Plan
Plan Mode is designed for strategic thinking. Instead of jumping straight into code, the AI analyzes your request, researches your codebase, and creates a comprehensive specification document.
Overview
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Best for | Feature planning, architecture design, project breakdown |
| Shortcut | Shift+Tab to cycle modes |
Plan Mode creates markdown specification files saved to .sidekick/specs/ in your project. These serve as living documentation for your features.
When to Use Plan Mode
Choose Plan Mode when you need to:
- Plan a new feature before implementing it
- Break down complex tasks into manageable steps
- Document technical decisions and approach
- Identify dependencies and risks upfront
- Create specifications for team review
How Plan Mode Works
Switch to Plan Mode
Click the Mode Selector and choose Plan, or press Shift+Tab until you see the purple lightbulb icon.
Describe what you want to build
Explain the feature or project you're planning:
Create a plan for adding user authentication with OAuth supportPlan the implementation of a real-time notification systemAI researches your codebase
The AI will:
- Read relevant files in your project
- Understand existing patterns and architecture
- Search for related code and dependencies
- Analyze the scope of changes needed
Specification is created
The AI generates a comprehensive markdown specification including:
- Feature overview and goals
- Technical approach
- Dependencies and prerequisites
- Detailed task breakdown
- Potential risks and considerations
Review your plan
The specification is saved to .sidekick/specs/{feature-name}.md. Click View Specification to review it, or open the Specs Panel to manage all your plans.
Plan Mode vs Agent Mode
| Aspect | Plan Mode | Agent Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Strategic planning | Implementation |
| Output | Markdown specification | Code changes |
| Tools | Read-only + spec writing | Full tool access |
| Workflow | Completes when spec is written | Ongoing conversation |
| Best for | Before starting complex work | During development |
Related
- Agent Mode — For general coding assistance
- Browser Mode — For web automation and testing
- Custom Agents — Create specialized assistants