feat: implement plan approval functionality in board view

- Introduced PlanApprovalDialog for reviewing and approving feature plans.
- Added state management for pending plan approvals and loading states.
- Enhanced BoardView to handle plan approval actions, including approve and reject functionalities.
- Updated KanbanCard and KanbanBoard components to include buttons for viewing and approving plans.
- Integrated plan approval logic into the auto mode service, allowing for user feedback and plan edits.
- Updated app state to manage default plan approval settings and integrate with existing feature workflows.

apps/app/src/components/views/board-view.tsx

@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ import {
   EditFeatureDialog,
   FeatureSuggestionsDialog,
   FollowUpDialog,
+  PlanApprovalDialog,
 } from "./board-view/dialogs";
 import { COLUMNS } from "./board-view/constants";
 import {
@@ -56,6 +57,9 @@ export function BoardView() {
     setKanbanCardDetailLevel,
     specCreatingForProject,
     setSpecCreatingForProject,
+    pendingPlanApproval,
+    setPendingPlanApproval,
+    updateFeature,
   } = useAppStore();
   const shortcuts = useKeyboardShortcutsConfig();
   const {
@@ -80,6 +84,8 @@ export function BoardView() {
   const [showCompletedModal, setShowCompletedModal] = useState(false);
   const [deleteCompletedFeature, setDeleteCompletedFeature] =
     useState<Feature | null>(null);
+  // State for viewing plan in read-only mode
+  const [viewPlanFeature, setViewPlanFeature] = useState<Feature | null>(null);
 
   // Follow-up state hook
   const {
@@ -111,6 +117,8 @@ export function BoardView() {
   } = useSuggestionsState();
   // Search filter for Kanban cards
   const [searchQuery, setSearchQuery] = useState("");
+  // Plan approval loading state
+  const [isPlanApprovalLoading, setIsPlanApprovalLoading] = useState(false);
   // Derive spec creation state from store - check if current project is the one being created
   const isCreatingSpec = specCreatingForProject === currentProject?.path;
   const creatingSpecProjectPath = specCreatingForProject ?? undefined;
@@ -297,6 +305,130 @@ export function BoardView() {
     currentProject,
   });
 
+  // Find feature for pending plan approval
+  const pendingApprovalFeature = useMemo(() => {
+    if (!pendingPlanApproval) return null;
+    return hookFeatures.find((f) => f.id === pendingPlanApproval.featureId) || null;
+  }, [pendingPlanApproval, hookFeatures]);
+
+  // Handle plan approval
+  const handlePlanApprove = useCallback(
+    async (editedPlan?: string) => {
+      if (!pendingPlanApproval || !currentProject) return;
+
+      const featureId = pendingPlanApproval.featureId;
+      setIsPlanApprovalLoading(true);
+      try {
+        const api = getElectronAPI();
+        if (!api?.autoMode?.approvePlan) {
+          throw new Error("Plan approval API not available");
+        }
+
+        const result = await api.autoMode.approvePlan(
+          pendingPlanApproval.projectPath,
+          pendingPlanApproval.featureId,
+          true,
+          editedPlan
+        );
+
+        if (result.success) {
+          // Immediately update local feature state to hide "Approve Plan" button
+          // Get current feature to preserve version
+          const currentFeature = hookFeatures.find(f => f.id === featureId);
+          updateFeature(featureId, {
+            planSpec: {
+              status: 'approved',
+              content: editedPlan || pendingPlanApproval.planContent,
+              version: currentFeature?.planSpec?.version || 1,
+              approvedAt: new Date().toISOString(),
+              reviewedByUser: true,
+            },
+          });
+          // Reload features from server to ensure sync
+          loadFeatures();
+        } else {
+          console.error("[Board] Failed to approve plan:", result.error);
+        }
+      } catch (error) {
+        console.error("[Board] Error approving plan:", error);
+      } finally {
+        setIsPlanApprovalLoading(false);
+        setPendingPlanApproval(null);
+      }
+    },
+    [pendingPlanApproval, currentProject, setPendingPlanApproval, updateFeature, loadFeatures, hookFeatures]
+  );
+
+  // Handle plan rejection
+  const handlePlanReject = useCallback(
+    async (feedback?: string) => {
+      if (!pendingPlanApproval || !currentProject) return;
+
+      const featureId = pendingPlanApproval.featureId;
+      setIsPlanApprovalLoading(true);
+      try {
+        const api = getElectronAPI();
+        if (!api?.autoMode?.approvePlan) {
+          throw new Error("Plan approval API not available");
+        }
+
+        const result = await api.autoMode.approvePlan(
+          pendingPlanApproval.projectPath,
+          pendingPlanApproval.featureId,
+          false,
+          undefined,
+          feedback
+        );
+
+        if (result.success) {
+          // Immediately update local feature state
+          // Get current feature to preserve version
+          const currentFeature = hookFeatures.find(f => f.id === featureId);
+          updateFeature(featureId, {
+            status: 'backlog',
+            planSpec: {
+              status: 'rejected',
+              content: pendingPlanApproval.planContent,
+              version: currentFeature?.planSpec?.version || 1,
+              reviewedByUser: true,
+            },
+          });
+          // Reload features from server to ensure sync
+          loadFeatures();
+        } else {
+          console.error("[Board] Failed to reject plan:", result.error);
+        }
+      } catch (error) {
+        console.error("[Board] Error rejecting plan:", error);
+      } finally {
+        setIsPlanApprovalLoading(false);
+        setPendingPlanApproval(null);
+      }
+    },
+    [pendingPlanApproval, currentProject, setPendingPlanApproval, updateFeature, loadFeatures, hookFeatures]
+  );
+
+  // Handle opening approval dialog from feature card button
+  const handleOpenApprovalDialog = useCallback(
+    (feature: Feature) => {
+      if (!feature.planSpec?.content || !currentProject) return;
+
+      // Determine the planning mode for approval (skip should never have a plan requiring approval)
+      const mode = feature.planningMode;
+      const approvalMode: "lite" | "spec" | "full" =
+        mode === 'lite' || mode === 'spec' || mode === 'full' ? mode : 'spec';
+
+      // Re-open the approval dialog with the feature's plan data
+      setPendingPlanApproval({
+        featureId: feature.id,
+        projectPath: currentProject.path,
+        planContent: feature.planSpec.content,
+        planningMode: approvalMode,
+      });
+    },
+    [currentProject, setPendingPlanApproval]
+  );
+
   if (!currentProject) {
     return (
       <div
@@ -387,6 +519,8 @@ export function BoardView() {
           onMerge={handleMergeFeature}
           onComplete={handleCompleteFeature}
           onImplement={handleStartImplementation}
+          onViewPlan={(feature) => setViewPlanFeature(feature)}
+          onApprovePlan={handleOpenApprovalDialog}
           featuresWithContext={featuresWithContext}
           runningAutoTasks={runningAutoTasks}
           shortcuts={shortcuts}
@@ -494,6 +628,34 @@ export function BoardView() {
         isGenerating={isGeneratingSuggestions}
         setIsGenerating={setIsGeneratingSuggestions}
       />
+
+      {/* Plan Approval Dialog */}
+      <PlanApprovalDialog
+        open={pendingPlanApproval !== null}
+        onOpenChange={(open) => {
+          if (!open) {
+            setPendingPlanApproval(null);
+          }
+        }}
+        feature={pendingApprovalFeature}
+        planContent={pendingPlanApproval?.planContent || ""}
+        onApprove={handlePlanApprove}
+        onReject={handlePlanReject}
+        isLoading={isPlanApprovalLoading}
+      />
+
+      {/* View Plan Dialog (read-only) */}
+      {viewPlanFeature && viewPlanFeature.planSpec?.content && (
+        <PlanApprovalDialog
+          open={true}
+          onOpenChange={(open) => !open && setViewPlanFeature(null)}
+          feature={viewPlanFeature}
+          planContent={viewPlanFeature.planSpec.content}
+          onApprove={() => setViewPlanFeature(null)}
+          onReject={() => setViewPlanFeature(null)}
+          viewOnly={true}
+        />
+      )}
     </div>
   );
 }

apps/app/src/components/views/board-view/components/kanban-card.tsx

@@ -107,6 +107,8 @@ interface KanbanCardProps {
   onMerge?: () => void;
   onImplement?: () => void;
   onComplete?: () => void;
+  onViewPlan?: () => void;
+  onApprovePlan?: () => void;
   hasContext?: boolean;
   isCurrentAutoTask?: boolean;
   shortcutKey?: string;
@@ -134,6 +136,8 @@ export const KanbanCard = memo(function KanbanCard({
   onMerge,
   onImplement,
   onComplete,
+  onViewPlan,
+  onApprovePlan,
   hasContext,
   isCurrentAutoTask,
   shortcutKey,
@@ -858,14 +862,31 @@ export const KanbanCard = memo(function KanbanCard({
         )}
 
