Writing code is cool, but wouldn't it be cooler to type "build me a plugin showing populations around the world" and it Just Worked? Now you can.
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Video demonstration:
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Nothing, as long as a device is connected to your account. Agent runs on DeepSeek V4.1 Flash, which we host for you, and each chat spends usage credits.

New accounts start with enough credits for about 5 plugins. TRMNL+ members get about 5 more every month, which do not roll over. Need more? A $5 top-up covers roughly 100 plugins, and you can add $5, $10 or $20 from Account > AI Agent. Topped up credits last 3 months, and checkout adds a small fee for card and provider costs.

Prefer another model? Add your own OpenRouter or Anthropic API key on the same page. Agent then uses your key instead of usage credits, and you pay the provider directly.

Optionally, a free Tavily API key gives your agent access to web search and web page fetching, enhancing your agents capabilities.

You may alternatively use our MCP Server and Agent skills with any model (see "MCP Server" section below).

Using your own key? Add it in Account > AI Agent first, pick a model, and click Save.

Again, a video demonstration is here.

TRMNL has developed a comprehensive system prompt written in plain English, which describe our platform's capabilities and design patterns in depth.

Whenever you interface with the Agent inside our private plugin interface, the agent has access to this context, which you may even ask it about.
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In addition, the agent has been given access to a range of tools, including markup editing, settings updates, data refreshing, internet search, and a list of API endpoints to name a few. This empowers and grounds the agent in the "real world" to add value to your experience.

While you build, the bottom of the Agent panel shows how much of your free usage credits you have used.

Prefer building plugins from your own editor with Claude, Codex, Cursor or another AI tool? Connect it to TRMNL's MCP server. MCP Server covers setup for each tool, the access you grant, connected agents, MCP API Keys for a single plugin, and our agent skills.

Which models does this feature support?

DeepSeek, Gemini, Codex, Claude Sonnet, Kimi, and even OSS models (e.g. Llama). Pick one from Account > AI Agent > Model. Every model except DeepSeek V4.1 Flash needs your own OpenRouter or Anthropic key.

How much does it cost to build a plugin?

On usage credits, plugins built so far cost between 0.6 and 10.6 cents each, with a median of 4.4 cents. Premium models cost more, around $1-3 per plugin.

For example, with Claude Sonnet a plugin can be created with a single sentence prompt: make a daily deal plugin for meh.com. After thinking and developing for a couple minutes, Agent required us to provide a free Meh.com API Key, then we requested that the daily deal item's image be included. Total cost: $2.20 USD.

Can I publish plugins with this feature?

Yes. When you publish a recipe, tick the box confirming you've read our publishing best practices, then choose Public or Unlisted. A real human on our team still reviews every public submission.

Can I use other llm models (including free ones)?

Yes. Without a key of your own, Agent uses DeepSeek V4.1 Flash. With your own key it defaults to Claude Sonnet 5.5, but other state-of-the-art models like Gemini 3.1 Pro are excellent replacements. Feel free to experiment with any OpenRouter model ID. The free models on OpenRouter tend to be less capable and slower.

I don't see usage credits on the AI Agent page.
The credits card only shows when you have no key of your own and at least one device connected to your account. Remove your OpenRouter and Anthropic keys to switch back to credits.

"You used all of your usage credits."
Top up from Account > AI Agent, or add your own key. TRMNL+ credits refill on the 1st of each month. You can also earn free usage credits.

Does my API key pay for AI Dashboard?

Only if you turn it on. AI Dashboard spends your usage credits first. When they run out, the dashboard shows "Out of AI credit" until you top up, or until you turn on Use my own AI key in that dashboard's settings. With it on, the dashboard uses the key and model from Account > AI Agent, and your provider charges you for each new screen: about 6 cents a screen with Claude Sonnet.

Agent isn't perfect. Send us a live chat or email support@trmnl.com if you discover any quirks.