Chat and Agent modes

Flux is an AI hardware engineer. Choose Agent for design work and Chat to discuss a project or review design information.

Choose a mode

Select Agent or Chat in the composer. You can also type /agent or /chat.

The composer includes Mode and Capability controls. Select a mode and a capability before you send a request.

Open a thread

Ask Flux to start a thread for a separate workstream.

Start a new thread to design the battery charger, and report back here when it is done.

Open a separate thread for the enclosure design. Keep this thread for the schematic.

Start one thread for the firmware and one thread for the motor bracket, and collect the results here.

Open the project and select Show Chat to talk with Flux and your project team. Select Show All Threads to open the thread sidebar, then select New Thread to start a conversation. Enter a request in the composer or select a thread in the sidebar to continue a conversation.

Each thread keeps its messages and design work together. Select a thread in the sidebar to read its messages, progress, and results. For work across separate threads, see Parallel threads.

Ask about a selection

Ask Flux about a selected component, pin, net, or mechanical feature.

Explain what U3 does in this circuit.

Recommend a replacement for the selected regulator with a higher current rating.

Compare the selected components and list their main electrical differences.

Check whether the mounting hole in the selected bracket fits an M4 fastener and has enough edge clearance.

In the schematic or PCB editor, right-click a component, pin, net, or empty area of the canvas. Open the Agent submenu and select an action, such as Explain, Compare Components, Recommend replacement, Find Issues, or Run ERC/DRC Checks. Flux starts a thread with the selected prompt.

Ask Flux about Flux

Ask Flux a question about a Flux feature or workflow.

Learn a feature

How do I use layout rules for this PCB?

How do I place a via in a routed board?

How do I export my design for manufacturing?

Troubleshoot a design

How do I resolve these DRC findings?

Why does this trace stop before it reaches the pad?

What does this error message mean?

Find information

Which file formats can I import into Flux?

Where do I set impedance for a routed trace?

What keyboard shortcuts can I use in Flux?

Flux searches the Flux documentation and answers with a summary and links to relevant pages. Ask a direct question and include the feature name, file type, or error message that you need help with. Use natural language. Ask a documentation question and make a design request in the same chat.

Chat mode

Use Chat to discuss the project, ask questions, review design information, and plan work. Flux can read the project, explain its schematic and PCB, summarize project documents, and answer engineering questions.

Agent mode

Use Agent to ask Flux to complete design work. Flux works across the project's electronics, firmware, mechanical design, wire harnesses, simulation, and manufacturing.

Schematic

Add, edit, and remove components.
Connect or disconnect pins, mark pins as no-connect, and create, rename, or remove nets.
Arrange the schematic, draw wires, and update component and net properties.
Review electrical design checks.

PCB

Set up the board, stack-up, and layout rules.
Place components automatically or in groups.
Route the whole board or the nets you name, tune pairs and lengths, and edit routes. Flux asks before it changes your copper or rules.
Clean up the layout and review design checks.

Parts

Search for parts and compare options.
Review part properties and datasheets.
Create components, import part files, and publish parts.

Mechanical design

Create parts and assemblies around the board and its components.
Align mounting holes, connectors, and enclosure openings with the board.
Design brackets, mounts, and other mechanical parts.
Update imported 3D parts and check fit between components and the board.
Check clearance between mechanical parts and board components.

Firmware

Write firmware for the device.
Update firmware when the board or pin assignments change.
Create firmware tests and documentation.
Learn about firmware workflows, from writing source to board bring-up.

Research and simulation

Research parts, materials, and engineering requirements.
Run circuit, electromagnetic, thermal, flow, and motion analyses.
Compare results with the design requirements.

Projects

Rename projects and update project descriptions and properties.
Create project documents and manage project assets.
Review project changes and restore an earlier version.
Work across projects and collect results in the project conversation.

Manufacturing

Prepare fabrication files and bills of materials.
Get PCB and 3D-printing quotes and place orders.

Larger jobs

Plan and complete long, multi-step design work.
Work across threads and post progress updates.
Collect results from related workstreams and review design choices.

Composer controls

Use the composer controls to choose the mode, capability, and model for a request. The AI Integrations control opens connected integrations. Select Manage integrations to connect an integration or add a custom MCP server.

Slash commands

Type / in the composer to open the Commands list. Select a command or type it directly:

/new starts a new thread.
/agent selects Agent mode.
/chat selects Chat mode.
/model opens model selection.
/stop stops the current run.
/attach attaches a file.
/mcp opens the AI integrations menu.

For model choices, see Model selection. For work across threads, see Parallel threads. For files and interactive pages, see Project files. To let Flux call your distributors, PLM, device clouds, and other web APIs with your keys, see Integrations and secrets.

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