         {/* Actions */}
-        <div className="flex gap-1.5">
+        <div className="flex flex-wrap gap-1.5">
           {isCurrentAutoTask && (
             <>
+              {/* Approve Plan button - PRIORITY: shows even when agent is "running" (paused for approval) */}
+              {feature.planSpec?.status === 'generated' && onApprovePlan && (
+                <Button
+                  variant="default"
+                  size="sm"
+                  className="flex-1 min-w-0 h-7 text-[11px] bg-purple-600 hover:bg-purple-700 text-white animate-pulse"
+                  onClick={(e) => {
+                    e.stopPropagation();
+                    onApprovePlan();
+                  }}
+                  onPointerDown={(e) => e.stopPropagation()}
+                  data-testid={`approve-plan-running-${feature.id}`}
+                >
+                  <FileText className="w-3 h-3 mr-1 shrink-0" />
+                  <span className="truncate">Approve Plan</span>
+                </Button>
+              )}
               {onViewOutput && (
                 <Button
                   variant="default"
                   size="sm"
-                  className="flex-1 h-7 text-[11px] bg-[var(--status-info)] hover:bg-[var(--status-info)]/90"
+                  className="flex-1 min-w-0 h-7 text-[11px] bg-[var(--status-info)] hover:bg-[var(--status-info)]/90"
                   onClick={(e) => {
                     e.stopPropagation();
                     onViewOutput();
@@ -873,11 +894,11 @@ export const KanbanCard = memo(function KanbanCard({
                   onPointerDown={(e) => e.stopPropagation()}
                   data-testid={`view-output-${feature.id}`}
                 >
-                  <FileText className="w-3 h-3 mr-1" />
+                  <FileText className="w-3 h-3 mr-1 shrink-0" />
-                  Logs
+                  <span className="truncate">Logs</span>
                   {shortcutKey && (
                     <span
-                      className="ml-1.5 px-1 py-0.5 text-[9px] font-mono rounded bg-white/20"
+                      className="ml-1.5 px-1 py-0.5 text-[9px] font-mono rounded bg-white/20 shrink-0"
                       data-testid={`shortcut-key-${feature.id}`}
                     >
                       {shortcutKey}
@@ -889,7 +910,7 @@ export const KanbanCard = memo(function KanbanCard({
                 <Button
                   variant="destructive"
                   size="sm"
-                  className="h-7 text-[11px] px-2"
+                  className="h-7 text-[11px] px-2 shrink-0"
                   onClick={(e) => {
                     e.stopPropagation();
                     onForceStop();
@@ -904,6 +925,23 @@ export const KanbanCard = memo(function KanbanCard({
           )}
           {!isCurrentAutoTask && feature.status === "in_progress" && (
             <>
+              {/* Approve Plan button - shows when plan is generated and waiting for approval */}
+              {feature.planSpec?.status === 'generated' && onApprovePlan && (
+                <Button
+                  variant="default"
+                  size="sm"
+                  className="flex-1 h-7 text-[11px] bg-purple-600 hover:bg-purple-700 text-white animate-pulse"
+                  onClick={(e) => {
+                    e.stopPropagation();
+                    onApprovePlan();
+                  }}
+                  onPointerDown={(e) => e.stopPropagation()}
+                  data-testid={`approve-plan-${feature.id}`}
+                >
+                  <FileText className="w-3 h-3 mr-1" />
+                  Approve Plan
+                </Button>
+              )}
               {feature.skipTests && onManualVerify ? (
                 <Button
                   variant="default"
@@ -1099,6 +1137,22 @@ export const KanbanCard = memo(function KanbanCard({
                 <Edit className="w-3 h-3 mr-1" />
                 Edit
               </Button>
+              {feature.planSpec?.content && onViewPlan && (
+                <Button
+                  variant="outline"
+                  size="sm"
+                  className="h-7 text-xs px-2"
+                  onClick={(e) => {
+                    e.stopPropagation();
+                    onViewPlan();
+                  }}
+                  onPointerDown={(e) => e.stopPropagation()}
+                  data-testid={`view-plan-${feature.id}`}
+                  title="View Plan"
+                >
+                  <Eye className="w-3 h-3" />
+                </Button>
+              )}
               {onImplement && (
                 <Button
                   variant="default"

apps/app/src/components/views/board-view/dialogs/add-feature-dialog.tsx

@@ -60,6 +60,7 @@ interface AddFeatureDialogProps {
     thinkingLevel: ThinkingLevel;
     priority: number;
     planningMode: PlanningMode;
+    requirePlanApproval: boolean;
   }) => void;
   categorySuggestions: string[];
   defaultSkipTests: boolean;
@@ -96,9 +97,10 @@ export function AddFeatureDialog({
   const [isEnhancing, setIsEnhancing] = useState(false);
   const [enhancementMode, setEnhancementMode] = useState<'improve' | 'technical' | 'simplify' | 'acceptance'>('improve');
   const [planningMode, setPlanningMode] = useState<PlanningMode>('skip');
+  const [requirePlanApproval, setRequirePlanApproval] = useState(false);
 
   // Get enhancement model and default planning mode from store
-  const { enhancementModel, defaultPlanningMode } = useAppStore();
+  const { enhancementModel, defaultPlanningMode, defaultRequirePlanApproval } = useAppStore();
 
   // Sync defaults when dialog opens
   useEffect(() => {
@@ -108,8 +110,9 @@ export function AddFeatureDialog({
         skipTests: defaultSkipTests,
       }));
       setPlanningMode(defaultPlanningMode);
+      setRequirePlanApproval(defaultRequirePlanApproval);
     }
-  }, [open, defaultSkipTests, defaultPlanningMode]);
+  }, [open, defaultSkipTests, defaultPlanningMode, defaultRequirePlanApproval]);
 
   const handleAdd = () => {
     if (!newFeature.description.trim()) {
@@ -134,6 +137,7 @@ export function AddFeatureDialog({
       thinkingLevel: normalizedThinking,
       priority: newFeature.priority,
       planningMode,
+      requirePlanApproval,
     });
 
     // Reset form
@@ -149,6 +153,7 @@ export function AddFeatureDialog({
       thinkingLevel: "none",
     });
     setPlanningMode(defaultPlanningMode);
+    setRequirePlanApproval(defaultRequirePlanApproval);
     setNewFeaturePreviewMap(new Map());
     setShowAdvancedOptions(false);
     setDescriptionError(false);
@@ -408,6 +413,8 @@ export function AddFeatureDialog({
             <PlanningModeSelector
               mode={planningMode}
               onModeChange={setPlanningMode}
+              requireApproval={requirePlanApproval}
+              onRequireApprovalChange={setRequirePlanApproval}
               featureDescription={newFeature.description}
               testIdPrefix="add-feature"
               compact

apps/app/src/components/views/board-view/dialogs/agent-output-modal.tsx

@@ -187,6 +187,36 @@ export function AgentOutputModal({
 
           newContent = prepContent;
           break;
+        case "planning_started":
+          // Show when planning mode begins
+          if ("mode" in event && "message" in event) {
+            const modeLabel =
+              event.mode === "lite"
+                ? "Lite"
+                : event.mode === "spec"
+                ? "Spec"
+                : "Full";
+            newContent = `\n📋 Planning Mode: ${modeLabel}\n${event.message}\n`;
+          }
+          break;
+        case "plan_approval_required":
+          // Show when plan requires approval
+          if ("planningMode" in event) {
+            newContent = `\n⏸️ Plan generated - waiting for your approval...\n`;
+          }
+          break;
+        case "plan_approved":
+          // Show when plan is manually approved
+          if ("hasEdits" in event) {
+            newContent = event.hasEdits
+              ? `\n✅ Plan approved (with edits) - continuing to implementation...\n`
+              : `\n✅ Plan approved - continuing to implementation...\n`;
+          }
+          break;
+        case "plan_auto_approved":
+          // Show when plan is auto-approved
+          newContent = `\n✅ Plan auto-approved - continuing to implementation...\n`;
+          break;
         case "auto_mode_feature_complete":
           const emoji = event.passes ? "✅" : "⚠️";
           newContent = `\n${emoji} Task completed: ${event.message}\n`;

apps/app/src/components/views/board-view/dialogs/edit-feature-dialog.tsx

@@ -62,6 +62,7 @@ interface EditFeatureDialogProps {
       imagePaths: DescriptionImagePath[];
       priority: number;
       planningMode: PlanningMode;
+      requirePlanApproval: boolean;
     }
   ) => void;
   categorySuggestions: string[];
@@ -89,6 +90,7 @@ export function EditFeatureDialog({
   const [enhancementMode, setEnhancementMode] = useState<'improve' | 'technical' | 'simplify' | 'acceptance'>('improve');
   const [showDependencyTree, setShowDependencyTree] = useState(false);
   const [planningMode, setPlanningMode] = useState<PlanningMode>(feature?.planningMode ?? 'skip');
+  const [requirePlanApproval, setRequirePlanApproval] = useState(feature?.requirePlanApproval ?? false);
 
