{"id":7475,"date":"2026-08-11T14:39:28","date_gmt":"2026-08-11T13:39:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.names.co.uk\/support\/?post_type=ht_kb&#038;p=7475"},"modified":"2026-08-11T14:42:32","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T13:42:32","slug":"agent-modes","status":"publish","type":"ht_kb","link":"https:\/\/www.names.co.uk\/support\/articles\/agent-modes\/","title":{"rendered":"Agent &#8211; Modes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Macaly has three modes that control how the agent approaches your requests. Each mode changes when the agent creates plans and asks questions, giving you different levels of speed versus visibility.You can switch between modes anytime using the mode selector in the chat interface, right next to where you type your message. The mode you choose depends on what you\u2019re building and how much control you want over the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mintcdn.com\/macaly-41b1d3e9\/klfbwgQaYrAYi4Bk\/images\/Execution%20modes.png\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"auto-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.macaly.com\/docs\/en\/agent\/modes#auto-default\">\u200b<\/a>Auto (default)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Auto mode lets the agent decide when to plan and when to build directly.For simple requests, the agent builds right away. For complex or unclear requests, it creates a plan first or asks clarifying questions.This is the default mode because it balances speed and visibility. You get fast results when appropriate, and the agent slows down to check with you when needed. <strong>Use Auto when:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You\u2019re working on a mix of simple and complex tasks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You want the agent to make judgment calls<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You\u2019re not sure which mode fits your request<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"plan\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.macaly.com\/docs\/en\/agent\/modes#plan\">\u200b<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.macaly.com\/docs\/en\/agent\/modes#plan\"><\/a>Plan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Plan mode means the agent always creates a plan before building anything.Turn it on from the mode selector next to the message box. The agent breaks your request into steps, asks any clarifying questions, shows you the approach, and waits for your approval. No code is written until you review and confirm the plan.This gives you full visibility into what will happen before it happens. You can see the agent\u2019s interpretation of your request and adjust the approach before work starts. <strong>Use Plan when:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You\u2019re building a complex feature<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You want to understand what will be built<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You want to review the approach before committing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You\u2019re learning how Macaly works<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mintcdn.com\/macaly-41b1d3e9\/vqWQ6McCHb2TN9Wl\/images\/Questions%201.png?fit=max&amp;auto=format&amp;n=vqWQ6McCHb2TN9Wl&amp;q=85&amp;s=03d712c0bc10e3ca6cc5564d14f6952b\" alt=\"Questions 1\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"build\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.macaly.com\/docs\/en\/agent\/modes#build\">\u200b<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.macaly.com\/docs\/en\/agent\/modes#build\"><\/a>Build<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Build mode means the agent works without interruption.It doesn\u2019t create plans or ask questions. It builds directly based on your request, making reasonable assumptions when details are unclear. <strong>Use Build when:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You know exactly what you want<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You\u2019re making simple, straightforward changes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You\u2019re continuing work from an approved plan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You don\u2019t want to wait for questions or plans<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-each-mode-can-do\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.macaly.com\/docs\/en\/agent\/modes#what-each-mode-can-do\">\u200b<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.macaly.com\/docs\/en\/agent\/modes#what-each-mode-can-do\"><\/a>What each mode can do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all modes let the agent pause for your input.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Mode<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Can ask questions<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Can create plans<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Auto<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Plan<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes (always)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Build<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>No<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-planning-helps\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.macaly.com\/docs\/en\/agent\/modes#why-planning-helps\">\u200b<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.macaly.com\/docs\/en\/agent\/modes#why-planning-helps\"><\/a>Why planning helps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning isn\u2019t just about control. The agent often builds better when it thinks through the approach first. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Catch misunderstandings early<\/strong><br>If the plan doesn\u2019t match what you had in mind, you can correct it immediately. Fixing a plan is easier than undoing finished work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>See what will change<\/strong><br>Plans explain the approach in plain language. You don\u2019t need technical knowledge to understand what will happen.<strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Adjust direction before work starts<\/strong><br>You can give feedback on the plan to change the approach, add details, or remove parts you don\u2019t need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Complex features benefit most<\/strong><br>When adding multi-page features, authentication, or database functionality, a plan ensures alignment before significant work begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"when-planning-isn\u2019t-necessary\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.macaly.com\/docs\/en\/agent\/modes#when-planning-isn%E2%80%99t-necessary\">\u200b<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.macaly.com\/docs\/en\/agent\/modes#when-planning-isn%E2%80%99t-necessary\"><\/a>When planning isn\u2019t necessary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For simple requests, planning adds overhead without value:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Changing text or content<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adjusting colors and styles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fixing obvious bugs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anything that takes fewer than three steps<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For these, Auto or Build or Edit mode gets you results faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"frequently-asked-questions\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.macaly.com\/docs\/en\/agent\/modes#frequently-asked-questions\">\u200b<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.macaly.com\/docs\/en\/agent\/modes#frequently-asked-questions\"><\/a>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The agent got stuck or is taking too long. What can I do?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If the agent shows no progress for more than 10 to 15 minutes, try duplicating the chat using\u00a0<strong>Start Fresh (No Messages)<\/strong>. This usually resolves the issue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The agent keeps making the same error. How do I avoid burning credits?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>When reporting an error, be as specific as possible. Describe what you were doing before the error, what you see now, what is not working, and what the correct behavior should be. The more detail you provide, the better the agent can fix it on the first try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How many steps can the agent take per request?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Macaly has approximately 20 steps per user request. If your prompt is too complex, the agent may not complete everything. Break large requests into smaller sequential steps: send one specific change per message, verify it works, then move on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I create a backup of my project?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Duplicate your chat whenever the project is in a good state, especially before making larger changes. Use&nbsp;<strong>Keep Everything (With Messages)<\/strong>&nbsp;to preserve the full chat history, or&nbsp;<strong>Start Fresh (No Messages)<\/strong>&nbsp;to carry over the project code without the chat history. Each duplicate has its own separate database.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I restore a previous version of my project?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Under any agent response in the chat, there is a&nbsp;<strong>Restore this version<\/strong>&nbsp;button. Clicking it reverts the project code to the state it was in when that response was generated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have any further questions, simply\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.names.co.uk\/support\/articles\/how-to-open-a-support-enquiry\/\">raise a support request<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>from within your Online Control Panel or call us on\u00a0<strong>0345 363 3633<\/strong>. Our Customer Care team is here to help and ready to assist you with your enquiry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Macaly has three modes that control how the agent approaches your requests. Each mode changes when the agent creates plans and asks questions, giving you different levels of speed versus visibility.You can switch between modes anytime using the mode selector in the chat interface, right next to where you type your message. The mode you [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":31,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"ht-kb-category":[294],"ht-kb-tag":[295],"class_list":["post-7475","ht_kb","type-ht_kb","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","ht_kb_category-macaly-ai-vibe-coding-tool","ht_kb_tag-macaly"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Agent - Modes - Support Centre - names.co.uk<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.names.co.uk\/support\/articles\/agent-modes\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Agent - Modes - Support Centre - names.co.uk\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Macaly has three modes that control how the agent approaches your requests. 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