> modes & models
The CLI has the same three modes as the editor: Agent (full tools), Plan (read-only, proposes a plan), and Ask (read-only Q&A). Switch with the --mode flag, slash commands, or Shift+Tab. Model selection is orthogonal — pick one per run with --model or interactively with /model.
// modes & models
5 commands$ cursor-agent --plan "refactor the payment module"$ cursor-agent --mode=ask "how does caching work in this repo?"$ /debug$ cursor-agent --list-models$ /model// faq
What is the difference between Plan mode and Ask mode?
Both are read-only and make no edits. Plan mode is for designing a change: the agent asks clarifying questions and proposes an implementation plan. Ask mode is for understanding code: it searches and answers questions but does not produce a plan. Agent mode is the default and is the only one that edits files or runs commands.
How do I switch modes without restarting?
Press Shift+Tab to rotate through Agent, Plan, and Ask. You can also use the /plan, /ask, and /debug slash commands mid-session. Starting flags like --plan and --mode=ask only set the initial mode.
How do I choose a model like GPT-5?
Add --model "gpt-5" (or another name) to any run, in interactive or print mode. Run cursor-agent --list-models first to see the exact names available to your account. Inside a session, /model opens a picker — type to filter and Tab to edit.
Where is my model choice saved?
Selecting a model with /model persists it to cli-config.json under the model key, so later sessions reuse it. The --model flag, by contrast, applies only to that single run and does not change the saved default.