   // Get enhancement model from store
   const { enhancementModel } = useAppStore();
@@ -97,6 +99,7 @@ export function EditFeatureDialog({
     setEditingFeature(feature);
     if (feature) {
       setPlanningMode(feature.planningMode ?? 'skip');
+      setRequirePlanApproval(feature.requirePlanApproval ?? false);
     } else {
       setEditFeaturePreviewMap(new Map());
       setShowEditAdvancedOptions(false);
@@ -121,6 +124,7 @@ export function EditFeatureDialog({
       imagePaths: editingFeature.imagePaths ?? [],
       priority: editingFeature.priority ?? 2,
       planningMode,
+      requirePlanApproval,
     };
 
     onUpdate(editingFeature.id, updates);
@@ -394,6 +398,8 @@ export function EditFeatureDialog({
             <PlanningModeSelector
               mode={planningMode}
               onModeChange={setPlanningMode}
+              requireApproval={requirePlanApproval}
+              onRequireApprovalChange={setRequirePlanApproval}
               featureDescription={editingFeature.description}
               testIdPrefix="edit-feature"
               compact

apps/app/src/components/views/board-view/dialogs/index.ts

@@ -6,3 +6,4 @@ export { DeleteCompletedFeatureDialog } from "./delete-completed-feature-dialog"
 export { EditFeatureDialog } from "./edit-feature-dialog";
 export { FeatureSuggestionsDialog } from "./feature-suggestions-dialog";
 export { FollowUpDialog } from "./follow-up-dialog";
+export { PlanApprovalDialog } from "./plan-approval-dialog";

apps/app/src/components/views/board-view/dialogs/plan-approval-dialog.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,217 @@
+"use client";
+
+import { useState, useEffect } from "react";
+import {
+  Dialog,
+  DialogContent,
+  DialogDescription,
+  DialogFooter,
+  DialogHeader,
+  DialogTitle,
+} from "@/components/ui/dialog";
+import { Button } from "@/components/ui/button";
+import { Textarea } from "@/components/ui/textarea";
+import { Markdown } from "@/components/ui/markdown";
+import { Label } from "@/components/ui/label";
+import { Feature } from "@/store/app-store";
+import { Check, X, Edit2, Eye, Loader2 } from "lucide-react";
+
+interface PlanApprovalDialogProps {
+  open: boolean;
+  onOpenChange: (open: boolean) => void;
+  feature: Feature | null;
+  planContent: string;
+  onApprove: (editedPlan?: string) => void;
+  onReject: (feedback?: string) => void;
+  isLoading?: boolean;
+  viewOnly?: boolean;
+}
+
+export function PlanApprovalDialog({
+  open,
+  onOpenChange,
+  feature,
+  planContent,
+  onApprove,
+  onReject,
+  isLoading = false,
+  viewOnly = false,
+}: PlanApprovalDialogProps) {
+  const [isEditMode, setIsEditMode] = useState(false);
+  const [editedPlan, setEditedPlan] = useState(planContent);
+  const [showRejectFeedback, setShowRejectFeedback] = useState(false);
+  const [rejectFeedback, setRejectFeedback] = useState("");
+
+  // Reset state when dialog opens or plan content changes
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (open) {
+      setEditedPlan(planContent);
+      setIsEditMode(false);
+      setShowRejectFeedback(false);
+      setRejectFeedback("");
+    }
+  }, [open, planContent]);
+
+  const handleApprove = () => {
+    // Only pass edited plan if it was modified
+    const wasEdited = editedPlan !== planContent;
+    onApprove(wasEdited ? editedPlan : undefined);
+  };
+
+  const handleReject = () => {
+    if (showRejectFeedback) {
+      onReject(rejectFeedback.trim() || undefined);
+    } else {
+      setShowRejectFeedback(true);
+    }
+  };
+
+  const handleCancelReject = () => {
+    setShowRejectFeedback(false);
+    setRejectFeedback("");
+  };
+
+  const handleClose = (open: boolean) => {
+    if (!open && !isLoading) {
+      onOpenChange(false);
+    }
+  };
+
+  return (
+    <Dialog open={open} onOpenChange={handleClose}>
+      <DialogContent
+        className="max-w-4xl"
+        data-testid="plan-approval-dialog"
+      >
+        <DialogHeader>
+          <DialogTitle>{viewOnly ? "View Plan" : "Review Plan"}</DialogTitle>
+          <DialogDescription>
+            {viewOnly
+              ? "View the generated plan for this feature."
+              : "Review the generated plan before implementation begins."}
+            {feature && (
+              <span className="block mt-2 text-primary">
+                Feature: {feature.description.slice(0, 150)}
+                {feature.description.length > 150 ? "..." : ""}
+              </span>
+            )}
+          </DialogDescription>
+        </DialogHeader>
+
+        <div className="flex-1 overflow-hidden flex flex-col min-h-0">
+          {/* Mode Toggle - Only show when not in viewOnly mode */}
+          {!viewOnly && (
+            <div className="flex items-center justify-between mb-3">
+              <Label className="text-sm text-muted-foreground">
+                {isEditMode ? "Edit Mode" : "View Mode"}
+              </Label>
+              <Button
+                variant="outline"
+                size="sm"
+                onClick={() => setIsEditMode(!isEditMode)}
+                disabled={isLoading}
+              >
+                {isEditMode ? (
+                  <>
+                    <Eye className="w-4 h-4 mr-2" />
+                    View
+                  </>
+                ) : (
+                  <>
+                    <Edit2 className="w-4 h-4 mr-2" />
+                    Edit
+                  </>
+                )}
+              </Button>
+            </div>
+          )}
+
+          {/* Plan Content */}
+          <div className="flex-1 overflow-y-auto max-h-[70vh] border border-border rounded-lg">
+            {isEditMode && !viewOnly ? (
+              <Textarea
+                value={editedPlan}
+                onChange={(e) => setEditedPlan(e.target.value)}
+                className="min-h-[400px] h-full w-full border-0 rounded-lg resize-none font-mono text-sm"
+                placeholder="Enter plan content..."
+                disabled={isLoading}
+              />
+            ) : (
+              <div className="p-4 overflow-auto">
+                <Markdown>{editedPlan || "No plan content available."}</Markdown>
+              </div>
+            )}
+          </div>
+
+          {/* Reject Feedback Section - Only show when not in viewOnly mode */}
+          {showRejectFeedback && !viewOnly && (
+            <div className="mt-4 space-y-2">
+              <Label htmlFor="reject-feedback">Feedback (optional)</Label>
+              <Textarea
+                id="reject-feedback"
+                value={rejectFeedback}
+                onChange={(e) => setRejectFeedback(e.target.value)}
+                placeholder="Provide feedback on why this plan is being rejected..."
+                className="min-h-[80px]"
+                disabled={isLoading}
+              />
+            </div>
+          )}
+        </div>
+
+        <DialogFooter className="flex-shrink-0 gap-2">
+          {viewOnly ? (
+            <Button variant="ghost" onClick={() => onOpenChange(false)}>
+              Close
+            </Button>
+          ) : showRejectFeedback ? (
+            <>
+              <Button
+                variant="ghost"
+                onClick={handleCancelReject}
+                disabled={isLoading}
+              >
+                Cancel
+              </Button>
+              <Button
+                variant="destructive"
+                onClick={handleReject}
+                disabled={isLoading}
+              >
+                {isLoading ? (
+                  <Loader2 className="w-4 h-4 mr-2 animate-spin" />
+                ) : (
+                  <X className="w-4 h-4 mr-2" />
+                )}
+                Confirm Reject
+              </Button>
+            </>
+          ) : (
+            <>
+              <Button
+                variant="destructive"
+                onClick={handleReject}
+                disabled={isLoading}
+              >
+                <X className="w-4 h-4 mr-2" />
+                Reject
+              </Button>
+              <Button
+                onClick={handleApprove}
+                disabled={isLoading}
+                className="bg-green-600 hover:bg-green-700 text-white"
+              >
+                {isLoading ? (
+                  <Loader2 className="w-4 h-4 mr-2 animate-spin" />
+                ) : (
+                  <Check className="w-4 h-4 mr-2" />
+                )}
+                Approve
+              </Button>
+            </>
+          )}
+        </DialogFooter>
+      </DialogContent>
+    </Dialog>
+  );
+}

apps/app/src/components/views/board-view/hooks/use-board-actions.ts

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import { useCallback, useState } from "react";
-import { Feature, FeatureImage, AgentModel, ThinkingLevel, useAppStore } from "@/store/app-store";
+import { Feature, FeatureImage, AgentModel, ThinkingLevel, PlanningMode, useAppStore } from "@/store/app-store";
 import { FeatureImagePath as DescriptionImagePath } from "@/components/ui/description-image-dropzone";
 import { getElectronAPI } from "@/lib/electron";
 import { toast } from "sonner";
@@ -67,6 +67,8 @@ export function useBoardActions({
       model: AgentModel;
       thinkingLevel: ThinkingLevel;
       priority: number;
+      planningMode: PlanningMode;
+      requirePlanApproval: boolean;
     }) => {
       const newFeatureData = {
         ...featureData,
@@ -91,6 +93,8 @@ export function useBoardActions({
         thinkingLevel: ThinkingLevel;
         imagePaths: DescriptionImagePath[];
         priority: number;
+        planningMode?: PlanningMode;
+        requirePlanApproval?: boolean;
       }
     ) => {
       updateFeature(featureId, updates);

