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Nodes

Nodes are the visual elements on the canvas that represent workflow components. Each node has a type, a label, and optional configuration.

Node types

Event nodes (start)

Event nodes are the entry points of a workflow. They define what triggers the workflow to execute.

  • Visual style: Rounded rectangle with a distinct color.
  • Examples: "Entity is created", "Cron runs", "Form is submitted".
  • Behavior: A workflow can have multiple event nodes, creating separate flows on the same canvas.

Event node on the canvas

Element nodes (actions)

Element nodes represent actions -- tasks that the workflow performs when executed.

  • Visual style: Standard rectangle.
  • Examples: "Send email", "Set field value", "Create entity".
  • Behavior: Actions execute in the order defined by the edges connecting them.

Gateway nodes

Gateways are decision points that control how the workflow branches. They evaluate conditions and route execution accordingly.

  • Visual style: Diamond shape.
  • Behavior: Gateways can split a single flow into multiple paths or merge multiple paths back together.

Subprocess nodes

Subprocess nodes reference other workflow models, allowing you to reuse existing workflows as building blocks.

  • Visual style: Double-bordered rectangle.
  • Behavior: When execution reaches a subprocess node, the referenced workflow is invoked.

Common operations

Selecting a node

Click on a node to select it. The Property Panel opens with the node's configuration.

Moving a node

Click and drag a node to reposition it. Nodes snap to a 20px grid.

Configuring a node

With a node selected, use the Property Panel to:

  1. Edit the label (click the label text).
  2. Fill in the configuration form fields.
  3. Add an annotation for documentation.

Deleting a node

Select a node and press Delete, or use the delete option in the Property Panel. Deleting a node also removes all edges connected to it.

Locking a node

Toggle the lock icon in the Property Panel to prevent accidental changes. Locked nodes cannot be moved, edited, or deleted.

Quick-add successor

Hover over any node to reveal a + button. Click it to open a popup with components that can follow this node. Select one, and a new node is automatically placed and connected.

The quick-add popup respects:

  • Context filtering: Only shows components valid for the selected context.
  • Dependency rules: Hides components that require predecessor types not present in the workflow.
  • Search threshold: When fewer than 15 components are available, the search field is hidden for simplicity.