# Plan ModePlan Mode is a Nova chat mode that generates a structured implementation plan from a prompt and waits for user approval before building. Nova may ask clarifying questions first, each with a recommended answer auto-selected after 10 minutes. The page covers plan review and expansion, revision via the Revise button or chat (costing 1 credit per revision), and plan section types including Scope Summary, Assumptions, Key Features, Pages or Screens, Content and Assets, Inputs and Constraints, Implementation Approach, Risks and Edge Cases, and Follow-ups.

Plan Mode is a Nova chat mode that creates a structured implementation plan before building your project. You can review the plan and ask Nova to make changes. When you approve the plan, Nova switches to [Agent Mode](/en/features/create/agent-mode/) and uses the plan to build your website or web app.

Plan Mode works best for projects that require attention to detail and accurate execution. Common uses include:

- Reviewing the scope and key features of a project before Nova generates it.
- Answering clarifying questions from Nova to provide details that your original prompt missed.
- Iterating on the approach in the chat panel before building.
- Creating a structured plan that you can save as a reference for the project.

## Using Plan Mode

To enable Plan Mode, open the chat mode selector in the prompt toolbar and choose _Plan_ (![plan mode icon](/images/icons/list-checks-icon.svg)).

<img src="/images/plan-mode.png" alt="Chat Mode selector set to Plan Mode" />

Then, enter a prompt describing your website or web app and click _Start Planning_. For example, you could enter this prompt to plan a web app with several interconnected features:

{{< nova-prompt>}}

Create a plan to build a web app for a community garden scheduler. Members should be able to reserve garden plots, log watering schedules, and view a shared events calendar. Include an admin view for approving new member requests and managing plot assignments.

{{< /nova-prompt >}}

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The chat mode selector is always available. You can enable Plan Mode when you start a new project or while working on an existing project.

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### Reviewing the plan

Before generating a plan, Nova may ask questions to collect any details missing in your prompt. Each question includes a recommended answer and suggested answers. You can also type your own answer if you want to include more details.

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Each question has a 10-minute countdown timer. If you do not answer a question within this window, Nova continues automatically with the recommended answer.

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When your plan is ready, Nova shows a _Plan_ section in the chat panel. Click _Expand plan_ to show the full plan and review it. The [sections of your plan](#how-nova-structures-plans) vary depending on your project. To continue:

- Click _Revise_ or enter a message in the prompt text box to make changes to the plan. Each revision consumes [one credit](/en/welcome/billing-and-ai-credits/). You can revise and regenerate the plan as many times as you need. Nova does not start building while you are in Plan Mode.
- Click _Approve_ to accept the plan, switch to [Agent Mode](/en/features/create/agent-mode/), and start building.

## How Nova structures plans

Nova tailors each plan to your goals and requirements, so each plan is different. Your plan can include the following sections:

| Section | Description |
| --- | --- |
| `Scope Summary` | A high-level overview of what Nova will build or change in the project. |
| `Assumptions` | The choices Nova is making where your prompt left gaps. |
| `Key Features` | The main features, behaviors, and changes the project will include. |
| `Pages or Screens` | An outline of the pages or app screens. |
| `Content and Assets` | The copy, images, and branding the project needs. |
| `Inputs and Constraints` | Specific inputs, requirements, and constraints that shape the project, such as color themes, layout rules, external integrations, or existing functionality to preserve. |
| `Implementation Approach` | The order in which Nova will build. |
| `Risks and Edge Cases` | Potential issues and how Nova will handle them. |
| `Follow-ups` | Optional enhancements Nova suggests for later, outside the scope of the current plan. |

{{< callout context="tip" icon="outline/rocket" >}}

If your plan doesn't include one of these sections, you can ask Nova to include it directly.

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## Troubleshooting

### Nova selected an answer for you

If you do not respond to a clarifying question before the 10-minute countdown ends, Nova continues generating the plan using the recommended answer. Click _Revise_ to reply in the chat panel with the correct details.

### The plan doesn't match what you expected

If the generated plan doesn't match what you wanted:

- Expand the plan and review the Assumptions section to see the choices Nova made.
- Click _Revise_ or reply in the prompt text box with the missing details.
- For more information on writing clearer prompts, read our [Prompting Best Practices](/en/welcome/prompting-best-practices/) documentation.

### Your project doesn't start building after you click Approve

If Nova does not switch to Agent Mode and begin building after you approve a plan, you may be out of credits. You can see your credit balance and refresh date in the _Account Menu_. For more information, read our [Billing and AI Credits](/en/welcome/billing-and-ai-credits/) documentation.