Agent modes and approvals

Agent modes control what Agent can do in your workbook. Use them to decide whether Agent should only review content, ask before edits, or work with fewer interruptions.

Agent mode selector

Choose the mode before you start a task. If you are unsure, start in read-only mode and switch only when you want Agent to edit the workbook.

Read-only mode

Use read-only mode when you want Agent to review, summarize, explain, search, or compare workbook content without changing anything.

Good uses include:

• Summarizing a workbook or sheet.

• Explaining formulas and calculation flow.

• Searching for values, links, named ranges, or references.

• Reviewing a model for issues.

• Comparing workbook versions.

• Using an attachment as background for analysis.

Read-only mode is the safest choice for audits, first-pass reviews, and exploratory questions.

Ask for edit mode

Use Ask for edit mode when you want Agent to make changes, but you want to approve them first. Agent may show an approval prompt before it edits workbook content or saved instructions.

Good uses include:

• Writing values or formulas.

• Clearing or copying ranges.

• Formatting cells.

• Adding, renaming, or deleting sheets.

• Creating or updating pivot tables.

• Creating or editing Skills.

This mode is a good default for workbook changes because it gives you a review point before content is modified.

Agent mode

Use Agent mode when you want Agent to work with fewer interruptions. This is best for trusted tasks where you have already described the result clearly and the workbook risk is low.

Review the workbook after important changes, especially if the task affects formulas, model logic, hidden sheets, linked workbooks, or large ranges.

Approval prompts

When Agent needs permission, it may show an approval prompt with details about the action. Review the prompt before approving.

You can usually choose to:

• Approve the action.

• Reject the action.

• Skip the action.

If the prompt is unclear, reject or skip it and ask Agent to explain what it planned to do. A clear approval prompt should make the affected workbook area and action understandable.

Replacing existing content

Agent is designed to avoid replacing existing workbook content by accident. If an edit would replace filled cells, Agent may stop and ask for confirmation.

If you want Agent to replace existing content, say so clearly. For example:

Replace the existing summary table on Summary!A1:F20 with the new version.

If you do not want replacement, say that too:

Do not overwrite existing cells. If the target range is not empty, stop and ask me first.

Best practices

• Use read-only mode for review and exploration.

• Use Ask for edit mode for workbook changes.

• Approve only actions you understand.

• Ask for a preview before large edits.

• Save a copy of important workbooks before major changes.

• Ask Agent to re-read changed ranges and summarize what changed.

For AI usage and review guidance, see AI Guidelines.