# Plan

Plan Mode is designed for strategic thinking. Instead of jumping straight into code, the AI analyzes your request, researches your codebase, and creates a comprehensive specification document.

## Overview

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| **Best for** | Feature planning, architecture design, project breakdown |
| **Shortcut** | `Shift+Tab` to cycle modes |

Plan Mode creates markdown specification files saved to `.invoke/specs/` in your project. These serve as living documentation for your features.

## When to Use Plan Mode

Choose Plan Mode when you need to:

- **Plan a new feature** before implementing it
- **Break down complex tasks** into manageable steps
- **Document technical decisions** and approach
- **Identify dependencies and risks** upfront
- **Create specifications** for team review

## How Plan Mode Works

### Switch to Plan Mode

Click the **Mode Selector** and choose **Plan**, or press `Shift+Tab` until you see the purple lightbulb icon.

### Describe what you want to build

Explain the feature or project you're planning:

```
Create a plan for adding user authentication with OAuth support
```

```
Plan the implementation of a real-time notification system
```

### AI researches your codebase

The AI will:

- Read relevant files in your project
- Understand existing patterns and architecture
- Search for related code and dependencies
- Analyze the scope of changes needed

### Specification is created

The AI generates a comprehensive markdown specification including:

- Feature overview and goals
- Technical approach
- Dependencies and prerequisites
- Detailed task breakdown
- Potential risks and considerations

### Review your plan

The specification is saved to `.invoke/specs/{feature-name}.md`. Click **View Specification** to review it, or open the **Specs Panel** to manage all your plans.

## Plan Mode vs Agent Mode

| Aspect | Plan Mode | Agent Mode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Purpose** | Strategic planning | Implementation |
| **Output** | Markdown specification | Code changes |
| **Tools** | Read-only + spec writing | Full tool access |
| **Workflow** | Completes when spec is written | Ongoing conversation |
| **Best for** | Before starting complex work | During development |