Skip to content
LiveNew tools this week
Submit
AIMarketly
agent-modes logo

agent-modes

Guidance on choosing and using Cursor agent modes: Agent, Ask, Plan, and Debug. Use when selecting the right mode for a task or when explaining mode capabilities.

NeverSight/skills_feed0installs214starsSecurity

SKILL.md

Full skill instructions

Agent Modes Skill

Guidance on choosing and using the right agent mode for your task.

When to Use

Use this skill when:

  • Selecting the right mode for a task
  • Explaining mode capabilities
  • Switching between modes
  • Understanding mode-specific workflows

Mode Selection

Agent Mode (Default)

Best for: Complex features, refactoring, autonomous exploration

Use when:

  • Implementing features requiring multiple file changes
  • Refactoring across codebase
  • Clear, well-defined tasks
  • Need autonomous exploration and fixes

Example:

  • "Add a new API endpoint for goals"
  • "Refactor authentication system"
  • "Update components to new design system"

Ask Mode

Best for: Learning, planning, read-only exploration

Use when:

  • Learning about unfamiliar code
  • Understanding system architecture
  • Planning before implementation
  • Exploring codebase structure

Example:

  • "How does authentication work?"
  • "Explain memory extraction flow"
  • "What happens when user submits form?"

Plan Mode

Best for: Complex features requiring planning

Use when:

  • Complex features with multiple approaches
  • Tasks touching many files/​systems
  • Unclear requirements
  • Architectural decisions need review

Example:

  • "Add user preferences system"
  • "Implement real-time notifications"
  • "Refactor data layer"

Workflow:

  1. Agent asks clarifying questions
  2. Researches codebase
  3. Creates implementation plan
  4. You review and edit plan
  5. Click to build when ready

Debug Mode

Best for: Tricky bugs, regressions

Use when:

  • Bugs you can reproduce but can't figure out
  • Race conditions and timing issues
  • Performance problems
  • Regressions

Example:

  • "Audio streaming stops after 30 seconds"
  • "Memory extraction fails for some conversations"
  • "BLE connection drops intermittently"

Workflow:

  1. Explore and hypothesize
  2. Add instrumentation
  3. Reproduce bug
  4. Analyze logs
  5. Make targeted fix
  6. Verify and clean up

Mode Switching

  • Use mode picker dropdown
  • Press Cmd+. (Mac) or Ctrl+. (Windows/​Linux)
  • Set keyboard shortcuts in settings

Related Resources

  • Rule: .cursor/​rules/​agent-modes.mdc
  • Commands: /​plan, /​ask, /​debug