The composer is the message box at the bottom of every chat and on New task. You use it the same way in Code projects and in Work in Unstoppable Code: write what you want, add what the agent needs, and send.
Write and send
Type your message and press Enter to send it. Two characters do more:
- @ lets you mention a file, so the agent reads it.
- / lists the skills and commands this chat can use.
The placeholder in an empty composer reminds you which of these work in that chat.
Add files, plugins, and more
Select + in the composer to open its menu:
- Files and folders attaches a file or folder. You can also press ⌘U (Ctrl+U on Windows).
- Linear attaches a Linear issue. It appears once you've connected Linear.
- Plugins opens the Plugins dialog for this chat. Items that are on by default show Global default or Project default. Turn items on or off for this chat, then select Save. To add new ones, see Add skills and plugins.
- Plan mode, in Code chats, has the agent write a plan for you to review before it changes anything. Choose it again to turn it off.
- Schedule message sends your message later. Pick a Date and Time, then select Set schedule.
On New task, the menu also offers Workflow, which runs the task through a saved series of steps instead of a chat.
When you write a long, multi-step request, the composer may suggest Plan first? Select Plan first to turn on Plan mode and keep your draft.
Run a terminal command
In a Code chat, start your message with ! to switch the composer to Terminal mode. Type a shell command and select Run terminal command. The command runs in a new terminal in the chat's worktree, not through the agent.
As you type, the composer suggests your project's scripts. Scripts you haven't approved yet are listed under Not yet approved.
Dictate a message
On macOS, select the microphone button (Dictate) and start talking, or press ⌃M. Select Stop dictation when you're done, and the text lands in the composer. Dictation settings are in Settings under Dictation.
Send messages while the agent works
You don't have to wait for the agent to finish. While it works, the composer reads "Type to queue a follow-up message…", and whatever you send waits in a list above the composer. Each queued message offers:
- Steer, where the chat supports it, hands the message to the agent during its current turn.
- Send now stops the current turn and sends the message.
- More actions (•••) has Edit message and Delete.
When you edit a queued message, it opens in the composer's place with Cancel and Save, and whatever you were typing comes back afterwards. If the agent can't take a message mid-turn, it shows "Sends as soon as the agent can take it." To change the order, drag a message by its handle.
To stop the agent, select Stop generation, or press Esc twice.
Choose the model and permissions
The composer also shows the chat's model, effort level, and approval mode. Select one to change it:
- To pick a model or effort level, see Choose a model and effort level.
- To decide how often the agent asks before it acts, see Choose an approval mode.