Plan Mode

Plan Mode enables Claude to analyze your codebase through read-only operations, creating detailed plans before making changes. Perfect for exploring codebases, planning complex changes, or safe code review.

When to Use Plan Mode

Multi-step implementations: Features requiring changes across multiple files
Code exploration: Thorough research before making changes
Interactive development: Discussing approaches with Claude

Enabling Plan Mode

Toggle During Session

Press Shift+Tab to cycle through permission modes:

Normal Mode → Auto-Accept Mode → Plan Mode

Normal Mode: Default, each operation needs confirmation
Auto-Accept Mode: Auto-accept edits (shows ⏵⏵ accept edits on)
Plan Mode: Read-only (shows ⏸ plan mode on)

At Startup

claude --permission-mode plan

Headless Query

claude --permission-mode plan -p "Analyze the auth system and suggest improvements"

As Default

// .claude/settings.json
{
  "permissions": {
    "defaultMode": "plan"
  }
}

Typical Workflow

Planning Complex Refactoring

claude --permission-mode plan

> I need to refactor the auth system to use OAuth2. Create a detailed migration plan.

Claude analyzes current implementation and creates a comprehensive plan. Refine through follow-up questions:

> How do we maintain backward compatibility?
> How should database migration be handled?

Let Claude Interview You

For large features, start with minimal specs and let Claude ask questions:

> Interview me about this feature before starting: user notification system

> Help me think through auth requirements by asking questions

Claude uses AskUserQuestion tool to gather requirements, clarify ambiguity, and understand preferences.

Combining with Other Features

Plan Mode + Subagents

In Plan Mode, Claude delegates to the Plan Subagent for read-only research in an isolated context.

Plan Mode + Extended Thinking

Combine for deeper analysis:

> ultrathink: Design a caching layer for the API

Best Practices

Plan before execute: For multi-file changes, analyze first in Plan Mode
Document decisions: Save generated analysis as design docs
Iterate: Keep asking until the plan is detailed enough
Transition: When satisfied, press Shift+Tab to switch to Normal Mode