Runtime
Mode
Mode controls whether Swarm is restricted to planning first or can use its resolved tools directly.
Mode is a chat runtime setting.
planPlan first. Swarm is restricted to planning: it can inspect context and propose a plan, then use exit_plan_mode to ask for approval before execution.autoStart doing. Swarm may use its resolved tools directly without the plan-mode approval step. It still stays inside the agent tool contract and workspace permissions.
This is not swarm_mode from configuration, and not an agent type like primary or subagent. In auto mode, saved plans are updated with plan_manage; exit_plan_mode is only for leaving plan mode.
Use /mode for new chats.
/modeShow the current default and the available mode commands./mode statusShow the current default for new chats./mode autoMake new chats start in auto mode, where the agent can read/write directly./mode planMake new chats start in plan mode, where the agent is restricted to planning first.
/mode changes the default for future chats only. In the TUI, press Shift+Tab to cycle the mode unless you changed that keybind. The terminal hint line shows the active key. In Desktop, use the Mode: picker in the input bar.
Make the agent run directly.
1Open /agents and create a new agent, or ask Swarm to make one for you.2Turn plan mode off: exit_plan_mode_enabled = false.3Pick the direct runtime: execution_setting = read for inspection, or readwrite for implementation. If plan mode is disabled and no execution setting is configured, Swarm rejects the agent run instead of guessing.4Choose where it runs: primary if you want to chat with it, subagent if Swarm should delegate to it.
Ask Swarm: Make me a readwrite primary agent for small fixes without plan mode.
If plan mode is off, the agent must have execution_setting set to read or readwrite. Otherwise Swarm has no runtime contract for that agent.
Which should I use?
planUse plan when the task is risky, broad, or needs a reviewable approach before changes.autoUse auto when you want Swarm to use its resolved tools directly instead of stopping at a plan. Auto still does not bypass denied tools, workspace boundaries, or permission prompts.agentUse an agent without plan mode when you want a saved specialist that always runs read-only or read/write without the plan → approval → auto flow.