# Tools
URL: /en-US/docs/agent/tools

Tools the agent can call. Some appear only when the model, slot, or mode qualifies.



These tools operate on the workspace you opened. Ask mode can read and search; it cannot create, edit, delete, apply patches, run `shell`, or generate images or videos.

| Tool              | Role                                                                                                                                                            |
| ----------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `read_file`       | Read a file, or read images and videos                                                                                                                          |
| `create_file`     | Create a file                                                                                                                                                   |
| `edit_file`       | Edit an existing file                                                                                                                                           |
| `delete_file`     | Delete a file                                                                                                                                                   |
| `apply_patch`     | Exposed when the model and transport are eligible (for example an OpenAI-provider GPT model); replaces `create_file` / `edit_file` / `delete_file` on that path |
| `glob`            | Find paths by glob (respects `.gitignore`)                                                                                                                      |
| `grep`            | Search file contents (respects `.gitignore`)                                                                                                                    |
| `ls`              | List one directory, not recursive. Path must be absolute                                                                                                        |
| `shell`           | Run a command with `reason` and `command`. Ask mode cannot call it                                                                                              |
| `web_fetch`       | Fetch an `http` or `https` URL and return Markdown. A host tool, not provider search                                                                            |
| `web_search`      | Exposed when the current model provider supports web search. Returns titles, URLs, and snippets                                                                 |
| `generate_image`  | Exposed after you assign an image model in **Settings → Models**. Generates one image. Ask mode cannot call it                                                  |
| `generate_video`  | Exposed after you assign a video model in **Settings → Models**. Generates a short video. Ask mode cannot call it                                               |
| `get_diagnostics` | Exposed when a language server is ready. Pass paths; returns errors and warnings. Ask mode can use it                                                           |
| `ask_questions`   | Structured questions; the turn waits until you answer. See [Ask questions](./ask-questions.mdx)                                                                 |
| `subagent`        | Delegate a scoped task to a child session. See [Subagents](./subagents.mdx)                                                                                     |
| `create_plan`     | Plan mode only. Writes `plans/{name}.md`. See [Modes](./modes.mdx)                                                                                              |
| `todo_list`       | List todos for the current session                                                                                                                              |
| `todo_write`      | Replace the full todo list for the current session                                                                                                              |
| `finish_task`     | Exposed only when [Loop](./loop.mdx) is on. Marks the current task complete                                                                                     |
| `dream_list`      | When [Dreams](../customize/dreams.mdx) is available on Desktop, list non-expired summaries for the current workspace and branch                                 |
| `dream_read`      | Read one full dream by id. Write tools belong to the background collector, not the conversation                                                                 |

Edits and deletes wait for [approval](./approvals.mdx) on the default level. `shell` waits too.

Configured [MCP](../customize/mcp.mdx) servers and extensions add more tools to the same list.