Lovable has two modes and picking the right one is the single biggest lever on your speed. Default mode edits code. Chat mode discusses, plans, and answers questions without touching any files.
/When to use each
- 01Chat first: Any time your request is larger than one screen of work, or you're not sure how something should be structured.
- 02Default second: Once you know exactly what page, component, or change you want, switch to Default and ship it.
- 03Chat to debug: If a build goes wrong, Chat mode is the fastest way to diagnose — it can read logs and files without making edits.
- 04Chat to learn: Ask "what does this file do?" or "why did you use useEffect here?" — Chat is a patient teacher.
/A typical flow
text
1. Chat: "I want a two-step signup with email verification. What's the plan?"
2. Chat: (Lovable proposes files, routes, and DB tables. You refine.)
(Chat can present the plan visually so you can approve it.)
3. Default: "Great — build step 1 as planned."
4. Default: "Build step 2."
5. Chat: "Anything missing before I publish?"The switch
You can flip between modes mid-conversation. Chat remembers what Default just built and vice versa.