manim-composer
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.
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/connorads/dotfiles --skill manim-composer- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads manim-composer automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
Workflow
Phase 1: Understand the Concept
-
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
-
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:
# [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]
---
## Scene 2: [Scene Name]
...
---
## Transitions & Flow
[Notes on how scenes connect, recurring visual motifs]
## Color Palette
- Primary: [color] - used for [purpose]
- Secondary: [color] - used for [purpose]
- Accent: [color] - used for [purpose]
- Background: [color]
## Mathematical Content
[List of equations, formulas, or mathematical objects that need to be rendered]
## Implementation Order
[Suggested order for implementing scenes, noting dependencies]
3b1b Style Principles
Apply these principles when composing scenes:
Visual Storytelling
- Show, don't just tell - Every concept needs a visual representation
- Progressive revelation - Build complexity gradually, don't show everything at once
- Visual continuity - Transform objects rather than replacing them when possible
Pacing & Rhythm
- Pause for insight - Give viewers time to absorb key moments
- Vary the pace - Mix quick sequences with slower explanations
- End scenes with resolution - Each scene should feel complete
Mathematical Beauty
- Emphasize elegance - Highlight when math is surprisingly simple or beautiful
- Connect representations - Show the same concept multiple ways (algebraic, geometric, intuitive)
- Embrace abstraction gradually - Start concrete, then generalize
Engagement Techniques
- Pose questions - Make viewers curious before revealing answers
- Acknowledge difficulty - "This might seem confusing at first..."
- Celebrate insight - Make the "aha moment" feel earned
References
- references/narrative-patterns.md - Common 3b1b narrative structures
- references/visual-techniques.md - Effective visualization patterns
- references/scene-examples.md - Example scenes.md excerpts
Templates
- templates/scenes-template.md - Blank scenes.md template
FAQ
What does the manim-composer skill do?
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.
How do I install manim-composer?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/connorads/dotfiles --skill manim-composer in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/manim-composer/ (personal) or .claude/skills/manim-composer/ (project).
Which AI agents can use manim-composer?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is manim-composer safe to install?
No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.
Who maintains manim-composer?
It is published by connorads in connorads/dotfiles. It has 68 recorded installs.
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