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What this is

Plan mode is the default. It helps you think and plan before writing code.

You get a clear description of the problem, what "done" looks like, and what could go wrong.

Advisories block​

At the top of replies you may see an Advisories block. It tells you how the AI is working and when you should change something.

  • Route — Is the AI in Plan mode or Agent mode for this reply?
  • Model class — Fast (quick), Reasoning (hard stuff), or Best-coding (many files). The AI suggests which fits.
  • Context risk — Low, Medium, or High. How likely the AI is to get mixed up with the files and chat you have open.
  • HIGHLY RECOMMENDED — The AI is saying: you should do something (switch mode, use a stronger model, or start a new chat). Do what it says in the reply.

The AI will say HIGHLY RECOMMENDED when the work touches things that need extra care, for example:

  • Login, auth, or sessions
  • Permissions or who can do what
  • Exports, downloads, bulk actions, or reporting
  • Restricted or confidential data
  • External or public exposure
  • Integrations or webhooks
  • File uploads
  • Secrets, tokens, or credentials

When you see that, follow the suggestion in the response (e.g. get a threat-model-lite in Plan mode or security notes in Agent mode).

When to use it​

Use Plan mode when:

  • You are not sure yet what the best solution is.
  • You need a list of what must be true when you are done (acceptance criteria).
  • You need to think about loading, empty, error, and success screens.
  • You want to check the problem before building.
  • You want to think about security risks.

Steps​

Do this:

  1. In Cursor, open a new chat and switch to Plan mode (Shift+Tab until the mode indicator shows Plan).
  2. Paste the Session Kickoff.
  3. Paste a filled Context Pack (platform type, exposure, data sensitivity).
  4. Paste the Router prompt.
  5. The AI gives you a "Spec Package" with:
    • What problem we are solving
    • What "done" looks like (acceptance criteria)
    • What we are not doing (non-goals)
    • Loading / empty / error / success states
    • Accessibility and risks
  6. If the AI asks a question, it must ask only ONE. Answer it, then it continues.
  7. When you want code, switch to Agent mode in Cursor.

:::note Other editors In editors without native Plan/Agent modes (Copilot, Antigravity), type Switch: SPEC to enter planning mode and Switch: IMPLEMENT when you're ready for code. :::

Common mistakes​

  • Skipping the Context Pack. The AI needs platform type and exposure to give a good plan.
  • Letting it ask five questions. Reply: "Ask exactly one question and stop."
  • Going straight to code without a plan. You can, but for anything non-trivial, use Plan mode first so the AI does not invent the wrong thing.

API usage​

If your API usage is high, stay on Auto/Fast unless the AI says HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.