Approval Modes

Approval modes control how tool executions are handled. These are workflow parameters—specifically the mode input—that you can set in the UI or configure in workflow YAML. The workflow engine uses CEL expressions to branch based on the current mode.

Manual Mode

Every tool execution requires your explicit approval. When the AI wants to take an action, you see the details and click Approve or Reject.

Use manual mode when learning Reliant, working on sensitive code, or when you want to understand each step.

Agent Mode

Auto-approves tool executions. The AI works autonomously and you see results as they happen. Press Escape to cancel.

Use agent mode for trusted tasks, large refactors, or complex multi-step work where step-by-step approval would slow you down.

Plan Mode

Restricts the AI to read-only operations—no file edits, no command execution. The AI can view files, search your codebase, and create structured plans, but cannot make changes.

Use plan mode for exploring unfamiliar code or planning an implementation before executing it.

Switching Modes

Switch modes at any time during a conversation. A common pattern: start in plan mode to analyze and create a plan, then switch to agent mode to execute it.