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The Begin AI assistant-mode menu with Fast, Smart and Custom choices The Begin AI assistant-mode menu with Fast, Smart and Custom choices Choose Assistant mode in the composer before you send a request. Fast is the default for everyday work, Smart favours capability for harder reasoning, and Custom lets you pick one supported model and effort level.
The Begin AI Assistant mode menu showing Fast, Smart and CustomThe Begin AI Assistant mode menu showing Fast, Smart and Custom

Assistant mode describes the trade-off before you choose it.

Choose for the work ahead

The mode changes how Begin AI handles the request, not what workspace data it can see. Your role and the workspace’s Begin AI switch still set that boundary.

Set a model and effort

Choose Custom, then use the model pill that appears beside it. Models are grouped by provider in the picker. The available catalogue can change, so choose by the capability you need rather than relying on one model always being present.
A Custom Begin AI composer with the supported-model menu open and a High effort controlA Custom Begin AI composer with the supported-model menu open and a High effort control

Custom adds a model picker and, when supported, an effort control to the composer.

Models that support effort offer Low, Medium, High and Max. Higher effort gives the model more room to reason and normally uses more time and AI tokens. A model without that capability shows no effort control. Custom selects from Begin’s supported catalogue. It does not connect your own model account or API key.

Know where the choice applies

The mode applies when you send the next message. Begin remembers your latest assistant selection for this workspace in this browser. Another workspace, browser or device keeps its own choice.

Next

Asking questions

Send a clear request with the right period and measure.

Using skills in a chat

Add reusable instructions before sending.

Still need help?

Contact support

Email the Begin team and we’ll get back to you.

Ask Begin AI

Open the AI assistant and get instant answers based on these docs.