GuidePRO

Plan Mode

Think first, code second. Claude's read-only analysis mode for strategic planning.

What is Plan Mode?

A read-only analysis mode in Claude Code that lets you explore codebases and design implementation strategies before making any changes. Claude can search, read, and analyze — but cannot edit files or run destructive commands.

"Like walking through a house with an architect before renovation. You discuss ideas and make plans without swinging a hammer."

is a read-only permission mode in Claude Code

Claude Code

Anthropic's CLI tool that brings Claude directly into your terminal. It can read your codebase, write files, run commands, and ship code.

"Like having a senior developer living in your terminal, ready to help 24/7."

where Claude can explore your codebase, analyze code, and design implementation strategies — but cannot edit files or run destructive commands.

Why it matters: You get to review and approve the plan before Claude touches your code. Perfect for complex changes where you want to think before you act.

The Three Permission Modes
Permission Modes
The three operating modes in Claude Code that control how much autonomy Claude has: Normal (approve each action), Auto-Accept (automatic approval), and Plan (read-only analysis).
"Like parental controls for AI. You choose how much freedom to give based on the task."

Mode	Trigger	Claude Can...
Normal	Default	Read, ask permission to edit
Auto-Accept	`Shift+Tab` 1x	Edit automatically, no prompts
Plan	`Shift+Tab` 2x	Read only, no edits allowed

Look for the indicator: When Plan Mode is active, you'll see ⏸ plan mode on at the bottom of your terminal.

How to Activate

Option 1: Toggle

Press twice during a session:

Shift + Tab → Shift + Tab

Option 2: Start in Plan Mode

Launch directly:

claude --permission-mode plan

Option 3: Headless Mode

For scripts and automation:

claude --permission-mode plan -p "Analyze auth system"

When to Use Plan Mode

Use It For

•Multi-file changes (touching 3+ files)
•Complex refactoring
•Learning a new codebase
•Architectural decisions
•Security reviews

Skip It For

•Typo fixes
•Single-line changes
•Simple bug fixes
•Adding a console.log

The Workflow

Explore

Claude reads your code

Plan

Designs the approach

Refine

You ask questions

Execute

Exit & implement

To exit Plan Mode: Press Shift+Tab to cycle back to Normal mode, then ask Claude to implement the plan.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcut	Action
`Shift+Tab`	Toggle between permission modes
`Ctrl+O`	Enable extended thinking Extended Thinking A Claude Code mode where the AI takes more time to reason through complex problems before responding. Activated with Ctrl+O or the /config command. Best for architecture decisions and tricky bugs. "Like asking someone to 'think it through' before answering. They take longer but give better answers." for deeper analysis
`/resume`	Continue a previous planning session
`/compact`	Compress context if running low on tokens

Ready to master Claude Code?

Plan Mode is just one power-user feature. Learn more in our Claude Code guides.

PRO Tips Claude Code Setup