The Dial

The Dial controls how hard Amp works on a task. Choose a mode based on how much the agent needs to figure out, not on which model happens to be behind it.

Amp's mode picker in the web app showing the Dial and the low, medium, high, and ultra modes

Choose a Mode

  • low is for small, well-defined tasks. Use it when you know exactly what you want, such as a focused bug fix, test, or refactor.
  • medium is the default for most work. Use it for messy or multi-part tasks where Amp needs to fill in some of the steps.
  • high is for hard tasks where a subtle miss would be expensive. It spends more time reasoning and usually produces a result that is closer to review-ready.
  • ultra is for hard, open-ended work where the outcome is clear but the path is not. Use it for migrations, architecture, and changes that cross many files or systems.

Starting too low can cost more if you need several attempts. Starting too high can waste time and credits on a simple change. Start with medium, turn it down when the task is clear, and turn it up when a miss costs more than the wait.

In the CLI, press Ctrl+S to turn the Dial. You can also open the command palette with

Ctrl+O and type `mode`. Amp's mode dial in the CLI showing low, medium, high, and ultra

Models Behind the Dial

Amp chooses the model, reasoning effort, system prompt, tools, and oracle for each mode. That routing changes as models improve, but the meaning of each position on the Dial stays the same. See Modes & Models for the current model behind each mode.

Amp may customize the main-agent and Oracle routing based on connected model provider subscriptions, workspace restrictions, and model availability.

Every mode has an oracle that the main agent can consult for a second opinion. The more capable modes can pair different frontier models so one model can review the other’s reasoning.

Use a ChatGPT Subscription

When you link a ChatGPT subscription, low, medium, and high use OpenAI models for the main agent, oracle, thread reader, and code review. That usage is billed to your ChatGPT subscription instead of Amp credits.

ultra does not change. It uses Amp credits so it can run the strongest model Amp has selected for the hardest tasks. If you do not link a subscription, all modes continue to use Amp’s standard model routing and billing.

Custom Modes

Plugins can add custom agent modes with their own model, prompt, tools, and display settings. Custom modes appear next to Amp’s built-in modes in the picker.

Read The Dial and A Dial for You for the original announcements.