Run modes: autonomous and interactive
Every agent has a default run mode that decides how much it involves you while it works. Choose the mode that matches how much you want to steer the result.
Run mode | How it works | Good for |
|---|---|---|
Autonomous | Runs end to end in the background. | Routine, well-defined jobs, especially from flows. |
Interactive | Can ask follow-up questions or request approval during the run. | Work where you want to review a plan, answer questions or approve changes. |
The run mode is part of the agent's settings, so you set it once on the agent rather than each time you start a run.
Set the run mode
For a new custom agent: in Run mode, choose Autonomous or Interactive. New custom agents start as Interactive.
For an existing agent:
Go to Automation > Agents and select the agent.
On the Versions tab, select a version you can edit. For a built-in agent, create a custom version first.
Open Run mode and choose the mode.
Select Save. If this isn't the active version, select Set as active.
The Agents page shows each agent's current mode under Mode.
What an interactive run looks like
When an interactive agent needs you, the run pauses and waits. Depending on the step, it's waiting for your answer, your approval or a sign-in. The agent is highlighted on the Agents page, Activity shows it needs attention, and you respond from the run. While a run is waiting, you can't start another run of the same agent with Run now.
For how to answer questions and approve work, see Respond to approvals and questions during a run.
Choosing a mode
Start with Interactive while you try out a new agent or new instructions.
Switch to Autonomous when the agent produces good results without help and you want it to run from a flow without waiting on anyone.
Keep Interactive for agents that change important records or publish content, so a person reviews the work.
Other ways agents run
Two built-in agents have their own patterns:
Ask Agent always works as a chat. Each message you send continues the conversation. See Chat with Ask Agent.
Sub-agent handles one delegated task that Ask Agent hands to it and reports back. See Sub-agents for one-off tasks.
Related
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