Benchling AI agents can do more than answer questions — they can create entries, register entities, build automations, and take other actions on your behalf. Agent modes control what an agent is allowed to do in a given chat, and approvals give you a checkpoint to confirm before an agent takes an action.
This article explains the two agent modes, how approvals fit in, and how admins can control access.
The two agent modes
Every Benchling AI chat runs in one of two modes: Default and Full actions.
Default mode
Default is where new chats start unless specified otherwise. In Default mode, an agent can:
- Answer questions and do research (including web search and AI connectors)
- Create draft entries and canvases - you choose whether to save them
- Self-improve by writing skills or creating new agents
Default mode does not allow an agent to make changes directly to Benchling objects.
Full actions mode
Full actions mode lets an agent take any action you're personally permitted to take in Benchling, assuming Benchling AI supports that action. This includes writing directly to entries, registering entities, and other tasks that go beyond drafting.
When you're in Full actions mode, you'll see a persistent mode indicator in the chat window so it's always clear what the agent is allowed to do.
You can enter Full actions mode a few ways:
- Select it from the + menu when starting a new chat
- Click Allow when an agent asks to switch modes mid-chat
What is supported in Full actions mode
Benchling AI supports a growing set of actions that let agents complete tasks, not just answer questions. Some examples of what agents can currently do:
- Directly edit entries and create new entries
- Register entities
- Perform transfers
- Create plates
Admin-level tools, like creating or editing schemas, are also supported in Full actions mode, but always require your approval before the agent runs a plan that uses one.
We're adding new actions regularly, so this list will keep growing. The fastest way to find out what an agent can currently do is to just ask it. For example, try asking "What actions can you take?" directly in chat.
Approvals: how they work
Approvals are how Benchling AI asks for your confirmation before it takes an action. Where and how they appear depends on your mode.
Switching from Default into Full actions mode
If you ask an agent to do something in Default mode that requires more access — for example, editing an existing entry rather than drafting a new one — the agent will prompt you to approve the switch.
Clicking Allow moves your chat into Full actions mode and approves the agent to execute its proposed plan.
Note: Switch back to Default mode anytime by clicking the X on the Full actions chip, or by selecting Default mode from the Modes menu.
Approvals in Full actions mode
Once you're in Full actions mode, most actions happen without further approval. When you ask the agent to do something, it goes ahead and does it.
The exception is admin-level actions, such as creating or editing schemas. If a plan includes one of these actions, the agent will ask for your approval each time before executing it.
Note: This approval only covers the current plan. It does not carry forward to the next message you send or the next time the agent proposes a similar action, even in Full actions mode.
A quick summary
| Situation | What happens |
|---|---|
| In Default mode, agent needs to make a write | Prompts you to switch to Full actions mode |
| In Full actions mode, agent takes a standard action | No approval needed, proceeds automatically |
| In Full actions mode, agent needs to take an admin-level action | Always prompts for approval |
All actions an agent takes are captured in Benchling's audit log and version history, just like actions you take yourself.
Switching modes mid-chat
You can move between Default and Full actions mode at any point in a conversation. Full actions mode is marked with a persistent chip in the chat window so you never lose track of what mode the chat is in.
How are actions tracked?
Benchling AI writes are recorded in audit logs and version histories. See examples of what this looks like below.
In version history, you can see the latest version was edited via Benchling AI.
Benchling AI edits are captured as separate Clients in the rightmost columns of the audit log for objects they edit.
Admin controls
Admins manage who in their organization can use Full actions mode from the Tenant Admin Console, under Chat settings. Click show details under Chat to view the Full actions mode toggle.
- Admins can turn Full actions mode on or off for individual users.
- Everyone with access to Chat has access to Default mode (Full actions mode can't be granted without Default mode also being available)
- If Full actions mode is turned off for a user, their chats will only run in Default mode.