Plan an approach before writing any code
modes & models
// what it does
Plan mode is read-only: the agent asks clarifying questions and proposes a plan without editing files or running commands. Start in it with --plan (shorthand for --mode=plan), switch to it mid-session with /plan, or rotate into it with Shift+Tab. It is the safe way to scope a large change before letting the agent touch anything.
// shortcut
Shift+Tab
// shell
$ cursor-agent --plan "refactor the payment module"$ /plan// gotcha
Plan mode never edits files or runs commands even if you explicitly ask it to — if nothing is happening, you are probably still in Plan or Ask mode. Press Shift+Tab back to Agent mode to actually apply the plan.