Module 1.2: Using Antigravity’s Interface

Reference Guide

• Time to Complete: 20-25 minutes
• Prerequisites: Antigravity installed (Module 0.1)

Start this module in Antigravity: Run /start-1-2 to begin the interactive lesson.

Overview

Antigravity provides an AI-powered Editor view as your main interface for working with files. Within the editor, you can switch between Fast mode (quick back-and-forth) and Planning mode (complex multi-step tasks with upfront planning). Learn when to use each mode and how to reference files with @ mentions.

Key takeaway: Fast mode for quick tasks, Planning mode for complex work requiring coordination across multiple files.

The Interface Layout

Antigravity’s workspace has three main areas:

• Left: File explorer (Cmd/Ctrl+B to toggle)
• Middle: Editor view (AI-powered editing interface where you work with Gemini)
• Right: Context panel (file references, suggestions, and planning)

You can also open a terminal at the bottom with Ctrl+` (backtick).

Editor View: Fast Mode vs Planning Mode

Editor View

What it does: The main AI-powered interface where you work with Gemini to edit files, write code, and create documentation.

How it works:

• Opens in the main editor area
• Shows diffs before applying changes
• Can work with single or multiple files
• Switches between Fast and Planning modes based on task complexity

Fast Mode

What it does: Quick back-and-forth conversation for simple, straightforward tasks. Think of it as rapid iteration with immediate feedback.

When to use:

• Quick edits to existing content
• Simple questions about code or files
• Fixing typos or rephrasing text
• Single-file changes
• Exploring ideas before committing

How it works:

• Immediate responses without upfront planning
• Best for tasks that can be completed in 1-3 steps
• Minimal overhead - just ask and get results
• Can reference files with @ mentions

Example tasks:

• “Fix the typo in this paragraph”
• “Explain what this function does”
• “Rephrase this section to be more concise”

Planning Mode

What it does: For complex tasks requiring multi-step coordination. Gemini creates an upfront plan before executing, ensuring all aspects are considered.

When to use:

• Writing PRDs, specs, or documentation from scratch
• Creating new features across multiple files
• Complex refactoring or restructuring
• Tasks requiring coordination between related files
• When you need to ensure nothing is missed

How it works:

• Gemini first creates a detailed plan
• You review and approve the plan
• Execution follows the approved plan
• Can edit multiple files in sequence
• Best for substantial, coordinated work

Example tasks:

• “Create a PRD for a new notifications feature”
• “Refactor the authentication system across all files”
• “Build a complete API specification with examples”

Quick Comparison Table

Referencing Files with @ Mentions

There are three ways to give Gemini context about files:

1. @ Mentions (Most Common)

Type @ in the editor input to bring up context options:

• @Files - Reference specific files (e.g., @PRD.md)
• @Folders - Reference entire folders (e.g., @company-context)
• @Web - Search the web for context
• @Code - Reference code symbols
• @Git - Reference Git commits or branches

Example: “Tell me about @COMPANY.md”

2. Drag Files

Click and drag files from the file explorer directly into the editor input box. Creates the same file reference as @ mentions.

When to use: When you’re already browsing files and prefer a visual approach.

3. “Add to Chat” (Specific Text)

Highlight text in the editor, then click “Add to Chat” button that appears. Use this for quoting specific sections, not entire files.

When to use: Referencing user feedback quotes, specific excerpts, or particular paragraphs.

Markdown Preview & Editing

Preview Mode: Press Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+V to toggle between raw Markdown and formatted preview.

WYSIWYG Editor (Optional):

1. Press Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+P → “Extensions: Install Extensions”
2. Search for “Markdown Editor” by zaaack
3. Install it
4. Use Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+Alt/Opt+M to edit Markdown like Google Docs

Note: WYSIWYG editor is optional - preview mode works fine for most PM work.

AI Model Selector

Located at the bottom of the Editor view. Click the dropdown to switch between Gemini models.

Recommendation: Use Gemini 3 Pro (High) for PM work. It’s the best balance of quality and speed. Since Antigravity is free, you’ll rarely hit any limits doing PRDs and documentation.

Mode Selection

Antigravity intelligently suggests which mode to use based on your request, but you can manually switch:

• Fast mode indicator: Lightning bolt icon
• Planning mode indicator: Checklist icon
• Switch modes: Click the mode indicator or use the mode selector in the editor

Keyboard Shortcuts

Troubleshooting

”I can’t see the Editor view”

Fix: Press Cmd/Ctrl+E to open the AI-powered editor.

”@ mentions aren’t showing up”

Fix: Make sure you’re typing in the editor input box (not a regular file). Type @ and wait a moment for the menu to appear.

”Markdown preview isn’t working”

Fix: Make sure you have a .md file open in the editor, then press Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+V. Only works with Markdown files.

”How do I know which mode I’m in?”

Fix: Look for the mode indicator at the top of the Editor view - lightning bolt for Fast mode, checklist for Planning mode.

Resources

Official:

• Antigravity - Official website
• Antigravity Docs - Official documentation
• Antigravity support - Community support and discussions

What’s Next?

Module 1.2 complete:

• ✅ Understand the interface layout
• ✅ Know when to use Fast mode vs Planning mode
• ✅ Can reference files with @ mentions
• ✅ Understand Markdown preview and editing

Next: Module 1.3 - First PM Task

You’ll use these interface skills to complete your first real PM task at TaskFlow.

Ready? Type /start-1-3 in a new Editor view.