Guides
Optimizing model usage
Match the chat mode and model strength to the work, keep context focused, and use your provider's own dashboard as the source of truth for limits and billing.
Choose the right chat mode
Build New
The recommended ECC workflow for API models and subscription agents. Use it for new features, integrations, and changes that benefit from planning, implementation, and verification.
Build
Direct agent coding for debugging and manual iteration. It is useful when you want the selected subscription agent to work more directly.
Simple
Classic code generation and edits. Use it for focused changes that do not need the full Build New workflow.
Ask
Ask questions about the app without starting a normal code-building workflow.
Build with MCP
A build mode that can use enabled tools from configured Model Context Protocol servers.
Configure MCP servers and permissions under Settings → Tools (MCP). See the modes and context guide for tool permissions and optional context features.
Match model effort to the task
- Use the default or a faster model/reasoning option for copy changes, styling tweaks, and narrow follow-ups.
- Move to a stronger model or higher reasoning option for architecture, difficult bugs, database work, integrations, or broad refactors.
- Keep related follow-ups in the same chat when context is still useful. Start a new chat when the goal changes substantially.
- Give specific file, screen, and acceptance details. Clear scope prevents unnecessary exploration and repeated generations.
Control context
Large codebases can consume substantial context before a response begins. Smart Context, where available for your selected access path, finds relevant files instead of sending the entire project. You can also use the context-files control to include important files explicitly and remove unrelated ones.
Learn about balanced and deep context options at Smart Context .
Do not plan around a fixed free quota
Providers and subscription agents can change prices, rate limits, model access, reset schedules, and free-tier eligibility at any time. Limits can also differ by account, plan, region, model, and whether billing is enabled. Check the usage and billing dashboard for the exact provider or subscription agent you selected.
When you hit a usage limit
- Read the complete error. Distinguish a rate or usage limit from an invalid key, expired sign-in, unavailable model, or billing error.
- Open the selected provider's usage dashboard, or the subscription agent's account dashboard, to confirm the limit and reset time.
- Wait for the stated reset, enable billing or adjust the plan if appropriate, or select another configured model or access path.
- If credentials expired, return to Subscription Agents or Model Providers in Settings and sign in or save the key again.
The rate-limit troubleshooting guide covers common recovery steps.