apps/app/src/components/views/board-view/hooks/use-board-features.ts

@@ -210,6 +210,11 @@ export function useBoardFeatures({ currentProject }: UseBoardFeaturesProps) {
             .play()
             .catch((err) => console.warn("Could not play ding sound:", err));
         }
+      } else if (event.type === "plan_approval_required") {
+        // Reload features when plan is generated and requires approval
+        // This ensures the feature card shows the "Approve Plan" button
+        console.log("[Board] Plan approval required, reloading features...");
+        loadFeatures();
       } else if (event.type === "auto_mode_error") {
         // Reload features when an error occurs (feature moved to waiting_approval)
         console.log(

apps/app/src/components/views/board-view/kanban-board.tsx

@@ -49,6 +49,8 @@ interface KanbanBoardProps {
   onMerge: (feature: Feature) => void;
   onComplete: (feature: Feature) => void;
   onImplement: (feature: Feature) => void;
+  onViewPlan: (feature: Feature) => void;
+  onApprovePlan: (feature: Feature) => void;
   featuresWithContext: Set<string>;
   runningAutoTasks: string[];
   shortcuts: ReturnType<typeof useKeyboardShortcutsConfig>;
@@ -81,6 +83,8 @@ export function KanbanBoard({
   onMerge,
   onComplete,
   onImplement,
+  onViewPlan,
+  onApprovePlan,
   featuresWithContext,
   runningAutoTasks,
   shortcuts,
@@ -195,6 +199,8 @@ export function KanbanBoard({
                         onMerge={() => onMerge(feature)}
                         onComplete={() => onComplete(feature)}
                         onImplement={() => onImplement(feature)}
+                        onViewPlan={() => onViewPlan(feature)}
+                        onApprovePlan={() => onApprovePlan(feature)}
                         hasContext={featuresWithContext.has(feature.id)}
                         isCurrentAutoTask={runningAutoTasks.includes(
                           feature.id

apps/app/src/components/views/board-view/shared/planning-mode-selector.tsx

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import {
 } from "lucide-react";
 import { Label } from "@/components/ui/label";
 import { Button } from "@/components/ui/button";
+import { Checkbox } from "@/components/ui/checkbox";
 import { cn } from "@/lib/utils";
 
 export type PlanningMode = 'skip' | 'lite' | 'spec' | 'full';
@@ -25,6 +26,8 @@ export interface PlanSpec {
 interface PlanningModeSelectorProps {
   mode: PlanningMode;
   onModeChange: (mode: PlanningMode) => void;
+  requireApproval?: boolean;
+  onRequireApprovalChange?: (require: boolean) => void;
   planSpec?: PlanSpec;
   onGenerateSpec?: () => void;
   onApproveSpec?: () => void;
@@ -81,6 +84,8 @@ const modes = [
 export function PlanningModeSelector({
   mode,
   onModeChange,
+  requireApproval,
+  onRequireApprovalChange,
   planSpec,
   onGenerateSpec,
   onApproveSpec,
@@ -195,6 +200,24 @@ export function PlanningModeSelector({
         })}
       </div>
 
+      {/* Require Approval Checkbox - Only show when mode !== 'skip' */}
+      {mode !== 'skip' && onRequireApprovalChange && (
+        <div className="flex items-center gap-2 mt-3 pt-3 border-t border-border">
+          <Checkbox
+            id="require-approval"
+            checked={requireApproval}
+            onCheckedChange={(checked) => onRequireApprovalChange(checked === true)}
+            data-testid={`${testIdPrefix}-require-approval-checkbox`}
+          />
+          <Label
+            htmlFor="require-approval"
+            className="text-sm text-muted-foreground cursor-pointer"
+          >
+            Manually approve plan before implementation
+          </Label>
+        </div>
+      )}
+
       {/* Spec Preview/Actions Panel - Only for spec/full modes */}
       {requiresApproval && (
         <div className={cn(

apps/app/src/components/views/settings-view.tsx

@@ -40,6 +40,8 @@ export function SettingsView() {
     moveProjectToTrash,
     defaultPlanningMode,
     setDefaultPlanningMode,
+    defaultRequirePlanApproval,
+    setDefaultRequirePlanApproval,
   } = useAppStore();
 
   // Convert electron Project to settings-view Project type
@@ -122,10 +124,12 @@ export function SettingsView() {
             defaultSkipTests={defaultSkipTests}
             useWorktrees={useWorktrees}
             defaultPlanningMode={defaultPlanningMode}
+            defaultRequirePlanApproval={defaultRequirePlanApproval}
             onShowProfilesOnlyChange={setShowProfilesOnly}
             onDefaultSkipTestsChange={setDefaultSkipTests}
             onUseWorktreesChange={setUseWorktrees}
             onDefaultPlanningModeChange={setDefaultPlanningMode}
+            onDefaultRequirePlanApprovalChange={setDefaultRequirePlanApproval}
           />
         );
       case "danger":

apps/app/src/components/views/settings-view/feature-defaults/feature-defaults-section.tsx

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ import { Label } from "@/components/ui/label";
 import { Checkbox } from "@/components/ui/checkbox";
 import {
   FlaskConical, Settings2, TestTube, GitBranch,
-  Zap, ClipboardList, FileText, ScrollText
+  Zap, ClipboardList, FileText, ScrollText, ShieldCheck
 } from "lucide-react";
 import { cn } from "@/lib/utils";
 import {
@@ -20,10 +20,12 @@ interface FeatureDefaultsSectionProps {
   defaultSkipTests: boolean;
   useWorktrees: boolean;
   defaultPlanningMode: PlanningMode;
+  defaultRequirePlanApproval: boolean;
   onShowProfilesOnlyChange: (value: boolean) => void;
   onDefaultSkipTestsChange: (value: boolean) => void;
   onUseWorktreesChange: (value: boolean) => void;
   onDefaultPlanningModeChange: (value: PlanningMode) => void;
+  onDefaultRequirePlanApprovalChange: (value: boolean) => void;
 }
 
 export function FeatureDefaultsSection({
@@ -31,10 +33,12 @@ export function FeatureDefaultsSection({
   defaultSkipTests,
   useWorktrees,
   defaultPlanningMode,
+  defaultRequirePlanApproval,
   onShowProfilesOnlyChange,
   onDefaultSkipTestsChange,
   onUseWorktreesChange,
   onDefaultPlanningModeChange,
+  onDefaultRequirePlanApprovalChange,
 }: FeatureDefaultsSectionProps) {
   return (
     <div
@@ -126,8 +130,40 @@ export function FeatureDefaultsSection({
           </div>
         </div>
 
+        {/* Require Plan Approval Setting - only show when not skip */}
+        {defaultPlanningMode !== 'skip' && (
+          <>
+            <div className="group flex items-start space-x-3 p-3 rounded-xl hover:bg-accent/30 transition-colors duration-200 -mx-3">
+              <Checkbox
+                id="default-require-plan-approval"
+                checked={defaultRequirePlanApproval}
+                onCheckedChange={(checked) =>
+                  onDefaultRequirePlanApprovalChange(checked === true)
+                }
+                className="mt-1"
+                data-testid="default-require-plan-approval-checkbox"
+              />
+              <div className="space-y-1.5">
+                <Label
+                  htmlFor="default-require-plan-approval"
+                  className="text-foreground cursor-pointer font-medium flex items-center gap-2"
+                >
+                  <ShieldCheck className="w-4 h-4 text-brand-500" />
+                  Require manual plan approval by default
+                </Label>
+                <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground/80 leading-relaxed">
+                  When enabled, the agent will pause after generating a plan and wait for you to
+                  review, edit, and approve before starting implementation. You can also view the
+                  plan from the feature card.
+                </p>
+              </div>
+            </div>
+            <div className="border-t border-border/30" />
+          </>
+        )}
+
         {/* Separator */}
-        <div className="border-t border-border/30" />
+        {defaultPlanningMode === 'skip' && <div className="border-t border-border/30" />}
 
         {/* Profiles Only Setting */}
         <div className="group flex items-start space-x-3 p-3 rounded-xl hover:bg-accent/30 transition-colors duration-200 -mx-3">

apps/app/src/hooks/use-auto-mode.ts

@@ -4,6 +4,11 @@ import { useAppStore } from "@/store/app-store";
 import { getElectronAPI } from "@/lib/electron";
 import type { AutoModeEvent } from "@/types/electron";
 
+// Type guard for plan_approval_required event
+function isPlanApprovalEvent(event: AutoModeEvent): event is Extract<AutoModeEvent, { type: "plan_approval_required" }> {
+  return event.type === "plan_approval_required";
+}
+
 /**
  * Hook for managing auto mode (scoped per project)
  */
@@ -18,6 +23,7 @@ export function useAutoMode() {
     addAutoModeActivity,
     maxConcurrency,
     projects,
+    setPendingPlanApproval,
   } = useAppStore(
     useShallow((state) => ({
       autoModeByProject: state.autoModeByProject,
@@ -29,6 +35,7 @@ export function useAutoMode() {
       addAutoModeActivity: state.addAutoModeActivity,
       maxConcurrency: state.maxConcurrency,
       projects: state.projects,
+      setPendingPlanApproval: state.setPendingPlanApproval,
     }))
   );
 
