Your first session
Give the agent a task, choose how it works, and approve what it does.
A session is one conversation with the agent about one piece of work. Start one with New session (⌘ N) and pick the project it should work in.
Shortcuts on this page use ⌘. On Windows and Linux, use Ctrl.
Describe the task
Type what you want in the composer: "What should we build in…". Be specific about the outcome, and mention the files or behaviour that matter.
The composer understands three triggers:
| Type | What it does |
|---|---|
@ | Mention a file or folder to give the agent that context. |
$ | Use a skill. |
/ | Run a command. |
Built-in commands
| Command | What it does |
|---|---|
/plan | Switch to plan mode. |
/review | Review the current changes. |
/model | Change the model. |
/compact | Summarize the conversation to free up context. |
/fork | Continue this session in a new branch of the conversation. |
/subagents | See subagents working on this session. |
/fast | Toggle fast mode. |
/status | Show the session's status. |
/automation | Turn this task into an automation. |
/computer-use | Let the agent use your computer. See Computer use. |
/feedback | Send feedback to the Hull team. |
The + button in the composer adds files and folders, attaches a window, and turns on plan mode, fast mode or computer use. You can also dictate with the microphone button.
Choose the agent and model
- Agent: the picker under the composer sets how the agent works. Code is the default. Press ⌘ . to cycle agents. See Agents.
- Model and reasoning: choose a model, or leave it on Auto to let Hull pick per step. Set Effort for how much the model reasons. Open it with ⌘ ⇧ M.
The meter next to the composer shows how much of the model's context the session is using.
Decide what the agent may do
The permissions picker sets how much the agent can do without asking:
| Mode | Behaviour |
|---|---|
| Ask for approval | The agent asks before editing files or running commands. |
| Approve for me | Hull answers approval requests on your behalf. |
| Full access | The agent acts without asking. |
When the agent asks, choose Approve once, Always allow this session, Decline, or Cancel turn.
While it works
You can keep typing while the agent works. By default your message is queued and sent when the agent finishes. Choose Steer on a queued message to send it right away, so the agent takes it into account at its next step. Change the default in Settings › General › While the agent is working.