# Source: https://docs.replit.com/tutorials/plan-vs-build-mode.md

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.replit.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Plan vs. Build Mode

> Learn the difference between Plan and Build modes in Replit, and how to combine them for more effective development.

Replit Agent offers two interaction modes: **Plan Mode** and **Build Mode**. Use them together to think through your ideas first, then implement with confidence.

## What is Plan Mode?

[Plan Mode](/replitai/plan-mode) lets you brainstorm, ask questions, and plan your work with Agent—without modifying any code. Think of it as a collaborative planning session where you can explore ideas freely.

Plan Mode is perfect for:

* **Brainstorming ideas**: Explore different approaches before committing to one
* **Breaking down complex projects**: Get a structured task list before building
* **Learning and understanding**: Ask questions about technologies, patterns, or your codebase
* **Planning architecture**: Design your app's structure before writing code

<Info>
  In Plan Mode, Agent reads your project and provides guidance, but it won't make any changes to your files. When you're ready to implement, switch to Build Mode or approve a plan to start building automatically.
</Info>

## What is Build Mode?

Build Mode is the default mode where Agent writes code, modifies files, and implements features directly in your project. This is where ideas become reality.

Use Build Mode when you're ready to:

* **Create new features**: Let Agent write the code for your next feature
* **Set up your app**: Install dependencies, configure databases, and connect services
* **Fix issues**: Let Agent debug and resolve problems in your codebase
* **Refactor code**: Improve existing code structure and organization

## Using both modes together

**Plan Mode and Build Mode work best as a sequence.** Start by planning to clarify your thinking, then build with a clear direction.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Start in Plan Mode">
    Switch to Plan Mode and describe what you want to build. Agent will help you think through the requirements, suggest approaches, and identify potential challenges—all without touching your code.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Generate a task list">
    Ask Agent to create a development plan. It will break down your project into specific, actionable tasks with clear priorities and dependencies.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/replit/F1Uusll-kiG71hlC/images/replitai/plan-mode-task-list.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=F1Uusll-kiG71hlC&q=85&s=6e5a76ea4a3da7840f6ac26f4e3e608e" alt="Generated task list with priorities and dependencies" data-og-width="924" width="924" data-og-height="1180" height="1180" data-path="images/replitai/plan-mode-task-list.png" data-optimize="true" data-opv="3" srcset="https://mintcdn.com/replit/F1Uusll-kiG71hlC/images/replitai/plan-mode-task-list.png?w=280&fit=max&auto=format&n=F1Uusll-kiG71hlC&q=85&s=8cef821afa01895ad509365f46ae2888 280w, https://mintcdn.com/replit/F1Uusll-kiG71hlC/images/replitai/plan-mode-task-list.png?w=560&fit=max&auto=format&n=F1Uusll-kiG71hlC&q=85&s=537c141d38b8803a6626b4faa4261f50 560w, https://mintcdn.com/replit/F1Uusll-kiG71hlC/images/replitai/plan-mode-task-list.png?w=840&fit=max&auto=format&n=F1Uusll-kiG71hlC&q=85&s=7faa437048b0e4698afe32e6c3070381 840w, https://mintcdn.com/replit/F1Uusll-kiG71hlC/images/replitai/plan-mode-task-list.png?w=1100&fit=max&auto=format&n=F1Uusll-kiG71hlC&q=85&s=d67a9c6711edc2cc489afbfab58fbd39 1100w, https://mintcdn.com/replit/F1Uusll-kiG71hlC/images/replitai/plan-mode-task-list.png?w=1650&fit=max&auto=format&n=F1Uusll-kiG71hlC&q=85&s=df6bf7ba37eb5ca748b0e5e0cb8de05f 1650w, https://mintcdn.com/replit/F1Uusll-kiG71hlC/images/replitai/plan-mode-task-list.png?w=2500&fit=max&auto=format&n=F1Uusll-kiG71hlC&q=85&s=6cb84ab3bf307bfed4acaafd32f2b091 2500w" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review and refine">
    Review the proposed plan. Ask follow-up questions, request changes, or explore alternative approaches. Keep iterating until the plan matches your vision.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start building">
    When you're satisfied with the plan, select **Start building**. Agent automatically switches to Build Mode and begins implementing the approved tasks.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/replit/F1Uusll-kiG71hlC/images/replitai/plan-mode-selector.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=F1Uusll-kiG71hlC&q=85&s=19e04b960deaf929b954f0639ffa6aa3" alt="Mode selector showing Plan mode and Build mode options" data-og-width="918" width="918" data-og-height="224" height="224" data-path="images/replitai/plan-mode-selector.png" data-optimize="true" data-opv="3" srcset="https://mintcdn.com/replit/F1Uusll-kiG71hlC/images/replitai/plan-mode-selector.png?w=280&fit=max&auto=format&n=F1Uusll-kiG71hlC&q=85&s=83a90bab4a70a682d8a3ebcbc53e0e7f 280w, https://mintcdn.com/replit/F1Uusll-kiG71hlC/images/replitai/plan-mode-selector.png?w=560&fit=max&auto=format&n=F1Uusll-kiG71hlC&q=85&s=6b858477c21f75b2e399285997f91b3b 560w, https://mintcdn.com/replit/F1Uusll-kiG71hlC/images/replitai/plan-mode-selector.png?w=840&fit=max&auto=format&n=F1Uusll-kiG71hlC&q=85&s=7990a3bf19705df047f641cc1fd61dc0 840w, https://mintcdn.com/replit/F1Uusll-kiG71hlC/images/replitai/plan-mode-selector.png?w=1100&fit=max&auto=format&n=F1Uusll-kiG71hlC&q=85&s=0eecff37312041ec8c3a05fe40d31839 1100w, https://mintcdn.com/replit/F1Uusll-kiG71hlC/images/replitai/plan-mode-selector.png?w=1650&fit=max&auto=format&n=F1Uusll-kiG71hlC&q=85&s=ee2c926fcd446d463331b8d7218ab2ed 1650w, https://mintcdn.com/replit/F1Uusll-kiG71hlC/images/replitai/plan-mode-selector.png?w=2500&fit=max&auto=format&n=F1Uusll-kiG71hlC&q=85&s=b58250e516d635a60a55465782474749 2500w" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Track progress">
    Monitor Agent's progress as it works through the task list. Each completed task creates a checkpoint, so you can review changes and roll back if needed.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## When to use each mode

