Skip to main content

Plugins and Skills

Plugins and skills help Northfox fit the way you work.

If you are deciding which one to use, start here:

  • Use a skill when you want a reusable workflow, template, or instruction set.
  • Use a plugin when you need a deeper integration, a custom tool, or a custom results card.

If you are unsure, start with a skill. It is usually the simpler path.

Skills​

Skills are reusable instruction packs for repeatable workflows.

Good uses for skills:

  • investment memo templates
  • earnings preview workflows
  • recurring portfolio review checklists
  • repeatable note-writing patterns

Skills are best when the job is mostly about process, structure, or prompting.

Read Skills: Create Your Own to build one.

Plugins​

Plugins are extensions that add deeper capabilities to Northfox.

Good uses for plugins:

  • adding a custom data source
  • connecting to an internal API
  • returning a custom card layout
  • adding a purpose-built tool for a recurring workflow

Plugins are best when Northfox needs a new capability, not just a new set of instructions.

Read Extension Development if you want to build one.

Managing plugins in Northfox​

Northfox includes a /plugins command that opens the Plugins panel.

From there you can:

  • view available plugins
  • enable or disable optional plugins
  • enable or disable individual plugin tools
  • view plugin diagnostics when something is not working

Managing skills in Northfox​

Northfox lists installed skills in the Skills sidebar.

From there you can:

  • browse installed skills
  • open a skill to review its instructions
  • remove your own skills

You can also ask Northfox to create a reusable skill for you in plain language.

Quick rule of thumb​

  • If you want Northfox to follow a repeatable method, create a skill.
  • If you want Northfox to gain a new integration or tool, build a plugin.