Chat Panel & Layout

The IDE chat is the primary place to plan, ask, and apply edits. The same agent runs in the CLI; this page focuses on the visual workspace.

Tip

Type plain language. Use @ mentions for files and context. Approve tool actions when prompted unless you have enabled auto-approve.

Open the panel

Click the CFactory icon in the activity bar to open the sidebar chat, or pop it into an editor tab for a wider layout.

CFactory chat panel with message input, model selector, and agent controls
Chat panel: input, model selector, and agent controls

Prefer inline completions while typing? See Autocomplete. Prefer a terminal? Run cfactory for the TUI.

Layout & controls

ControlWhat it does
Message inputType a request and press Enter to send
Agent / mode switcherSwitch Code, Plan, Debug, Ask, Spec, and custom agents
Model pickerChoose a concrete model or Auto tiers
Approve / RejectGate tool calls and proposed edits
SessionsStart a new chat or resume a previous one

The editor shares open tabs and the active file automatically. Type @ for file and terminal mentions — details in Context & mentions.

How to talk to CFactory

Good requests:

  • create utils.py with an add(a, b) function
  • in @src/components/Button.tsx, make the button blue
  • find oldValue in @/src/App.js and replace with newValue

What works well:

  • Be specific about files and outcomes
  • Use @ mentions instead of vague “the button file”
  • One clear task at a time (or use Specs for multi-session work)
  • Include examples of the style you want

Approvals & safety

When the agent wants to run a tool or apply an edit, the panel asks you to approve or reject. You can tune auto-approve in Settings.

Checkpoints let you roll back workspace changes from a task — see Checkpoints.

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