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Use Plan Mode when" icon="lightbulb">
    * You're starting a new project and need direction
    * You want to explore different approaches
    * The task is complex and needs breaking down
    * You want to learn before implementing
    * You're unsure about the best solution
  </Card>

  <Card title="Use Build Mode when" icon="hammer">
    * You know exactly what you want
    * You have a clear plan ready to execute
    * You're making quick fixes or small changes
    * You're following an approved task list
    * Speed of implementation is the priority
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Tip>
  **Not sure which to pick?** If your request involves multiple features or significant changes, start with Plan Mode. For simple, well-defined tasks, go straight to Build Mode.
</Tip>

## Key differences

| Feature          | Plan Mode                        | Build Mode                     |
| ---------------- | -------------------------------- | ------------------------------ |
| **Purpose**      | Brainstorm, plan, and learn      | Implement and build            |
| **Code changes** | None—read-only                   | Writes and modifies files      |
| **Output**       | Ideas, task lists, guidance      | Working code and features      |
| **Best for**     | Complex projects, exploration    | Clear tasks, implementation    |
| **Transition**   | Click "Start building" to switch | Already in implementation mode |

## Best practices

### Getting the most from Plan Mode

* **Be specific about requirements**: The more detail you provide, the better the plan
* **Ask follow-up questions**: Clarify suggestions you don't understand
* **Request examples**: Ask Agent to show code snippets or patterns
* **Discuss trade-offs**: Explore pros and cons of different approaches
* **Iterate on ideas**: Refine the plan until it feels right

### Seamless transitions

* **Review before building**: Always review the task list before approving
* **Start small**: Begin with a subset of tasks if the full plan feels overwhelming
* **Use checkpoints**: Agent creates checkpoints as it builds, so you can always roll back

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Plan Mode" icon="lightbulb" href="/replitai/plan-mode">
    Deep dive into planning features
  </Card>

  <Card title="Agent" icon="robot" href="/replitai/agent">
    Explore all Agent capabilities
  </Card>

  <Card title="Checkpoints" icon="clock-rotate-left" href="/replitai/checkpoints-and-rollbacks">
    Learn about rollbacks and recovery
  </Card>

  <Card title="Effective Prompting" icon="message" href="/tutorials/effective-prompting">
    Write better prompts for Agent
  </Card>
</CardGroup>