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

# Chat Modes

> Configure and customize Agent mode and Ask mode with tools and permissions

## Overview

cmd offers two distinct chat modes, each designed for different types of interactions. You can customize which tools are available in each mode to match your workflow and security preferences.

## Available Modes

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Agent Mode" icon="robot">
    Autonomous agents that can edit files, run commands, and complete complex tasks with minimal supervision.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Ask Mode" icon="messages">
    Conversational assistant for questions, explanations, and read-only analysis without modifying code.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Default Tool Configuration

By default, each mode has different tools enabled:

<Note>
  When a tool is enabled, it still needs your permission to run. Enabling a tool gives the option for the AI model to request its usage. You're always in control.
</Note>

### Agent Mode (Default)

Agent mode has **all tools enabled** by default, including:

* **File Operations**: Read, edit, and write files
* **Code Execution**: Run shell commands and builds
* **Search & Discovery**: Search files, glob patterns, list directories
* **Web Access**: Web search and fetch capabilities
* **Task Management**: Todo tracking
* **MCP Tools**: All connected MCP server tools (both read-only and read-write)

### Ask Mode (Default)

Ask mode has **read-only tools enabled** by default, including:

* **Search Tools**: Search files and grep through codebase
* **Discovery Tools**: Glob patterns to find files
* **Web Tools**: Web search and web fetch for documentation
* **Task Tracking**: Todo write for tracking conversations
* **Read-Only MCP Tools**: Only MCP tools marked as read-only

<Info>
  Ask mode is designed for safe, exploratory conversations without the risk of modifying your code.
</Info>

## Customizing Chat Modes

You can customize which tools are available in each mode:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Settings">
    Navigate to **Settings** in cmd
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Chat Mode Configuration">
    Find the **Chat Modes** section and select the mode you want to customize (Agent or Ask)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Available Tools">
    You'll see a list of all available tools grouped by category:

    * **File Operations**: Read, Edit, Write, List
    * **Code Execution**: Shell commands, Build tools
    * **Search & Discovery**: Search, Grep, Glob
    * **Web & Network**: Web search, Web fetch
    * **MCP Tools**: Tools from your connected MCP servers

    Toggle tools on or off based on your preferences.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Custom Instructions (Optional)">
    You can also add custom instructions specific to each mode to guide the AI's behavior.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Reset to Defaults">
    Use the **"Reset to Default"** button to restore the original tool configuration for any mode.
  </Step>
</Steps>