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Autopilot can run under two modes. A mode is not a personality setting — it is a capability grant that controls what Autopilot is allowed to do in that turn of the conversation. You can switch between them mid-conversation, so one chat can both build and act. New sessions default to Agent mode.
These modes mirror the same split used by EKB as MCP: Runtime ≈ Agent (use), Builder ≈ Build (author).

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Agent mode

Use when you want answers, research, analysis, or actions that should not rewrite your project. Typical asks
  • Research a topic with web sources
  • Analyze a file or dataset
  • Search your knowledge base
  • Browse available integrations and connect an app when needed
  • Ask clarifying questions before you decide to build something
What Autopilot will not do in Agent mode
  • Create or edit agents, workflows, smart tables, or interfaces as an authoring step
  • Run Autopilot’s build-only toolkits (for example testing scaffolds meant for things it just built)
If the task truly requires authoring, switch to Build (or ask Autopilot to switch when appropriate).

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Build mode

Use when you want Autopilot to create or change resources in a project. Typical asks
  • Create an AI agent (tools, knowledge, instructions)
  • Build a workflow (triggers, steps, connected apps)
  • Set up or update a knowledge base
  • Create a new project
  • Design smart tables and related structure
Build mode still follows Autopilot’s plan-first approach: clarify, plan, build, test, then hand off. See How Autopilot Works.

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How to switch

  1. Open Autopilot in your project.
  2. Use the mode control in the composer (Agent / Build).
  3. Descriptions in the UI:
    • Build — Create and modify projects, agents, workflows, and tables.
    • Agent — Answer, research, and analyze without changing your workspace.
You can change mode while the conversation is already underway. Autopilot may also request a mode switch when the current grant cannot complete the task (subject to per-turn limits and approval-safe rules).
New chats start in Agent mode. Switch to Build when you are ready to create or change resources.

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Suggestion chips change with the mode

On an empty Autopilot chat, shortcuts reflect the active mode: Use the chips as starting points; you can still type any request.

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Projects and the read-only Autopilot project

Autopilot always works in a project context. Before creating resources in Build mode, select (or create) the project that should own them. The dedicated Autopilot system project is read-only. If you are in that project, you will see a banner explaining that new workflows, agents, and other resources should be created from your other projects.

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Choosing a mode quickly

  • Overview — what Autopilot can build and manage
  • How Autopilot Works — plan-first flow and quality checks
  • EKB as MCP — the same use vs build split for external clients (Claude, Cursor, etc.)
Ready to try modes? Open Autopilot, confirm you are in Agent or Build, and start with a suggestion chip or your own prompt. For questions or additional support, contact your EKB account team.