@@ -147,8 +154,26 @@ export function useAutoMode() {
           break;
 
         case "auto_mode_error":
-          console.error("[AutoMode Error]", event.error);
           if (event.featureId && event.error) {
+            // Check if this is a user-initiated cancellation (not a real error)
+            const isCancellation =
+              event.error.includes("cancelled") ||
+              event.error.includes("stopped") ||
+              event.error.includes("aborted");
+
+            if (isCancellation) {
+              // User cancelled the feature - just log as info, not an error
+              console.log("[AutoMode] Feature cancelled:", event.error);
+              // Remove from running tasks
+              if (eventProjectId) {
+                removeRunningTask(eventProjectId, event.featureId);
+              }
+              break;
+            }
+
+            // Real error - log and show to user
+            console.error("[AutoMode Error]", event.error);
+
             // Check for authentication errors and provide a more helpful message
             const isAuthError =
               event.errorType === "authentication" ||
@@ -210,6 +235,64 @@ export function useAutoMode() {
             });
           }
           break;
+
+        case "plan_approval_required":
+          // Plan requires user approval before proceeding
+          if (isPlanApprovalEvent(event)) {
+            console.log(
+              `[AutoMode] Plan approval required for ${event.featureId}`
+            );
+            setPendingPlanApproval({
+              featureId: event.featureId,
+              projectPath: event.projectPath || currentProject?.path || "",
+              planContent: event.planContent,
+              planningMode: event.planningMode,
+            });
+          }
+          break;
+
+        case "planning_started":
+          // Log when planning phase begins
+          if (event.featureId && event.mode && event.message) {
+            console.log(
+              `[AutoMode] Planning started (${event.mode}) for ${event.featureId}`
+            );
+            addAutoModeActivity({
+              featureId: event.featureId,
+              type: "planning",
+              message: event.message,
+              phase: "planning",
+            });
+          }
+          break;
+
+        case "plan_approved":
+          // Log when plan is approved by user
+          if (event.featureId) {
+            console.log(`[AutoMode] Plan approved for ${event.featureId}`);
+            addAutoModeActivity({
+              featureId: event.featureId,
+              type: "action",
+              message: event.hasEdits
+                ? "Plan approved with edits, starting implementation..."
+                : "Plan approved, starting implementation...",
+              phase: "action",
+            });
+          }
+          break;
+
+        case "plan_auto_approved":
+          // Log when plan is auto-approved (requirePlanApproval=false)
+          if (event.featureId) {
+            console.log(`[AutoMode] Plan auto-approved for ${event.featureId}`);
+            addAutoModeActivity({
+              featureId: event.featureId,
+              type: "action",
+              message: "Plan auto-approved, starting implementation...",
+              phase: "action",
+            });
+          }
+          break;
       }
     });
 
@@ -222,6 +305,8 @@ export function useAutoMode() {
     setAutoModeRunning,
     addAutoModeActivity,
     getProjectIdFromPath,
+    setPendingPlanApproval,
+    currentProject?.path,
   ]);
 
   // Restore auto mode for all projects that were running when app was closed

apps/app/src/lib/electron.ts

@@ -251,6 +251,13 @@ export interface AutoModeAPI {
     projectPath: string,
     featureId: string
   ) => Promise<{ success: boolean; error?: string }>;
+  approvePlan: (
+    projectPath: string,
+    featureId: string,
+    approved: boolean,
+    editedPlan?: string,
+    feedback?: string
+  ) => Promise<{ success: boolean; error?: string }>;
   onEvent: (callback: (event: AutoModeEvent) => void) => () => void;
 }
 
@@ -1422,6 +1429,23 @@ function createMockAutoModeAPI(): AutoModeAPI {
       return { success: true };
     },
 
+    approvePlan: async (
+      projectPath: string,
+      featureId: string,
+      approved: boolean,
+      editedPlan?: string,
+      feedback?: string
+    ) => {
+      console.log("[Mock] Plan approval:", {
+        projectPath,
+        featureId,
+        approved,
+        editedPlan: editedPlan ? "[edited]" : undefined,
+        feedback,
+      });
+      return { success: true };
+    },
+
     onEvent: (callback: (event: AutoModeEvent) => void) => {
       mockAutoModeCallbacks.push(callback);
       return () => {

apps/app/src/lib/http-api-client.ts

@@ -544,6 +544,20 @@ export class HttpApiClient implements ElectronAPI {
       }),
     commitFeature: (projectPath: string, featureId: string) =>
       this.post("/api/auto-mode/commit-feature", { projectPath, featureId }),
+    approvePlan: (
+      projectPath: string,
+      featureId: string,
+      approved: boolean,
+      editedPlan?: string,
+      feedback?: string
+    ) =>
+      this.post("/api/auto-mode/approve-plan", {
+        projectPath,
+        featureId,
+        approved,
+        editedPlan,
+        feedback,
+      }),
     onEvent: (callback: (event: AutoModeEvent) => void) => {
       return this.subscribeToEvent(
         "auto-mode:event",

apps/app/src/store/app-store.ts

@@ -302,6 +302,7 @@ export interface Feature {
   justFinishedAt?: string; // ISO timestamp when agent just finished and moved to waiting_approval (shows badge for 2 minutes)
   planningMode?: PlanningMode; // Planning mode for this feature
   planSpec?: PlanSpec; // Generated spec/plan data
+  requirePlanApproval?: boolean; // Whether to pause and require manual approval before implementation
 }
 
 // PlanSpec status for feature planning/specification
@@ -461,6 +462,16 @@ export interface AppState {
   specCreatingForProject: string | null;
 
   defaultPlanningMode: PlanningMode;
+  defaultRequirePlanApproval: boolean;
+
+  // Plan Approval State
+  // When a plan requires user approval, this holds the pending approval details
+  pendingPlanApproval: {
+    featureId: string;
+    projectPath: string;
+    planContent: string;
+    planningMode: "lite" | "spec" | "full";
+  } | null;
 }
 
 // Default background settings for board backgrounds
@@ -671,6 +682,15 @@ export interface AppActions {
   isSpecCreatingForProject: (projectPath: string) => boolean;
 
   setDefaultPlanningMode: (mode: PlanningMode) => void;
+  setDefaultRequirePlanApproval: (require: boolean) => void;
+
+  // Plan Approval actions
+  setPendingPlanApproval: (approval: {
+    featureId: string;
+    projectPath: string;
+    planContent: string;
+    planningMode: "lite" | "spec" | "full";
+  } | null) => void;
 
   // Reset
   reset: () => void;
@@ -758,6 +778,8 @@ const initialState: AppState = {
   },
   specCreatingForProject: null,
   defaultPlanningMode: 'skip' as PlanningMode,
+  defaultRequirePlanApproval: false,
+  pendingPlanApproval: null,
 };
 
 export const useAppStore = create<AppState & AppActions>()(
@@ -2138,6 +2160,10 @@ export const useAppStore = create<AppState & AppActions>()(
       },
 
       setDefaultPlanningMode: (mode) => set({ defaultPlanningMode: mode }),
+      setDefaultRequirePlanApproval: (require) => set({ defaultRequirePlanApproval: require }),
+
+      // Plan Approval actions
+      setPendingPlanApproval: (approval) => set({ pendingPlanApproval: approval }),
 
       // Reset
       reset: () => set(initialState),
@@ -2205,6 +2231,7 @@ export const useAppStore = create<AppState & AppActions>()(
         // Board background settings
         boardBackgroundByProject: state.boardBackgroundByProject,
         defaultPlanningMode: state.defaultPlanningMode,
+        defaultRequirePlanApproval: state.defaultRequirePlanApproval,
       }),
     }
   )

apps/app/src/types/electron.d.ts

@@ -237,6 +237,38 @@ export type AutoModeEvent =
       recommendations: string[];
       estimatedCost?: number;
       estimatedTime?: string;
+    }
+  | {
+      type: "plan_approval_required";
+      featureId: string;
+      projectPath?: string;
+      planContent: string;
+      planningMode: "lite" | "spec" | "full";
+    }
+  | {
+      type: "plan_auto_approved";
+      featureId: string;
+      projectPath?: string;
+      planContent: string;
+      planningMode: "lite" | "spec" | "full";
+    }
+  | {
+      type: "plan_approved";
+      featureId: string;
+      projectPath?: string;
+      hasEdits: boolean;
+    }
+  | {
+      type: "plan_rejected";
+      featureId: string;
+      projectPath?: string;
+      feedback?: string;
+    }
+  | {
+      type: "planning_started";
+      featureId: string;
+      mode: "lite" | "spec" | "full";
+      message: string;
     };
 
 export type SpecRegenerationEvent =
@@ -398,6 +430,17 @@ export interface AutoModeAPI {
     error?: string;
   }>;
 
