Ask and Edit mode

Silktide Agent has two modes. Ask mode is read-only. Edit mode allows supported actions that change account data. The Agent starts in Ask mode.

Why there are two modes

The separation makes your intent explicit. You can investigate, compare, and plan without accidentally changing the account, then deliberately choose Edit mode when you are ready for the Agent to act.

Ask mode remains useful even when Edit mode is unavailable. It can explain results, query permitted data, create charts and tables, navigate to screens, inspect evidence, and propose what to do next.

Account and user configuration

AI features are opt-in for the whole account. Account administrators configure two separate switches on the AI screen:

• Enable Silktide Agent allows permitted users to ask questions, but the Agent cannot perform actions with a persistent effect.
• Enable Agent edit actions allows eligible users to ask the Agent to make supported changes.

Users also have separate permissions to use the Agent and to use AI Edit mode. Both permissions are granted to all users by default once the account enables the corresponding features. Administrators can create more restrictive access through Roles.

Ask mode

Ask mode is appropriate when you want the Agent to:

• Explain a score, issue, chart, page, or document.
• Find and summarize permitted account information.
• Investigate website or analytics data.
• Compare options or prepare a plan.
• Navigate to the relevant screen or result.

Ask mode cannot make supported changes to account data. If a request needs a change, the Agent can explain that Edit mode is required and ask you to switch.

Edit mode

Edit mode allows supported actions such as creating websites, starting tests, managing users or roles, applying tags, creating custom checks, and turning a conversation into a task.

Choose Edit from the mode selector beside the Agent message box. You can switch back to Ask mode whenever you want. Selecting Edit mode does not grant any new permissions.

How Edit mode is enabled

Five conditions must be satisfied:

1. Silktide Agent is available for the account.
2. An account administrator enables at least one AI provider on the AI screen.
3. An account administrator enables Silktide Agent.
4. An account administrator separately enables Agent edit actions.
5. The user's role includes permission to use the Agent and permission to use AI Edit mode.

If any condition is missing, Edit mode is disabled and Silktide explains what needs to be enabled.

Product permissions still apply

Edit mode is an additional safety gate, not a replacement for normal permissions. The Agent follows the signed-in user's access.

For example, someone permitted to use Edit mode still cannot manage users unless their role also permits user administration. The same principle applies to websites, roles, settings, checks, tasks, and other account data.

Supported and approved actions

Edit mode does not give the Agent unrestricted control. It can only perform actions Silktide supports, and each action is checked against account configuration and user permissions.

The Agent may ask for missing details or confirmation before continuing. Review important changes and verify the result, especially for bulk administration, custom checks, and externally connected tasks.

Review AI output

AI can be wrong or incomplete. Review proposed actions, accessibility judgments, summaries, and generated content before relying on them. Deterministic validation and human review remain important for high-impact work.