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Planning Guide

Claude Code Plan Mode: Think First, Then Ship

Master Claude Code's Plan Mode for safe repository analysis and implementation planning. Use Shift+Tab keyboard shortcut to toggle between read-only planning and execution modes.

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8 min read
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Safe, Read-Only Planning Mode

Use Shift+Tab to enable Claude Code's Plan Mode. Analyze your repository safely in read-only mode, draft comprehensive implementation plans, and get approval before any code changes (execution requires approval).

Shift+Tab → Plan Mode (Read-Only)/permissions → View Settings

Claude Code's Plan Mode revolutionizes AI-assisted development by separating planning from execution. Think of it as a safety mechanism that lets Claude analyze your entire repository, understand complex requirements, and draft detailed implementation strategies—all without touching a single file until you're ready.

What Plan Mode Does

Read-Only Analysis

  • ✓Explores your entire codebase safely
  • ✓Maps dependencies and architecture
  • ✓Identifies relevant files and patterns
  • ✓Understands existing conventions

OpusPlan Pairing

  • ⚡Optimized for deep analysis and planning
  • ⚡Generates comprehensive implementation strategies
  • ⚡Provides detailed step-by-step plans
  • ⚡Requires explicit approval before execution

🛡️ Safety First

Plan Mode is completely read-only. Claude Code cannot modify, create, or delete any files while in Planning (read-only) mode. All changes require switching modes using Shift+Tab before execution.

How to Enable Plan Mode

Keyboard Shortcut Method

The fastest way to toggle between planning and execution modes:

Press:Shift + Tab
• Plan Mode: Read-only analysis and planning
• Execution Mode: Can modify files and implement plans
• Toggle instantly between modes as needed

Alternative Commands

# Enable Plan Mode (read-only) explicitly
claude --permission-mode plan

# Check current mode
/permissions

# Toggle between modes
# Shift+Tab during session

Best Practices

Effective Prompting

  • 💡Be specific: "Add user authentication with JWT tokens" vs "Add auth"
  • 💡Include context: Mention existing patterns, frameworks, or constraints
  • 💡Ask for alternatives: "Show me 2-3 different approaches"
  • 💡Request explanations: "Explain why this approach is recommended"

PR Descriptions

  • 📝Export plans: Plan Mode generates excellent PR descriptions
  • 📝Include rationale: Plans explain the "why" behind changes
  • 📝List affected files: Plans map all impacted components
  • 📝Testing strategy: Plans include testing recommendations

Using Vibe Manager with Plan Mode

🎯

Multi-Model Plans

Vibe Manager coordinates multiple AI models for comprehensive planning strategies

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Smart File Lists

AI-powered file discovery identifies relevant code automatically

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Seamless Handoff

Plans generated in Vibe Manager integrate perfectly with Claude Code execution

🔗 Perfect Integration

Vibe Manager's multi-model planning works seamlessly with Claude Code's Plan Mode. Generate comprehensive implementation strategies using multiple AI providers, then hand off to Claude Code for precise execution.

Voice DictationScreen RecordingFile DiscoveryContext Curation

Example Workflows

Typical Planning Session

# 1. Enable Plan Mode
Shift+Tab  # Toggle to Plan Mode

# 2. Analyze and Plan
"Add user authentication with email/password and JWT tokens,
following the existing patterns in the user service"

# 3. Review Generated Plan
# Claude analyzes codebase and generates comprehensive plan

# 4. Switch to Execution Mode
Shift+Tab  # Toggle to execution mode
# Proceed with implementation

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the keyboard shortcut for Plan Mode?

Shift+Tab toggles permission modes in Claude Code, switching between Plan Mode (read-only) and execution mode.

Can I have different models for planning vs implementation?

Yes, Plan Mode is optimized for the planning phase and you can switch to your preferred execution model for implementation. This gives you the best of both worlds—strategic planning and efficient execution.

Will Claude edit files in Plan Mode?

No—Plan Mode is read-only until you approve the plan and switch to execution mode. This ensures complete safety while Claude analyzes your repository and drafts implementation strategies.

How do I switch back to execution mode?

Press Shift+Tab again to toggle back to execution mode, or use /permissionsto view current permission settings.

Can I use Plan Mode with existing projects?

Absolutely! Plan Mode works with any existing codebase. Claude will analyze your current architecture, understand existing patterns, and generate plans that fit seamlessly with your established conventions.

Does Plan Mode work with all programming languages?

Yes, Claude Code's Plan Mode supports all major programming languages and frameworks. Plan Mode is particularly effective at understanding complex polyglot codebases and cross-language dependencies.

Ready to Plan Like a Pro?

Combine Claude Code's Plan Mode with Vibe Manager's multi-model planning for the ultimate AI-assisted development workflow. Think first, then ship with confidence.

Use Shift+Tab to get started with Plan Mode today