+  approvePlan: (
+    projectPath: string,
+    featureId: string,
+    approved: boolean,
+    editedPlan?: string,
+    feedback?: string
+  ) => Promise<{
+    success: boolean;
+    error?: string;
+  }>;
+
   onEvent: (callback: (event: AutoModeEvent) => void) => () => void;
 }
 

apps/server/src/routes/auto-mode/index.ts

@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ import { createContextExistsHandler } from "./routes/context-exists.js";
 import { createAnalyzeProjectHandler } from "./routes/analyze-project.js";
 import { createFollowUpFeatureHandler } from "./routes/follow-up-feature.js";
 import { createCommitFeatureHandler } from "./routes/commit-feature.js";
+import { createApprovePlanHandler } from "./routes/approve-plan.js";
 
 export function createAutoModeRoutes(autoModeService: AutoModeService): Router {
   const router = Router();
@@ -35,6 +36,7 @@ export function createAutoModeRoutes(autoModeService: AutoModeService): Router {
     createFollowUpFeatureHandler(autoModeService)
   );
   router.post("/commit-feature", createCommitFeatureHandler(autoModeService));
+  router.post("/approve-plan", createApprovePlanHandler(autoModeService));
 
   return router;
 }

apps/server/src/routes/auto-mode/routes/approve-plan.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,78 @@
+/**
+ * POST /approve-plan endpoint - Approve or reject a generated plan/spec
+ */
+
+import type { Request, Response } from "express";
+import type { AutoModeService } from "../../../services/auto-mode-service.js";
+import { createLogger } from "../../../lib/logger.js";
+import { getErrorMessage, logError } from "../common.js";
+
+const logger = createLogger("AutoMode");
+
+export function createApprovePlanHandler(autoModeService: AutoModeService) {
+  return async (req: Request, res: Response): Promise<void> => {
+    try {
+      const { featureId, approved, editedPlan, feedback, projectPath } = req.body as {
+        featureId: string;
+        approved: boolean;
+        editedPlan?: string;
+        feedback?: string;
+        projectPath?: string;
+      };
+
+      if (!featureId) {
+        res.status(400).json({
+          success: false,
+          error: "featureId is required",
+        });
+        return;
+      }
+
+      if (typeof approved !== "boolean") {
+        res.status(400).json({
+          success: false,
+          error: "approved must be a boolean",
+        });
+        return;
+      }
+
+      // Note: We no longer check hasPendingApproval here because resolvePlanApproval
+      // can handle recovery when pending approval is not in Map but feature has planSpec.status='generated'
+      // This supports cases where the server restarted while waiting for approval
+
+      logger.info(
+        `[AutoMode] Plan ${approved ? "approved" : "rejected"} for feature ${featureId}${
+          editedPlan ? " (with edits)" : ""
+        }${feedback ? ` - Feedback: ${feedback}` : ""}`
+      );
+
+      // Resolve the pending approval (with recovery support)
+      const result = await autoModeService.resolvePlanApproval(
+        featureId,
+        approved,
+        editedPlan,
+        feedback,
+        projectPath
+      );
+
+      if (!result.success) {
+        res.status(500).json({
+          success: false,
+          error: result.error,
+        });
+        return;
+      }
+
+      res.json({
+        success: true,
+        approved,
+        message: approved
+          ? "Plan approved - implementation will continue"
+          : "Plan rejected - feature execution stopped",
+      });
+    } catch (error) {
+      logError(error, "Approve plan failed");
+      res.status(500).json({ success: false, error: getErrorMessage(error) });
+    }
+  };
+}

apps/server/src/services/auto-mode-service.ts

@@ -47,7 +47,25 @@ Before implementing, create a brief planning outline:
 4. **Tasks**: Numbered task list (3-7 items)
 5. **Risks**: Any gotchas to watch for
 
-Present this outline, then proceed with implementation.`,
+After generating the outline, output:
+"[PLAN_GENERATED] Planning outline complete."
+
+Then proceed with implementation.`,
+
+  lite_with_approval: `## Planning Phase (Lite Mode)
+
+Before implementing, create a brief planning outline:
+
+1. **Goal**: What are we accomplishing? (1 sentence)
+2. **Approach**: How will we do it? (2-3 sentences)
+3. **Files to Touch**: List files and what changes
+4. **Tasks**: Numbered task list (3-7 items)
+5. **Risks**: Any gotchas to watch for
+
+After generating the outline, output:
+"[SPEC_GENERATED] Please review the planning outline above. Reply with 'approved' to proceed or provide feedback for revisions."
+
+DO NOT proceed with implementation until you receive explicit approval.`,
 
   spec: `## Specification Phase (Spec Mode)
 
@@ -110,6 +128,7 @@ interface Feature {
   >;
   planningMode?: PlanningMode;
   planSpec?: PlanSpec;
+  requirePlanApproval?: boolean; // If true, pause for user approval before implementation
 }
 
 interface RunningFeature {
@@ -128,12 +147,20 @@ interface AutoModeConfig {
   projectPath: string;
 }
 
+interface PendingApproval {
+  resolve: (result: { approved: boolean; editedPlan?: string; feedback?: string }) => void;
+  reject: (error: Error) => void;
+  featureId: string;
+  projectPath: string;
+}
+
 export class AutoModeService {
   private events: EventEmitter;
   private runningFeatures = new Map<string, RunningFeature>();
   private autoLoopRunning = false;
   private autoLoopAbortController: AbortController | null = null;
   private config: AutoModeConfig | null = null;
+  private pendingApprovals = new Map<string, PendingApproval>();
 
   constructor(events: EventEmitter) {
     this.events = events;
@@ -252,7 +279,8 @@ export class AutoModeService {
     projectPath: string,
     featureId: string,
     useWorktrees = true,
-    isAutoMode = false
+    isAutoMode = false,
+    customPrompt?: string
   ): Promise<void> {
     if (this.runningFeatures.has(featureId)) {
       throw new Error(`Feature ${featureId} is already running`);
@@ -304,10 +332,15 @@ export class AutoModeService {
       // Update feature status to in_progress
       await this.updateFeatureStatus(projectPath, featureId, "in_progress");
 
-      // Build the prompt with planning phase if needed
+      // Use custom prompt if provided, otherwise build the prompt with planning phase
-      const featurePrompt = this.buildFeaturePrompt(feature);
+      let prompt: string;
-      const planningPrefix = this.getPlanningPromptPrefix(feature);
+      if (customPrompt) {
-      const prompt = planningPrefix + featurePrompt;
+        prompt = customPrompt;
+      } else {
+        const featurePrompt = this.buildFeaturePrompt(feature);
+        const planningPrefix = this.getPlanningPromptPrefix(feature);
+        prompt = planningPrefix + featurePrompt;
+      }
 
       // Emit planning mode info
       if (feature.planningMode && feature.planningMode !== 'skip') {
@@ -336,7 +369,12 @@ export class AutoModeService {
         prompt,
         abortController,
         imagePaths,
-        model
+        model,
+        {
+          projectPath,
+          planningMode: feature.planningMode,
+          requirePlanApproval: feature.requirePlanApproval,
+        }
       );
 
       // Mark as waiting_approval for user review
@@ -375,6 +413,8 @@ export class AutoModeService {
         });
       }
     } finally {
+      console.log(`[AutoMode] Feature ${featureId} execution ended, cleaning up runningFeatures`);
+      console.log(`[AutoMode] Pending approvals at cleanup: ${Array.from(this.pendingApprovals.keys()).join(', ') || 'none'}`);
       this.runningFeatures.delete(featureId);
     }
   }
@@ -388,6 +428,9 @@ export class AutoModeService {
       return false;
     }
 
+    // Cancel any pending plan approval for this feature
+    this.cancelPlanApproval(featureId);
+
     running.abortController.abort();
     return true;
   }
@@ -614,13 +657,18 @@ Address the follow-up instructions above. Review the previous work and make the
       }
 
       // Use fullPrompt (already built above) with model and all images
+      // Note: Follow-ups skip planning mode - they continue from previous work
       await this.runAgent(
         workDir,
         featureId,
         fullPrompt,
         abortController,
         allImagePaths.length > 0 ? allImagePaths : imagePaths,
-        model
+        model,
+        {
+          projectPath,
+          planningMode: 'skip', // Follow-ups don't require approval
+        }
       );
 
       // Mark as waiting_approval for user review
@@ -925,6 +973,155 @@ Format your response as a structured markdown document.`;
     }));
   }
 
