Plot point vs beat: what is the difference?
The easiest distinction is scale. A plot point changes what the story is doing. A beat is one of the smaller steps that makes that change happen.
A plot point changes the direction or state of the story; a beat is a smaller action, decision, revelation, or reaction that helps produce that change.
What is a plot point?
A plot point is a meaningful turn that changes the situation, direction, stakes, or available choices. The protagonist accepts the mission, learns the trusted ally is lying, loses access to the safe route, or makes a decision that closes off the old life.
A plot point should matter beyond the immediate moment. If you could remove it without changing later decisions, it may be a beat rather than a major turn.
What is a beat?
A beat is a smaller unit of story movement: an action, reaction, realization, exchange, discovery, or decision. Several beats can work together to create one plot point.
For example: the protagonist notices a missing document, confronts a friend, catches a contradiction, then decides not to trust them. Those are beats; the loss of trust may be the plot point.
How to use both in an outline
Keep plot points visible at a higher level so you can scan the shape of the novel. Nest beats underneath only when a chapter needs more planning detail.
That is why Quilly's Story Builder keeps Plot Points and Beats at separate levels.
Put the idea to work in your draft
Good planning should reduce uncertainty and make the next writing decision easier. Use these steps to turn the ideas above into something concrete without adding unnecessary process.
Decide what this idea changes in your specific story before adding more detail.
Connect it to the chapter, character, event, plot point, or relationship it actually affects.
Write down the before-and-after state so the narrative consequence is easy to see during revision.
Use only as much structure as helps you make the next writing decision; stop before the planning becomes a second draft.