# Switch an agent node to chat mode

Use an in-app conversation on an agent node and return to its terminal when needed.

Chat mode gives you a person-to-agent conversation on an agent node alongside its terminal view. Switch between the two faces from the node or the command palette.

## Open chat

1. Select a running agent node.
2. Choose **Chat** on its node bar or in its context menu.
3. Type into the chat composer and send your message.
4. To return to the process view, choose **Terminal view** on the node or from the palette.

> **Tip:** The palette includes **Chat mode** and **Terminal view** actions for the selected agent.

> **Limit:** Shells, draft nodes, and remote nodes do not support chat mode. The `mao say` command sends to the current node and requires its chat mode to be open.

Source: https://trymao.dev/docs/chat-mode-threads/framed-chat