The NodeTool desktop app is built on Electron. It reuses the web app for all workflow editing but adds a handful of native surfaces: a boot splash, install wizard, package manager, log viewer, tray menu, pinned windows, and a native menu bar.
This page catalogs every desktop-only view with screenshots. Everything inside the main window is covered by User Interface and Workflow Editor.
Boot Message (Splash)
A minimal splash appears while the embedded Python runtime, backend server, and web app all come online.
The splash streams progress messages — “Starting Python…”, “Warming models…”, “Connecting to server…”. It closes the moment the backend reports ready.
Install Wizard
On first launch (or after a major upgrade), the Install Wizard sets up the optional components NodeTool needs to run local models:
- Conda environment with the required Python version
- Node packs selected by the user
- AI runtimes (torch, MLX, llama.cpp) appropriate for the detected hardware
You can re-run the wizard at any time from the Package Manager window — useful when you add a new node pack or upgrade your GPU.
Package Manager
Opens from the app menu or ⌘K → Open Package Manager. A native window sized 1200×900 that manages:
- Installed node packs and their upgrade availability.
- Optional AI runtimes (torch CUDA, torch MPS, llama.cpp).
- Conda environment health (Python version, cached wheels).
- Integrity checks — re-download a broken runtime in one click.
See Node Packs for where packs come from and how to publish your own.
Log Viewer
A persistent window that tails the backend log. Helpful for debugging without dropping to a terminal.
The log viewer supports:
- Log level filters —
debug,info,warn,error. - Component filters — backend, Python worker, web bridge, IPC.
- Search with regex and highlight.
- Jump to file — click a line to open its source in your editor (if
EDITORis configured).
Update Notification
When a new desktop release is available, a discreet toast appears with Install now and Later actions. The app restarts into the new build; there’s no mandatory update interrupting a run.
Pinned Windows
Electron adds a few borderless, always-on-top window types:
Workflow Execution Window
A frameless window that runs a single workflow with the inputs collapsed and the outputs centered. Great for a pinned dashboard on a second monitor.
Mini-App Window
A self-contained Mini-App launched from the tray. Maximum size 1200×900. Closing it doesn’t quit NodeTool.
Chat Window
Standalone chat opened from the tray. Same content as /standalone-chat but in its own window.
System Tray
The tray icon stays running while NodeTool is active and exposes quick actions:
| Action | What it does |
|---|---|
| Open Dashboard | Bring up the main window |
| Open Chat | Launch the standalone chat window |
| Run Mini-App… | Submenu of mini-apps published from your workflows |
| Settings | Native settings window |
| Package Manager | Open the Package Manager window |
| Log Viewer | Tail the backend log |
| Quit NodeTool | Stop the backend and exit |
Native Menu Bar
On macOS and Windows a native menu bar is attached to the main window.
File
| Item | Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|---|
| New Workflow | Ctrl/⌘ + T |
Open a blank workflow in a new tab |
| Save | Ctrl/⌘ + S |
Save the active workflow |
| Close Tab | Ctrl/⌘ + W |
Close the active editor tab |
| Quit | Ctrl/⌘ + Q |
Exit the app |
Edit
Standard Undo, Redo, Cut, Copy, Paste, Select All, Delete — all mapped to the same shortcuts used on the canvas.
View
| Item | Action |
|---|---|
| Settings | Open the native settings window |
| Package Manager | Open the Package Manager window |
| Log Viewer | Open the Log Viewer window |
| Reload | Reload the main window |
| Toggle DevTools | Useful for debugging custom node UIs |
Window / Help
Platform-standard items — switch windows, open the docs, show version info.
Where the Electron Code Lives
For contributors:
electron/src/main.ts— entry point, window lifecycle.electron/src/window.ts— main window.electron/src/workflowWindow.ts— pinned workflow and mini-app windows.electron/src/tray.ts— tray icon and menu.electron/src/menu.ts— native menu bar.electron/src/components/— React components for the native windows.
See the Electron developer guide for build and debugging tips.
Related Docs
- Installation — download and first-run
- Configuration — settings persisted per-user
- Troubleshooting — boot and install issues
- Deployment — self-hosted / cloud alternatives