The composer
Pick a mode, add context with @, run commands with /, attach images, dictate, and queue messages while the agent works.
The composer is where you talk to the agent. Type a message and press Enter to send it; Shift+Enter adds a new line. Two characters do most of the work: @ adds context and / runs commands.
Modes
Agent mode is the default, so most of the time you just type. Switch modes from the / menu's Mode section, or press Cmd+Shift+M. A chip beside the permissions selector shows any mode other than Agent. Click the chip to go back to Agent.
- Chat: plain conversation with no tools or actions. Use it for questions, brainstorming, and quick explanations.
- Plan: the agent researches, then saves a Markdown plan instead of executing. Use it when you want to review the approach first. The plan appears in the chat with Expand plan and Edit plan controls.
- Agent: the agent takes actions and calls tools to complete the task. This is the everyday mode.
- Delegate: the agent hands bounded tasks to subagents and keeps their work out of the main conversation. Use it for large jobs with several independent parts.
The @ menu
Type @ to bring something into the conversation. Sections include Files from your project, other Chats in the session, open browser Tabs, Capabilities such as web research, and your connected Integrations. Type to filter, then press Enter to insert a chip. Add Files in the tools menu picks files from anywhere on your computer.
The / menu
Type / to run something. Sections include Commands and Skills you have installed, plus Mode, Model, Harness, and Project, so you can switch any of them without leaving the keyboard. See Skills for adding your own commands.
Images
Drag images into the composer or paste them from the clipboard. You can attach up to 4 images at 5 MB each. For documents and code, use Files in the @ menu instead.
Voice input
Click the microphone or press Cmd+Shift+Space to dictate. The composer shows Listening... while you speak and Transcribing audio... when you stop, then drops the text into your draft. Choose which microphone to use under Settings → General → Dictation.
Queued messages
You do not have to wait for the agent to finish. Type your next message and press Enter, or click Queue message. It waits above the composer with a note that it sends when the agent finishes. Hover a queued message to edit or remove it. To interrupt the agent instead, click Stop generating or press Cmd+.