Plan Mode and Agent Mode: how Assist plans work and gets it done
Assist can help you plan a task and carry out the work. You choose whether it proposes a plan first.
Assist starts in Execute Mode by default. It does not switch to Plan Mode automatically, even for larger, multi-step or ambiguous requests.
What is Plan Mode?
Plan Mode lets you review Assist’s approach before it carries out your task.
When enabled, Assist proposes the steps it intends to take, including the agents, templates and outputs it may use. You can review the plan, ask for changes or accept it.
Work begins once you accept the plan.
How to turn it on
- Open a chat in Assist.
- Find the mode toggle near the message input.
- Select Plan Mode.
- Describe your task and send your message.
Choose Plan Mode before sending your request if you want to approve the approach first.
When should I use it?
Plan Mode is useful when:
- The task has several steps.
- You want to check Assist has understood the brief.
- You want to review the proposed outputs before they are created.
- The approach needs discussion before work starts.
You can use Plan Mode for a small task too. Task size does not determine whether it is enabled—you do.
What is Execute Mode?
Execute Mode lets Assist get straight to work without presenting a plan for approval first.
To use it, select Execute Mode using the toggle near the message input.
It is useful when you have a clear brief, want a quick answer or are making changes to an existing draft.
Execute Mode can also handle complex tasks. It simply means you have not chosen to review a plan first.
What does “Agent Mode” mean?
Agent Mode describes Assist carrying out work using its available tools.
Depending on your request, Assist may search knowledge, read existing outputs, create documents, use templates or involve specialist agents.
It describes the work being done rather than a rule that automatically enables Plan Mode.
How planning and execution fit together
| Your selected mode | What happens |
|---|---|
| Plan Mode | Assist proposes an approach, you review it, then it carries out the accepted plan. |
| Execute Mode | Assist gets straight to work without presenting a plan for approval first. |
The tools and activity shown depend on the task. A straightforward question may only need a chat reply.
Example: drafting a newsletter
If you want to agree the approach before Assist creates anything:
- Select Plan Mode.
-
Send your brief, for example:
“Help me create a newsletter about our latest product updates.”
- Review the proposed steps.
- Ask for any changes.
- Accept the plan when you are happy for work to begin.
If you select Execute Mode instead, Assist can start working on the brief without presenting a plan first.
Common questions
Does Assist switch to Plan Mode automatically for bigger tasks?
No. Select Plan Mode yourself using the toggle near the message input.
Can I use Plan Mode for a simple task?
Yes. Use it whenever you want to review the approach before work starts.
Does asking “plan this first” turn on Plan Mode?
You can ask Assist to describe a plan in chat, but use the mode toggle to enable Plan Mode. Do not rely on the wording of your message to change the selected mode.
Can I change the proposed plan?
Yes. Review the proposal and ask Assist to revise anything that does not match your brief before accepting it.
How do I return to Execute Mode?
Use the toggle near the message input and select Execute Mode.