OpenClaw advanced operator lane
Skills vs plugins
Use this page when you need to decide whether a capability belongs in a skill or a plugin.
Mental modelA plugin changes what OpenClaw can do. A skill changes how the agent uses what is already available.
Choose a plugin when
You need a runtime capability
- A new channel, provider, tool, or hook is needed
- The change belongs at the gateway layer
- The capability must be installed, enabled, and loaded as executable code
Choose a skill when
You need better workflow guidance
- The capability already exists but the agent uses it poorly
- You want reusable procedures or workspace-specific guidance
- The problem is usage quality, not missing runtime capability