1) User wants to create an educational/explainer video, (2) User has a vague concept they want visualized, (3) User mentions "3b1b style" or "explain like 3Blue1Brown", (4) User wants to plan a Manim video or animation sequence, (5) User asks to "compose" or "plan" a math/science visualization. Transforms vague video ideas into detailed scene-by-scene plans (scenes.md). Conducts research, asks clarifying questions about audience/scope/focus, and outputs comprehensive scene specifications ready for implementation with ManimCE or ManimGL. Use this BEFORE writing any Manim code. This skill plans the video; use manimce-best-practices or manimgl-best-practices for implementation.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

## Workflow

### Phase 1: Understand the Concept

1. **Research the topic** deeply before asking questions
   - Use web search to understand the core concepts
   - Identify the key insights that make this topic interesting
   - Find the "aha moment" - what makes this click for learners
   - Note common misconceptions to address

2. **Identify the narrative hook**
   - What question does this video answer?
   - Why should the viewer care?
   - What's the surprising or counterintuitive element?

### Phase 2: Clarify with User

Ask targeted questions (not all at once - adapt based on responses):

**Audience & Scope**
- What math/science background should I assume? (e.g., "knows calculus" or "high school algebra")
- Target video length? (short: 5-10min, medium: 15-20min, long: 30min+)
- Should this be self-contained or part of a series?

**Focus & Depth**
- Any specific aspects to emphasize or skip?
- Proof-heavy or intuition-focused?
- Real-world applications to include?

**Style Preferences**
- Color scheme preferences?
- Narration style? (casual, formal, playful)
- Any specific visual metaphors you have in mind?

### Phase 3: Create scenes.md

Output a comprehensive `scenes.md` file with this structure:

```markdown
# [Video Title]

## Overview
- **Topic**: [Core concept]
- **Hook**: [Opening question/mystery]
- **Target Audience**: [Prerequisites]
- **Estimated Length**: [X minutes]
- **Key Insight**: [The "aha moment"]

## Narrative Arc
[2-3 sentences describing the journey from confusion to understanding]

---

## Scene 1: [Scene Name]
**Duration**: ~X seconds
**Purpose**: [What this scene accomplishes]

### Visual Elements
- [List of mobjects needed]
- [Animations to use]
- [Camera movements]

### Content
[Detailed description of what happens, what's shown, what's explained]

### Narration Notes
[Key points to convey, tone, pacing notes]

### Technical Notes
- [Specific Manim classes/methods to use]
- [Any tricky implementations to note]

---

The rest: https://github.com/adithya-s-k/manim_skill/blob/HEAD/skills/manim-composer/SKILL.md