This guide introduces the NodeTool interface. Covers both desktop app and web version.
New to NodeTool? Start with the Getting Started guide.
At a Glance
NodeTool has five workspaces:
| Workspace | Purpose | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Dashboard | Home screen | Starting projects, finding templates |
| Workflow Canvas | Building workflows | Creating and designing workflows |
| Global Chat | Conversational AI | Quick iterations, chatting with AI |
| Mini-Apps | Simplified interfaces | Sharing workflows with others |
| Assets | Media library | Managing files |
The App Header
The header bar is your creative command center (always visible at the top):
- Logo/Title – Click to return to Dashboard
- Models – Manage your AI models (Flux, SDXL, etc.)
- Assets – Access your media library
- Templates – Browse creative workflow templates
- Chat – Open conversational AI mode
- Settings – Configure API keys, preferences, account
- Download indicator – Shows model/asset download progress
Dashboard
The Dashboard is the home screen.
Contents
- Your Workflows – Saved projects
- Templates – Ready-to-use workflows
- Recent Chats – Past conversations
- Getting Started Panel – Interactive onboarding guide for new users with step-by-step instructions
Common Actions
| Task | How to Do It |
|---|---|
| Start a new creation | Click “New Workflow” button |
| Open a saved workflow | Click any workflow card |
| Try a template | Browse Templates, click to open |
| Continue a chat | Click a recent chat thread |
Workflow Canvas
Build workflows visually by connecting nodes.
The Canvas
The center area is an infinite canvas for arranging workflows.
Navigation:
- Pan: Hold
Spaceand drag, or right-click drag - Zoom:
Ctrl/⌘+ scroll wheel - Fit all: Press
F
Adding Nodes
To add a node:
- Press
Spaceanywhere on canvas, OR - Double-click an empty area
This opens the Node Library:
- Search by typing (e.g., “generate image”, “transform video”)
- Browse categories on the left (Image, Video, Audio, Text)
- Click a node to add it
Connecting Nodes
Connections show data flow between nodes:
- Find the circles on nodes (outputs on right, inputs on left)
- Click and drag from an output circle
- Release on an input circle of another node
Tip: Drop a connection on empty space to see compatible nodes.
Properties Panel
When you select a node, the right panel shows its configuration:
- Inputs – What the node needs
- Settings – Configuration options
- Output – What the node produces
Global Chat
AI assistant built into NodeTool.
Features
- Chat with AI models
- Run workflows from conversation
- Agent Mode for autonomous task execution
- File sharing – images, audio, documents
Chat Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Threads | Multiple conversations, each with its own history |
| Model Selector | Choose which AI model to chat with |
| Workflow Menu | Attach and run your saved workflows |
| Agent Mode | Let the AI use tools and modify your canvas |
Standalone Chat Window
Access chat directly from the system tray for quick conversations:
- Quick Access: Click the tray icon → Chat to open a dedicated chat window
- Focused Interface: Chat without the full NodeTool interface
- Background Access: Start conversations while other apps are open
- Thread Persistence: All threads sync with the main application
Mini-Apps
Convert workflows into simple apps.
Purpose
- Hide complexity – Users see only inputs and outputs
- Share easily – No NodeTool knowledge required
- Focused interface – Just what users need
How It Works
- Build your workflow in the Editor
- Click Mini-App in the top-right
- See a clean interface with just:
- Input fields (from your Input nodes)
- Run button
- Output results
Standalone Mini-App Windows
Launch mini-apps in dedicated windows from the system tray:
- Quick Launch: Right-click the tray icon to see available mini-apps
- Independent Windows: Run mini-apps without opening the main editor
- Background Execution: Keep mini-apps running while working on other tasks
Assets
The Asset Explorer manages all your files.
Supported Files
- Images: PNG, JPG, GIF, WebP
- Audio: MP3, WAV, M4A
- Video: MP4, MOV, WebM
- Documents: PDF, TXT, Markdown
Working with Assets
| Action | How |
|---|---|
| Upload files | Drag & drop into Assets panel |
| Use in workflow | Drag asset onto the canvas |
| Preview | Click any asset to preview |
| Organize | Create folders, rename files |
Audio Player
The built-in audio player features waveform visualization:
- Visual Waveforms: See the audio shape with WaveSurfer.js integration
- Playback Controls: Play, pause, and seek through audio files
- Preview in Workflows: Audio results display with interactive waveforms
Models Manager
Download, organize, and configure AI models.
Finding Models
- Search by name or task type
- Filter by provider (local, OpenAI, etc.)
- Sort by size or popularity
Managing Downloads
- One-click install for any supported model
- Progress tracking in the header
- Space usage shown per model
- Easy uninstall to free space
Panels and Layout
NodeTool’s interface is flexible – customize it to your workflow.
Rearranging Panels
- Move: Drag a panel tab to a new location
- Split: Drag a tab to the edge of another panel
- Resize: Drag the borders between panels
- Close: Click the X on any tab
- Restore: Use View menu to add closed panels back
Saving Layouts
Your layout is saved automatically. To reset:
- View → Reset Layout restores defaults
Command Menu
Press Alt+K (Windows/Linux) or ⌘+K (Mac) to open the Command Menu.
This is the fastest way to:
- Open any workflow
- Switch between sections
- Search for anything
- Access settings
Just start typing what you want!
Keyboard Shortcuts
Essentials
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
Space |
Open node menu |
Ctrl/⌘ + Enter |
Run workflow |
Ctrl/⌘ + S |
Save |
Ctrl/⌘ + Z |
Undo |
F |
Fit view |
Esc |
Stop workflow |
All Shortcuts
Global
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
Alt+K / ⌘+K |
Command Menu |
Ctrl/⌘+N |
New workflow |
Ctrl/⌘+O |
Open workflow |
Ctrl/⌘+S |
Save |
Ctrl/⌘+Z |
Undo |
Ctrl/⌘+Shift+Z |
Redo |
Ctrl/⌘+1…9 |
Switch tabs |
Editor
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
Space + Drag |
Pan |
Ctrl/⌘ + Scroll |
Zoom |
F |
Fit to screen |
Ctrl/⌘+Enter |
Run workflow |
Esc |
Stop workflow |
Ctrl/⌘+D |
Duplicate |
Ctrl/⌘+G |
Group |
A |
Align nodes |
Delete / Backspace |
Delete selection |
Chat
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
Enter |
Send message |
Shift+Enter |
New line |
Esc |
Stop generation |
Next Steps
- Workflow Editor deep dive – Master the canvas
- Tips & Tricks – Power user secrets
- Cookbook – Learn workflow patterns