What is the difference between a Skill and a prompt?
Compare one-time prompts with reusable Skill packages and choose the right option for a task.
Maintained by the 路墨 Lumoswitch product team
A prompt gives instructions for a conversation; a Skill can package reusable instructions, workflows, and files and must be supported by the agent.
When is a prompt enough?
Use a prompt for a one-off task, temporary format requirement, or goal that is clear from the current conversation. State the input, expected output, and constraints. A well-written prompt does not become an installed capability that an agent can discover later, and it does not create tools or files by itself.
What does a Skill add?
A Skill is a reusable package that can include instructions, workflows, companion files, tool notes, model preferences, and examples. It must pass the desktop app's compatibility, integrity, and conflict checks before installation, then be applied to a supported agent. Which parts are loaded depends on the agent.
How should I choose?
Try a prompt first to see whether the need is stable. If you repeatedly use the same process, look for or assemble a Skill. Check its source, compatibility, permissions, and maintenance before use. A Skill cannot bypass agent permissions or guarantee a safe review or correct result.