In this article, learn what nodes are and how to use them: add, delete, copy and paste, and fork nodes.
What are nodes?
Nodes are the basic building blocks of a module. Different node types can do different things:
- Input nodes ask end users for an input (e.g., the answer to a question).
- Value nodes set a value in the background (e.g., a certain version of a contract clause)
- Action nodes perform actions in the background (e.g., sending an email)
- Result nodes end a module and close the end user session.
Three node facts
1. All nodes have a name
This name is unique, unless a node updates the variable of a previous node. The name is visible to authors only and will not be displayed to end users. We recommend choosing distinct names for all your nodes. A node name can be changed at any time as long as the new name is unique.
2. Most nodes create a variable, e.g., a text, a number, or a document
This variable can be used in conditions to determine which path each end user will follow through the module. It can also be referenced in, or updated by, subsequent nodes.
3. All nodes have a note field
Add explanations of what the node is doing or leave To-Dos for fellow collaborators. Notes are only visible to authors and not displayed to end users.
Add a node
You can add nodes in several ways. To add a new node below an existing node, click the + symbol and choose a node type. If you add more than one node below the original node using this method, the paths will fork. In that case, add conditions to the transitions that lead to each of the nodes you added to determine when end users should take a particular path.
See here for adding nodes in-between existing nodes in more complex modules.
Delete a node
To delete a node, select it and press the backspace key on your keyboard. Alternatively, click DELETE in the bottom right corner of the side panel. You can also delete a node by clicking on the node, clicking on the [...] context menu that appears on the top right corner of the node, and selecting Delete from the menu that appears.
Copy and paste a node
Copy and paste nodes within a module or across different modules. You are not limited to only one node but can copy a whole sequence of nodes. Use common shortcuts like Control + C (or on a Mac: ⌘ command + C) to copy and Control + V (or on a Mac: ⌘ command + V) to paste nodes. If you are not familiar with keyboard shortcuts, click on the […] – context menu of a node, which shows you all the necessary commands.
Group nodes
Join nodes into groups to make complex graphs easier to read. Learn here how to group nodes.
Show usage of a node
Click on a node and select Show usage to view where the variable is used or referenced in your module.