+  /**
+   * Wait for plan approval from the user.
+   * Returns a promise that resolves when the user approves/rejects the plan.
+   */
+  waitForPlanApproval(
+    featureId: string,
+    projectPath: string
+  ): Promise<{ approved: boolean; editedPlan?: string; feedback?: string }> {
+    console.log(`[AutoMode] Registering pending approval for feature ${featureId}`);
+    console.log(`[AutoMode] Current pending approvals: ${Array.from(this.pendingApprovals.keys()).join(', ') || 'none'}`);
+    return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
+      this.pendingApprovals.set(featureId, {
+        resolve,
+        reject,
+        featureId,
+        projectPath,
+      });
+      console.log(`[AutoMode] Pending approval registered for feature ${featureId}`);
+    });
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Resolve a pending plan approval.
+   * Called when the user approves or rejects the plan via API.
+   */
+  async resolvePlanApproval(
+    featureId: string,
+    approved: boolean,
+    editedPlan?: string,
+    feedback?: string,
+    projectPathFromClient?: string
+  ): Promise<{ success: boolean; error?: string }> {
+    console.log(`[AutoMode] resolvePlanApproval called for feature ${featureId}, approved=${approved}`);
+    console.log(`[AutoMode] Current pending approvals: ${Array.from(this.pendingApprovals.keys()).join(', ') || 'none'}`);
+    const pending = this.pendingApprovals.get(featureId);
+
+    if (!pending) {
+      console.log(`[AutoMode] No pending approval in Map for feature ${featureId}`);
+
+      // RECOVERY: If no pending approval but we have projectPath from client,
+      // check if feature's planSpec.status is 'generated' and handle recovery
+      if (projectPathFromClient) {
+        console.log(`[AutoMode] Attempting recovery with projectPath: ${projectPathFromClient}`);
+        const feature = await this.loadFeature(projectPathFromClient, featureId);
+
+        if (feature?.planSpec?.status === 'generated') {
+          console.log(`[AutoMode] Feature ${featureId} has planSpec.status='generated', performing recovery`);
+
+          if (approved) {
+            // Update planSpec to approved
+            await this.updateFeaturePlanSpec(projectPathFromClient, featureId, {
+              status: 'approved',
+              approvedAt: new Date().toISOString(),
+              reviewedByUser: true,
+              content: editedPlan || feature.planSpec.content,
+            });
+
+            // Build continuation prompt and re-run the feature
+            const planContent = editedPlan || feature.planSpec.content || '';
+            let continuationPrompt = `The plan/specification has been approved. `;
+            if (feedback) {
+              continuationPrompt += `\n\nUser feedback: ${feedback}\n\n`;
+            }
+            continuationPrompt += `Now proceed with the implementation as specified in the plan:\n\n${planContent}\n\nImplement the feature now.`;
+
+            console.log(`[AutoMode] Starting recovery execution for feature ${featureId}`);
+
+            // Start feature execution with the continuation prompt (async, don't await)
+            this.executeFeature(projectPathFromClient, featureId, true, false, continuationPrompt)
+              .catch((error) => {
+                console.error(`[AutoMode] Recovery execution failed for feature ${featureId}:`, error);
+              });
+
+            return { success: true };
+          } else {
+            // Rejected - update status and emit event
+            await this.updateFeaturePlanSpec(projectPathFromClient, featureId, {
+              status: 'rejected',
+              reviewedByUser: true,
+            });
+
+            await this.updateFeatureStatus(projectPathFromClient, featureId, 'backlog');
+
+            this.emitAutoModeEvent('plan_rejected', {
+              featureId,
+              projectPath: projectPathFromClient,
+              feedback,
+            });
+
+            return { success: true };
+          }
+        }
+      }
+
+      console.log(`[AutoMode] ERROR: No pending approval found for feature ${featureId} and recovery not possible`);
+      return { success: false, error: `No pending approval for feature ${featureId}` };
+    }
+    console.log(`[AutoMode] Found pending approval for feature ${featureId}, proceeding...`);
+
+    const { projectPath } = pending;
+
+    // Update feature's planSpec status
+    await this.updateFeaturePlanSpec(projectPath, featureId, {
+      status: approved ? 'approved' : 'rejected',
+      approvedAt: approved ? new Date().toISOString() : undefined,
+      reviewedByUser: true,
+      content: editedPlan, // Update content if user provided an edited version
+    });
+
+    // If rejected with feedback, we can store it for the user to see
+    if (!approved && feedback) {
+      // Emit event so client knows the rejection reason
+      this.emitAutoModeEvent('plan_rejected', {
+        featureId,
+        projectPath,
+        feedback,
+      });
+    }
+
+    // Resolve the promise with all data including feedback
+    pending.resolve({ approved, editedPlan, feedback });
+    this.pendingApprovals.delete(featureId);
+
+    return { success: true };
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Cancel a pending plan approval (e.g., when feature is stopped).
+   */
+  cancelPlanApproval(featureId: string): void {
+    console.log(`[AutoMode] cancelPlanApproval called for feature ${featureId}`);
+    console.log(`[AutoMode] Current pending approvals: ${Array.from(this.pendingApprovals.keys()).join(', ') || 'none'}`);
+    const pending = this.pendingApprovals.get(featureId);
+    if (pending) {
+      console.log(`[AutoMode] Found and cancelling pending approval for feature ${featureId}`);
+      pending.reject(new Error('Plan approval cancelled - feature was stopped'));
+      this.pendingApprovals.delete(featureId);
+    } else {
+      console.log(`[AutoMode] No pending approval to cancel for feature ${featureId}`);
+    }
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Check if a feature has a pending plan approval.
+   */
+  hasPendingApproval(featureId: string): boolean {
+    return this.pendingApprovals.has(featureId);
+  }
+
   // Private helpers
 
   private async setupWorktree(
@@ -1018,6 +1215,50 @@ Format your response as a structured markdown document.`;
     }
   }
 
+  /**
+   * Update the planSpec of a feature
+   */
+  private async updateFeaturePlanSpec(
+    projectPath: string,
+    featureId: string,
+    updates: Partial<PlanSpec>
+  ): Promise<void> {
+    const featurePath = path.join(
+      projectPath,
+      ".automaker",
+      "features",
+      featureId,
+      "feature.json"
+    );
+
+    try {
+      const data = await fs.readFile(featurePath, "utf-8");
+      const feature = JSON.parse(data);
+
+      // Initialize planSpec if it doesn't exist
+      if (!feature.planSpec) {
+        feature.planSpec = {
+          status: 'pending',
+          version: 1,
+          reviewedByUser: false,
+        };
+      }
+
+      // Apply updates
+      Object.assign(feature.planSpec, updates);
+
+      // If content is being updated and it's a new version, increment version
+      if (updates.content && updates.content !== feature.planSpec.content) {
+        feature.planSpec.version = (feature.planSpec.version || 0) + 1;
+      }
+
+      feature.updatedAt = new Date().toISOString();
+      await fs.writeFile(featurePath, JSON.stringify(feature, null, 2));
+    } catch (error) {
+      console.error(`[AutoMode] Failed to update planSpec for ${featureId}:`, error);
+    }
+  }
+
   private async loadPendingFeatures(projectPath: string): Promise<Feature[]> {
     const featuresDir = path.join(projectPath, ".automaker", "features");
 
@@ -1083,7 +1324,13 @@ Format your response as a structured markdown document.`;
       return ''; // No planning phase
     }
 
-    const planningPrompt = PLANNING_PROMPTS[mode];
+    // For lite mode, use the approval variant if requirePlanApproval is true
+    let promptKey: string = mode;
+    if (mode === 'lite' && feature.requirePlanApproval === true) {
+      promptKey = 'lite_with_approval';
+    }
+
+    const planningPrompt = PLANNING_PROMPTS[promptKey as keyof typeof PLANNING_PROMPTS];
     if (!planningPrompt) {
       return '';
     }
@@ -1091,31 +1338,6 @@ Format your response as a structured markdown document.`;
     return planningPrompt + '\n\n---\n\n## Feature Request\n\n';
   }
 
-  /**
-   * Extract image paths from feature's imagePaths array
-   * Handles both string paths and objects with path property
-   */
-  private extractImagePaths(
-    imagePaths:
-      | Array<string | { path: string; [key: string]: unknown }>
-      | undefined,
-    projectPath: string
-  ): string[] {
-    if (!imagePaths || imagePaths.length === 0) {
-      return [];
-    }
-
-    return imagePaths
-      .map((imgPath) => {
-        const pathStr = typeof imgPath === "string" ? imgPath : imgPath.path;
-        // Resolve relative paths to absolute paths
-        return path.isAbsolute(pathStr)
-          ? pathStr
-          : path.join(projectPath, pathStr);
-      })
-      .filter((p) => p); // Filter out any empty paths
-  }
-
   private buildFeaturePrompt(feature: Feature): string {
     const title = this.extractTitleFromDescription(feature.description);
 
@@ -1181,8 +1403,24 @@ When done, summarize what you implemented and any notes for the developer.`;
     prompt: string,
     abortController: AbortController,
     imagePaths?: string[],
-    model?: string
+    model?: string,
+    options?: {
+      projectPath?: string;
+      planningMode?: PlanningMode;
+      requirePlanApproval?: boolean;
+    }
   ): Promise<void> {
+    const projectPath = options?.projectPath || workDir;
+    const planningMode = options?.planningMode || 'skip';
+    // Check if this planning mode can generate a spec/plan that needs approval
+    // - spec and full always generate specs
+    // - lite only generates approval-ready content when requirePlanApproval is true
+    const planningModeRequiresApproval =
+      planningMode === 'spec' ||
+      planningMode === 'full' ||
+      (planningMode === 'lite' && options?.requirePlanApproval === true);
+    const requiresApproval = planningModeRequiresApproval && options?.requirePlanApproval === true;
+
     // Build SDK options using centralized configuration for feature implementation
     const sdkOptions = createAutoModeOptions({
       cwd: workDir,
@@ -1196,7 +1434,7 @@ When done, summarize what you implemented and any notes for the developer.`;
     const allowedTools = sdkOptions.allowedTools as string[] | undefined;
 
     console.log(
-      `[AutoMode] runAgent called for feature ${featureId} with model: ${finalModel}`
+      `[AutoMode] runAgent called for feature ${featureId} with model: ${finalModel}, planningMode: ${planningMode}, requiresApproval: ${requiresApproval}`
     );
 
