> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mythos.new/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Plan mode

> Plan mode asks a few questions, generates real design directions from your answers, and gets a short plan approved — before any code is written, and free.

Plan mode is a guided start. Instead of building straight from your prompt, Mythos first asks a few
questions about your project, turns your answers into **a few rendered design directions** you choose
between, and shows you a short build plan to approve. Only after you approve does the build run.

<Note>**Build mode vs Plan mode.** In **Build mode** Mythos builds directly from your prompt. In
**Plan mode** it questions → designs → plans first, then builds. Toggle it next to the send button.
**Planning is free** — you only spend credits when the build actually runs.</Note>

## Why use it

* **Fewer wasted builds.** Choosing the look up front means fewer "make it darker / change the font"
  edits afterward — which saves credits.
* **You pick the design by sight.** Instead of describing a palette in words, you choose between a few
  rendered design mockups — each a hero plus one section — built from your answers.
* **No surprises.** You see and can edit the plan before any code exists.

## How it works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Turn on Plan mode and send your prompt">
    Toggle **Plan** by the composer, then describe what you want. Mythos opens a short questionnaire.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Answer a few questions">
    A short set of onboarding-style questions chosen for your brief — what the site should show, what
    it should do, and other specifics. Answer in a couple of clicks, or **Skip all** to let Mythos
    decide. (Mythos may also offer a few brand-color palettes to pick from.)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose a design direction">
    Mythos generates **a few distinct design directions** from your answers — each a rendered mockup
    of the hero plus one section, in its own palette, typography, and layout. Pick the one you like,
    or skip to let Mythos choose. Rendering the previews takes a moment.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review the plan">
    Mythos presents a concrete plan — the sections, the design tokens, the components it will create,
    and what's explicitly not included. **Review**, optionally edit it, and **Approve** — or **Skip**
    to abandon planning.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Build">
    On approval, the build runs faithfully to the design you chose. This is the only step that spends
    credits (3 for a new project).
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What the questions cover

The questionnaire is short and concrete — it gathers the brief, not a settings form. Mythos picks the
questions that fit your prompt, so they vary from project to project. Common ones include:

* **What the site shows** — its services or sections.
* **Typography** — the type pairing.
* **A form with a database?** — whether you need submissions saved (which uses your connected Supabase).

Mythos may also present a few brand-color palettes to choose between. Your answers feed the design
step directly, so the directions are concrete executions of *your* brief.

## Example prompt

A Plan-mode prompt is just a normal first prompt — turn **Plan** on, then describe the project:

```
Build a booking site for a small pilates studio called Still Point.
Pages: home, classes, pricing, and a contact form. Calm, minimal feel.
```

Mythos opens the questionnaire from there, then shows design directions and a plan before any build runs.

## Limitations & good to know

* Plan mode is for **starting** a project. To change an existing one, prompt it in Build mode.
* The design step is the slowest part — it renders the previews. A short wait there is normal, not a
  hang.
* Skipping the questionnaire or the designs is always allowed; Mythos fills the gaps itself.

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Does Plan mode cost credits?">No. Questions, designs, and plan review are free. You only spend credits on the build after you approve.</Accordion>
  <Accordion title="Can I edit the plan before building?">Yes. Review the plan, change it, then approve — Mythos builds what you approved.</Accordion>
  <Accordion title="What if I don't like any of the designs?">Skip the design step and Mythos picks the strongest direction itself, or restart planning with a clearer prompt.</Accordion>
  <Accordion title="How long does the design step take?">Longer than the other steps — it renders the previews. Give it a minute or two; it isn't stuck.</Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related

* [Quick start](/introduction/getting-started) — the full first-build flow.
* [Writing good prompts](/prompting/writing-good-prompts) — a sharper prompt makes sharper questions and designs.
* [Credits & pricing](/introduction/credits-and-usage) — what the build costs after approval.