Agents and the composer
An agent is one session of a coding agent such as Claude Code or Codex, running in a workspace. Each agent has its own tab.
Tabs
Press Cmd+T or select + in the tab bar to open:
- New agent (
Cmd+Shift+A) - New terminal (
Cmd+Shift+T) - New browser (
Cmd+Shift+B), a browser agents can also drive - Changes, Files, Pull request
- Zekoder issues, Zekoder settings, and Git, from the Zekoder plugin
Split panes with Cmd+\ (right) or Cmd+Shift+\ (down).
The composer
Type in the composer at the bottom of an agent tab. You can:
- Tag files with
@. - Run the agent's slash commands and skills with
/, including every Zekoder command. - Attach images, files, or a GitHub issue or pull request with the + button.
The toolbar under the composer sets the provider, model, Mode, and Thinking level for this agent. Modes come from the provider. For Claude Code they are:
| Mode | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Plan Mode | Reads and analyzes; runs no tools and edits nothing. |
| Always Ask | Asks the first time each tool is used. |
| Accept File Edits | Approves edits without asking. |
| Auto mode | A classifier reviews permission prompts. |
| Bypass | Never asks. Use only in a sandbox. |
Press Shift+Tab to cycle modes.
Messages while the agent works
When the agent is running you can:
- Send and interrupt: stop the current turn and send your message.
- Send and steer: add your message to the running turn.
- Queue: send it when the turn ends.
Choose what Enter does in Settings → Chat → Default send. Cmd+Enter does the other action. Press Esc to interrupt the agent.
Permission prompts and questions
When the agent needs approval, a Permission Required card appears with Accept and Deny. When the agent asks a question, a question card lists the options; pick one or choose Other... and type an answer, then Submit.
Agents that need your input show Needs input in the sidebar, and the desktop app notifies you.
Agent tab menu
Open the menu on an agent tab to:
- Reload agent: restart the session to pick up new skills, MCP servers, or a new login. Do this after Zekoder updates its skills.
- Copy resume command: resume the same session in a terminal.
- Rename, close tabs, or move the tab between panes.
Type /clear to archive the agent and start a fresh one in the same tab, or /exit to archive it.
Subagents
Agents can start other agents. Zekoder workflow commands do this: a planner starts reviewers, a supervisor starts coding agents in worktrees. Subagents appear in the parent's Subagents list, where you can open, follow, or archive them.