Overview
Select a mode in the chat composer before sending. The selected mode determines whether you want analysis, direct work, or a plan for approval.
Trace does not automatically promote an Ask question into design editing. To authorize an edit, deliberately select Agent or approve a Plan.
The Three Modes
Ask: understand without authoring changes
Use Ask to explain a circuit, compare parts, interpret an ERC/DRC finding, or review design assumptions.
Explain the IN-to-OUT signal path on this sheet.
List any uncertain assumptions. Do not change the design.
Ask stays read-only for design and project authoring. Supported inspection or ephemeral analysis is distinct from saving a bench or changing CAD.
Ask Mode explains context and read-only boundaries.
Agent: perform a bounded task
Use Agent when you want supported edits or outputs now. State what may change and what must stay unchanged.
Change R1 from 2 kΩ to 1 kΩ on the open sheet.
Keep its footprint, connections, and all other components unchanged.
Agent can make changes without a separate plan-approval step. Tool support still depends on the host, open editor, and permissions.
Agent Mode covers review and recovery.
Plan: review before execution
Use Plan when requirements or several related steps need to be resolved first. Review the questions and proposed work before choosing Approve.
Plan a passive input filter for the operating conditions below.
Propose the schematic and footprints first. Do not route the PCB.
Approval starts the proposed execution; it does not certify the design or guarantee that every step can finish.
Plan Mode explains Adjust Plan, More Research, and approval.
Switching Modes
Choose a mode for the next message. A useful sequence is:
- Ask: understand the present circuit.
- Plan: review a larger change, if needed.
- Agent: perform a specific follow-up edit.
- Inspect the saved design and run relevant checks.
Changing the composer does not retroactively change a running task. In compatible builds, queued prompts retain their own mode, model, and attachments; see Chat.
Mode Availability by Plan
All modes are subject to account entitlement and usage limits. Read-only does not mean free or unlimited; see Billing.
Local design actions require a supported desktop or connected companion host. A browser conversation does not gain access to local CAD merely because a mode is selected. Models and newer controls vary by build and service; see Availability.
Next Steps
- Models: choose a supported chat model.
- Using Prompts: write precise requirements.
- Chat: understand progress, queued messages, Stop, and Resume.