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Plan Mode helps you think through complex writing tasks before taking action. It’s designed for situations where you need to explore ideas, clarify requirements, and create a strategy before making changes.

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Switching between modes

You can switch between Plan Mode and Act Mode using the mode selector in the bottom-right corner of the SoloEnt Agent chat window. Plan and Act mode selector in SoloEnt Agent

Plan Mode

Think first, act later

Act Mode

Execute tasks immediately

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Plan Mode: “Think before you act”

In Plan Mode, the AI’s primary task is to understand your requirements and create a blueprint. It won’t immediately modify files or execute commands. Instead, it will confirm with you: “Here’s what I plan to do.”

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When to use Plan Mode

When you’re beginning a new work with only a rough concept (for example: “I want to write a science fiction novel”), Plan Mode helps you explore and structure your ideas.
When you encounter difficult writing situations that require external input and discussion (such as writer’s block or uncertainty about plot progression).
When you need to make large-scale changes that affect multiple files or require careful consideration of trade-offs.

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How Plan Mode works

1

Analyze the problem

The AI examines your request and identifies key challenges and requirements.
2

Break down the steps

It creates a detailed action plan with clear steps and rationale.
3

Request confirmation

Before taking any action, it presents the plan for your approval.
4

Refine as needed

You can discuss, modify, and improve the plan until you’re satisfied.

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Key characteristics

Strategic thinking

Ideal for handling complex requirements that need multiple rounds of discussion and clarification.

High safety

Shows you the plan without modifying your documents.

Transparent reasoning

Explains why certain approaches are recommended, helping you identify gaps and improvements.

Collaborative

Encourages dialogue and refinement before execution.
In Plan Mode, SoloEnt Agent will not execute any tasks or generate any files. It only provides strategic guidance and planning.

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Act Mode: “Just do it”

Once you switch to Act Mode, the AI becomes an executor. It will directly perform operations based on established goals or identified steps.

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When to use Act Mode

Use Act Mode when your task is very clear and specific:
  • “Generate an outline for the first 10 chapters”
  • “Change the protagonist’s name to Wang”
  • “Create a character profile for the antagonist”
  • During normal writing sessions when you know what you want
For most regular writing tasks, Act Mode is the default choice. Only switch to Plan Mode when you need strategic thinking and planning.

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How Act Mode works

1

Identify the task

The AI recognizes what needs to be done based on your request.
2

Execute immediately

It performs the necessary actions without asking for confirmation.
3

Adjust and optimize

Based on your feedback, it refines or modifies the results.

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Key characteristics

High efficiency

Skips repeated confirmations and delivers results directly.

Automated

Can automatically create files, modify content, and run commands.

Immediate feedback

You see changes and results right away.

Action-oriented

Focuses on execution rather than discussion.
If you notice your Agent is only providing suggestions without executing or generating files, check if you’re in Plan Mode.

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Choosing the right mode

Use this decision tree to select the appropriate mode:

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Best practices

When beginning a new writing project, use Plan Mode to establish structure, characters, and plot before diving into writing.
Once you have a clear plan, switch to Act Mode to implement it efficiently.
If you encounter writer’s block or need to make significant changes, switch back to Plan Mode to think through options.
When restructuring your work or making large-scale changes, Plan Mode helps you avoid mistakes and maintain consistency.

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Common scenarios

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Scenario 1: Starting a new novel

1

Use Plan Mode

Discuss genre, themes, characters, and plot structure.
2

Review and refine

Iterate on the plan until you’re satisfied with the direction.
3

Switch to Act Mode

Begin writing chapters based on the approved plan.

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Scenario 2: Fixing a plot hole

1

Switch to Plan Mode

Analyze the plot hole and explore potential solutions.
2

Evaluate options

Discuss pros and cons of different approaches.
3

Choose a solution

Select the best approach for your story.
4

Switch to Act Mode

Implement the chosen solution.

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Scenario 3: Daily writing session

1

Stay in Act Mode

For routine writing tasks, Act Mode is more efficient.
2

Write continuously

Focus on producing content without interruption.
3

Switch to Plan Mode if needed

Only switch if you encounter a major decision point.

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Troubleshooting

Problem: The Agent only provides suggestions without taking action.Solution: Check if you’re in Plan Mode. Switch to Act Mode to enable execution.
Problem: The Agent makes changes without asking for approval.Solution: You’re in Act Mode. Switch to Plan Mode if you want to review plans before execution.
Problem: The Agent spends too much time planning.Solution: If your task is straightforward, switch to Act Mode for faster results.
Problem: The proposed plan doesn’t match your vision.Solution: Stay in Plan Mode and continue the discussion. Provide more context or constraints to refine the plan.

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Next steps

Create a new project

Learn how to start a new writing project with SoloEnt

Editor features

Explore the writing and editing capabilities

Methodology

Understand SoloEnt’s writing methodology

Commands

Master the command system for efficient writing