Plan mode

Let your agent craft the perfect prompt for you.

Plan mode (also known as architect mode) is a multistep workflow where:

The agent (LLM) creates a step-by-step plan for solving your task.
The agent executes each step in the plan, one by one.

Why it works

Modern LLMs are now made to follow step-by-step instructions. You can see this in many press releases (like GPT-5.1 or Gemini), and in third-party tests like the Scale AI leaderboard.

Also, the Aider benchmark shows clear improvements in code quality when using architect (plan) mode.

There is no reason not to use this mode in your daily work.

Screenshot of plan mode: an agent generates a list of numbered coding steps, then executes each step in sequence, showing progress and task descriptions in a clear workflow. — Plan mode in Cursor. The agent splits a big task into steps, so you can check and agree with the plan before it runs.

Why it matters

You can review and approve the exact steps before execution.
You can confirm that the LLM has correctly understood your intent.
You can edit and refine the workflow ahead of time.
You save time because a precise plan upfront means you won’t need to constantly correct the LLM during execution.
You can run multiple tasks concurrently, since the LLM can complete each task without requiring your ongoing attention.

How to use it

Cursor: open agent model and change “agent” to plan. You can also use Shift+Tab to rotate over the modes list

Codex: Not implemented

Claude Code: press Shift+Tab to choose a mode

Multi-step Planning

Multi-step planning enables an agent to decompose a complex coding task into smaller, sequential steps before execution. Instead of attempting to solve everything at once, the agent creates a roadmap of actions.

Dual Model

Dual model lets you choose one AI model for planning and another for execution. This means you can use a smarter, more expensive model to plan the steps, but save money by using a cheaper model to carry out the tasks. Each model gets to do what it does best.

Advantages:

Save money by not using an expensive model for every step
Take advantage of different strengths—some models are better at planning, others at doing

How to use it

Cursor: Not implemented

Codex: Not implemented

Claude Code: https://www.threads.com/@boris_cherny/post/DNTYPVMJpPs?xmt=AQF0H_HQD_tqVqdMLV8wlkbRIulBx_-WM9lkEZ1w2vjEOg