     // Get provider for this model
@@ -1214,7 +1452,7 @@ When done, summarize what you implemented and any notes for the developer.`;
       false // don't duplicate paths in text
     );
 
-    const options: ExecuteOptions = {
+    const executeOptions: ExecuteOptions = {
       prompt: promptContent,
       model: finalModel,
       maxTurns: maxTurns,
@@ -1224,8 +1462,9 @@ When done, summarize what you implemented and any notes for the developer.`;
     };
 
     // Execute via provider
-    const stream = provider.executeQuery(options);
+    const stream = provider.executeQuery(executeOptions);
     let responseText = "";
+    let specDetected = false;
     const outputPath = path.join(
       workDir,
       ".automaker",
@@ -1234,7 +1473,7 @@ When done, summarize what you implemented and any notes for the developer.`;
       "agent-output.md"
     );
 
-    for await (const msg of stream) {
+    streamLoop: for await (const msg of stream) {
       if (msg.type === "assistant" && msg.message?.content) {
         for (const block of msg.message.content) {
           if (block.type === "text") {
@@ -1253,10 +1492,157 @@ When done, summarize what you implemented and any notes for the developer.`;
               );
             }
 
-            this.emitAutoModeEvent("auto_mode_progress", {
+            // Check for [SPEC_GENERATED] marker in planning modes (spec or full)
-              featureId,
+            if (planningModeRequiresApproval && !specDetected && responseText.includes('[SPEC_GENERATED]')) {
-              content: block.text,
+              specDetected = true;
-            });
+
+              // Extract plan content (everything before the marker)
+              const markerIndex = responseText.indexOf('[SPEC_GENERATED]');
+              const planContent = responseText.substring(0, markerIndex).trim();
+
+              // Update planSpec status to 'generated' and save content
+              await this.updateFeaturePlanSpec(projectPath, featureId, {
+                status: 'generated',
+                content: planContent,
+                version: 1,
+                generatedAt: new Date().toISOString(),
+                reviewedByUser: false,
+              });
+
+              let approvedPlanContent = planContent;
+              let userFeedback: string | undefined;
+
+              // Only pause for approval if requirePlanApproval is true
+              if (requiresApproval) {
+                console.log(`[AutoMode] Spec generated for feature ${featureId}, waiting for approval`);
+
+                // CRITICAL: Register pending approval BEFORE emitting event
+                // This prevents race condition where frontend tries to approve before
+                // the approval is registered in pendingApprovals Map
+                const approvalPromise = this.waitForPlanApproval(featureId, projectPath);
+
+                // NOW emit plan_approval_required event (approval is already registered)
+                this.emitAutoModeEvent('plan_approval_required', {
+                  featureId,
+                  projectPath,
+                  planContent,
+                  planningMode,
+                });
+
+                // Wait for user approval
+                try {
+                  const approvalResult = await approvalPromise;
+
+                  if (!approvalResult.approved) {
+                    // User rejected the plan - abort feature execution
+                    console.log(`[AutoMode] Plan rejected for feature ${featureId}`);
+                    throw new Error('Plan rejected by user');
+                  }
+
+                  console.log(`[AutoMode] Plan approved for feature ${featureId}, continuing with implementation`);
+
+                  // If user provided an edited plan, update the planSpec content
+                  if (approvalResult.editedPlan) {
+                    approvedPlanContent = approvalResult.editedPlan;
+                    await this.updateFeaturePlanSpec(projectPath, featureId, {
+                      content: approvalResult.editedPlan,
+                    });
+                  }
+
+                  // Capture user feedback if provided
+                  userFeedback = approvalResult.feedback;
+
+                  // Emit event to notify implementation is starting
+                  this.emitAutoModeEvent('plan_approved', {
+                    featureId,
+                    projectPath,
+                    hasEdits: !!approvalResult.editedPlan,
+                  });
+
+                } catch (error) {
+                  if ((error as Error).message.includes('cancelled')) {
+                    throw error; // Re-throw cancellation errors
+                  }
+                  throw new Error(`Plan approval failed: ${(error as Error).message}`);
+                }
+              } else {
+                // Auto-approve: requirePlanApproval is false, just continue without pausing
+                console.log(`[AutoMode] Spec generated for feature ${featureId}, auto-approving (requirePlanApproval=false)`);
+
+                // Emit info event for frontend
+                this.emitAutoModeEvent('plan_auto_approved', {
+                  featureId,
+                  projectPath,
+                  planContent,
+                  planningMode,
+                });
+              }
+
+              // CRITICAL: After approval, we need to make a second call to continue implementation
+              // The agent is waiting for "approved" - we need to send it and continue
+              console.log(`[AutoMode] Making continuation call after plan approval for feature ${featureId}`);
+
+              // Update planSpec status to approved (handles both manual and auto-approval paths)
+              await this.updateFeaturePlanSpec(projectPath, featureId, {
+                status: 'approved',
+                approvedAt: new Date().toISOString(),
+                reviewedByUser: requiresApproval,
+              });
+
+              // Build continuation prompt
+              let continuationPrompt = `The plan/specification has been approved. `;
+              if (userFeedback) {
+                continuationPrompt += `\n\nUser feedback: ${userFeedback}\n\n`;
+              }
+              continuationPrompt += `Now proceed with the implementation as specified in the plan:\n\n${approvedPlanContent}\n\nImplement the feature now.`;
+
+              // Make continuation call
+              const continuationStream = provider.executeQuery({
+                prompt: continuationPrompt,
+                model: finalModel,
+                maxTurns: maxTurns,
+                cwd: workDir,
+                allowedTools: allowedTools,
+                abortController,
+              });
+
+              // Process continuation stream
+              for await (const contMsg of continuationStream) {
+                if (contMsg.type === "assistant" && contMsg.message?.content) {
+                  for (const contBlock of contMsg.message.content) {
+                    if (contBlock.type === "text") {
+                      responseText += contBlock.text || "";
+                      this.emitAutoModeEvent("auto_mode_progress", {
+                        featureId,
+                        content: contBlock.text,
+                      });
+                    } else if (contBlock.type === "tool_use") {
+                      this.emitAutoModeEvent("auto_mode_tool", {
+                        featureId,
+                        tool: contBlock.name,
+                        input: contBlock.input,
+                      });
+                    }
+                  }
+                } else if (contMsg.type === "error") {
+                  throw new Error(contMsg.error || "Unknown error during implementation");
+                } else if (contMsg.type === "result" && contMsg.subtype === "success") {
+                  responseText += contMsg.result || "";
+                }
+              }
+
+              console.log(`[AutoMode] Implementation completed for feature ${featureId}`);
+              // Exit the original stream loop since continuation is done
+              break streamLoop;
+            }
+
+            // Only emit progress for non-marker text (marker was already handled above)
+            if (!specDetected) {
+              this.emitAutoModeEvent("auto_mode_progress", {
+                featureId,
+                content: block.text,
+              });
+            }
           } else if (block.type === "tool_use") {
             this.emitAutoModeEvent("auto_mode_tool", {
               featureId,
@@ -1305,7 +1691,7 @@ ${context}
 ## Instructions
 Review the previous work and continue the implementation. If the feature appears complete, verify it works correctly.`;
 
-    return this.executeFeature(projectPath, featureId, useWorktrees, false);
+    return this.executeFeature(projectPath, featureId, useWorktrees, false, prompt);
   }
 
   /**

apps/server/src/services/feature-loader.ts

@@ -14,7 +14,26 @@ export interface Feature {
   passes?: boolean;
   priority?: number;
   imagePaths?: Array<string | { path: string; [key: string]: unknown }>;
-  [key: string]: unknown;
+  status?: string;
+  model?: string;
+  skipTests?: boolean;
+  thinkingLevel?: string;
+  planningMode?: 'skip' | 'lite' | 'spec' | 'full';
+  requirePlanApproval?: boolean;
+  planSpec?: {
+    status: 'pending' | 'generating' | 'generated' | 'approved' | 'rejected';
+    content?: string;
+    version: number;
+    generatedAt?: string;
+    approvedAt?: string;
+    reviewedByUser: boolean;
+    tasksCompleted?: number;
+    tasksTotal?: number;
+  };
+  error?: string;
+  summary?: string;
+  startedAt?: string;
+  [key: string]: unknown;  // Keep catch-all for extensibility
 }
 
 export class FeatureLoader {