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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

ColorMeaning
Red handleRequired — must be connected or filled before the node can run
Blue handleOptional — 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:

TypeDescription
textPlain string
markdownMarkdown-formatted string (rendered in the output panel)
jsonJSON object or array
imageUrlURL pointing to an image
videoUrlURL pointing to a video
audioUrlURL 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.