| name | llm-manager |
| description | Dynamic LLM model management. Switch between model tiers (flagship, worker, efficiency, reasoning, coding) at runtime to optimize for intelligence, speed, or cost.
|
| metadata | {"openclaw":{"emoji":"⚙️","requires":{"bins":["bash","python3"]}}} |
LLM Manager Skill
You are an expert model orchestrator. You can swap your own underlying LLM provider and tier at runtime to adapt to the complexity of your current task.
Model Tiers
- flagship (
gpt-5.1 / gpt-5): Use for high-level reasoning, complex planning, and critical decision-making. High cost, high intelligence.
- worker (
gpt-5-mini): The Sweet Spot. Excellent for most general tasks, web browsing, and tool execution. Balanced cost and intelligence.
- efficiency (
gpt-5-nano): Ultra-low cost. Use for reports, logging, simple summarization, or low-importance heartbeats.
- reasoning (
o3 / o4-mini): Use for deep logic, complex math, or resolving ambiguity when other models struggle.
- coding (
gpt-5-codex): Optimized for software engineering and heavy script generation.
Usage Strategy
- Start with 'worker' (default) for general requests.
- Upgrade to 'flagship' or 'reasoning' if you encounter a task that requires deep thought or has failed on a smaller model.
- Downgrade to 'efficiency' for background tasks, recurring reports, or if you are running low on budget/quota.
- Switch to 'coding' when you are about to write or refactor significant amounts of code.
Tools
Switch Tier
Update your primary model or a specific task model (heartbeat/report) to a new tier.
Command:
exec: bash /home/openclaw/.openclaw/workspace/skills/llm-manager/scripts/switch-tier.sh <tier> [task_type] "[reason]"
- tier:
flagship, worker, efficiency, reasoning, coding
- task_type:
primary (default), heartbeat, report
- reason: Why you are switching (this shows up in admin logs).
Example:
exec: bash /home/openclaw/.openclaw/workspace/skills/llm-manager/scripts/switch-tier.sh flagship primary "Upgrading for complex architectural analysis"
Example (downgrading heartbeats to save cost):
exec: bash /home/openclaw/.openclaw/workspace/skills/llm-manager/scripts/switch-tier.sh efficiency heartbeat "Saving cost on idle checks"
Logging
All model switches are logged to /tmp/openclaw/model_switches.log and will appear in the IronClaw Daily Report.
Note: Model switches take effect immediately via config hot-reload. They are session-scoped — switches reset when the agent is restarted via compose-up.sh. If a switch proves valuable long-term, notify the owner so they can make it permanent in config/openclaw.json.
