Reference
Agent behavior
Reference for agent instructions, modes, permissions, and checkpoints
This page summarizes the controls that affect how agents behave in Conductor.
Session controls
| Control | Scope | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Plan Mode | Current session | Ask the agent to plan before editing |
| Fast Mode | Current session | Trade extra credits for faster work where supported |
| Thinking or reasoning level | Current session | Adjust how much reasoning the model spends |
| Codex personality | Codex session | Choose a Codex working style |
| Checkpoints | Session/workspace | Revert code and chat state to an earlier turn |
For conceptual guidance, see Agent modes.
Repository instructions
Use repository instructions for guidance that should apply repeatedly:
General preferencesapply broad instructions to agents in a repository.Code review preferencesare sent when you clickReview.Create PR preferencesare sent when you create a pull request.Fix errors preferencesare sent when Conductor asks an agent to fix errors.Resolve conflicts preferencesare sent when an agent helps with merge conflicts.Branch rename preferencesguide automatic branch naming.
These preferences live in Repository Settings.
Instruction files and skills
Agents can also use instructions stored in your repository or user configuration, such as:
AGENTS.mdCLAUDE.md.claude/commands- Skills
Keep durable project conventions in these files. Keep task-specific details in the chat or .context.
Permissions
Agents run locally and can use the same local permissions as your user account unless you configure stricter controls. Some actions may ask for approval before the agent continues.
For security details, see Security and permissions.