How Nodes Work
AI-Flow workflows are built by connecting nodes on a canvas. Each node has input handles (round) and output handles (square). Connecting an output handle to an input handle passes data between nodes.
Handle colors
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red handle | Required — must be connected or filled before the node can run |
| Blue handle | Optional — the node works without it |
Filling inputs
Most input fields accept a value either typed directly into the field or received from a connected node. When you connect a handle to a field, the text field disappears and only the handle remains — both approaches produce the same result.
Running a flow
Click Run on any node to execute it and all its upstream dependencies. Nodes run in dependency order — a node only starts once every node it depends on has finished.
Output types
Every node produces one of these output types:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
text | Plain string |
markdown | Markdown-formatted string (rendered in the output panel) |
json | JSON object or array |
imageUrl | URL pointing to an image |
videoUrl | URL pointing to a video |
audioUrl | URL pointing to an audio file |
The output type determines which downstream nodes can accept the connection.
Named output handles
Some nodes (like Condition) produce multiple outputs with distinct names (e.g. True / False). Each handle carries a different value and can be connected to different downstream nodes independently.
Searching for nodes
Press Ctrl+K (⌘K on macOS) to open the advanced node search and find any node by name or keyword.