Work modes overview
Proto has five ways of working. Pick the one that matches how much you want to be involved.
| Mode | How to start it | What you see | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | Type a request. | Progress updates, a todo list and the answer | Everyday questions and small changes |
| Plan mode | Ask Proto to plan first. Proto also switches to it for larger implementation tasks. | A step-by-step plan waiting for your approval | Work you want to approve before anything changes |
| Uninterrupted mode | On by default for new installs. Switch it in Settings → Permissions | Proto keeps working without stopping to ask | Long jobs you don’t want to supervise |
| Background work | Starts automatically for long jobs, or ask for it | The job runs in the Subagents panel while you keep chatting | Long builds, large batches, research |
| Routine runs | Set up a reminder, watch, recurring turn or scheduled workflow | The thread wakes itself and reports what changed | Recurring, delayed or conditional work |