Tool and skill modes
Tools let Nexus reach outside systems and run code. Skills are packaged abilities it can use. Tool and skill modes decide which of them Nexus is given in a chat. A leaner set saves cost and keeps answers focused. A fuller set gives Nexus more options.
Where to find the controls
Open the context panel
In the chat header click Show context panel.
Find Active attachments
The top section lists Persona, Model, Knowledge, Tools, Skills, Agents and Attached, each with its current value, for example
auto · 22 tools · 95 more available · 2 pinned.Click Manage
Click Manage on the Tools or Skills row. The button changes to Done. A set of mode buttons and pickers appears below.
Screenshot placeholderScreenshot to add: The Tools row expanded after clicking Manage, showing the four mode buttons.
Tool modes
| Mode | What Nexus gets |
|---|---|
| Auto (default) | Connected systems are chosen each turn based on what you ask. Studio tools carry their own credentials, so they are opt-in: pin them to keep them always on |
| All | Every connected tool, every turn. The most tokens, with no filtering |
| Selected | Core tools, plus only the connector categories and Studio tools you pick |
| Essential | Core tools only (web search, code, files, memory), plus anything pinned or explicitly pulled in. The leanest option |
- In Auto you can pin Studio tools under Pinned Studio tools. If none exist it says "No Studio tools available yet."
- In Selected two pickers appear: Connector categories ("Connect providers (Outlook, Teams, …) to enable them.") and Studio tools ("Add tools in the Tools catalog.").
- The row shows a count such as
selected · 12 tools. In Auto the count covers only what is currently offered, not everything available.
Skill modes
| Mode | What Nexus gets |
|---|---|
| Auto (default) | Skills are offered on demand as the conversation needs them. Pin one under Pinned skills to keep it always on |
| All | Every active skill |
| Selected | Only the skills you choose under Skills |
| Off | No skills, not even pinned ones |
If no skills exist yet the picker says "Built-in and custom skills will show up here."
Add a skill or agent while you type
You do not have to open the panel. In the message box type / to pick a skill or @ to pick an agent. The choice is added to this chat and stays until you remove its chip. See Chat.
Change tools for one message only
Use Override · auto → Tools this turn and Skills this turn. The choices (Auto, All tools, Essential only, and Auto or Off for skills) apply to the next message and are never saved to the chat.
Connecting systems
Connector tools, such as Outlook or Teams, only appear once the account is connected. Connect them in Settings → Connectors. The Desktop menu in the message box binds this chat to one connected desktop machine. Without it, desktop tools are not offered.
Other rows in Active attachments
| Row | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Persona | A named assistant style, or none. "Create one under Personas." |
| Model | auto or the chosen model |
| Knowledge | Knowledge bases in use, such as "3 active". Remove one with Remove from this chat |
| Agents | Agents added to the chat. "Build an agent in the Agents page." |
| Attached | How many files are attached, with a View link |