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Agent vs Chat Mode

Ajelix offers two distinct operation modes to match your task complexity: Chat mode for fast, straightforward interactions and Agent mode for structured, multi-step workflows.

Chat mode delivers instant responses ideal for ideation, research, and simple outputs. Agent mode engages a deliberate process, like planning, tool usage, and execution approval, for reliable handling of files, data, and complex creations.

Choose the right mode via the top bar toggle to access the optimal tools. This ensures precision: simple asks stay quick, while intricate projects get robust support.

select chat mode before chatting ajelix agentic vs chat mode
Screenshot with agent and chat mode switcher

Chat Mode

Chat mode is best for instant replies, lightweight tasks, and exploratory work. No planning overhead responses are direct and conversational.

Key Features:

  • Immediate answers without multi-step approval.
  • General knowledge, explanations, and creative generation.
  • Supports simple visuals and code that render inline.
Task CategoryExamples
Q&A & ExplanationsExplain concepts (e.g., “What is machine learning?”), troubleshooting (e.g., “Debug this Python error”), brainstorming ideas.
Content GenerationWrite articles, emails, summaries; outlines and research guidance (e.g., “Outline a business plan”).
Code SnippetsGenerate code samples (e.g., “Write a React component”, “SQL query for sales data”)—viewable but not executed.
Simple VisualsBasic Mermaid diagrams, markdown tables, or text-based charts (e.g., “Draw a flowchart for user login”).
Quick ResearchSummaries, citations, fact-checking (enable web search toggle for live data).
Prompt IterationRefine responses conversationally (e.g., “Make it shorter” or “Add examples”).
Chat mode task list

When to Use: Everyday queries, perfect for writing, learning, and prototyping ideas.

Agent Mode

Agent mode is best for complex, multi-step tasks requiring tools, files, analysis, or chaining actions. Follows a structured plan to complete the task.

Key Features:

  • Plan Generation: Agent proposes a step-by-step plan in format (goal, steps, options, time estimate) for review.
  • Tool Access: Skills for files, data, visuals (e.g., Excel, PPTX, PDF processing).
  • Execution Approval: Say “Execute” to run; modify or cancel plans anytime.
  • Code Execution: executes code in a sandbox.
Task CategoryExamples
Data & SpreadsheetsAnalyze your CSV or Excel files; create charts, formulas, pivot tables, and dashboards (e.g., “Analyze sales data from this CSV and build a dashboard”).
Documents & PDFsCreate or edit Word documents (.docx) with formatting and comments; pull text or tables from PDFs, merge or split files, read scanned images (OCR).
PresentationsBuild or edit PowerPoint slides (.pptx) with custom layouts, speaker notes, and animations.
Visual Assets & AppsMake interactive dashboards, charts, websites, flowcharts, mind maps, or custom HTML tools and widgets.
Code ExecutionRun Python scripts for data processing or automation (e.g., “Clean this CSV with pandas and save the results”).
Google SheetsRead data from or update public Google Sheets links.
File OperationsRead, create, edit, or organize files; use workspaces to separate different projects.
Advanced WorkflowsChain steps together (e.g., “Extract data from PDF → analyze in spreadsheet → create slides”); scrape websites (with web search enabled).
Complex GenerationBuild full apps, tools, or reports with preserved formulas, charts, and professional formatting.
Agent mode task list

When to Use: Longer tasks, involving files, skills, or iteration risks. Ensures accuracy via planning.

Chat vs. Agent: Quick Comparison

AspectChat ModeAgent Mode
SpeedInstantPlanned (approval step)
ComplexitySimple queriesMulti-step, tool-heavy
Tools/SkillsNone (general AI)All skills (Excel, PDF, assets, etc.)
File HandlingText uploads onlyFull read/write/download
VisualsBasic (text/Mermaid)Interactive HTML assets
Error HandlingRetry in chatPlanned fixes, verification
Use Case Example“Explain APIs”“Create Excel dashboard from CSV”
Chat vs agent mode comparison table
We’re actively working on Ajelix documentation to help you get the most from AI. Found a gap, have feedback, or want to suggest a new guide? We’d love to hear from you at support@ajelix.com