Node Basics
Nodes are the building blocks of your AI workflows. Learn how they work, how to use them, and how to connect them together.
What is a Node?
A node is a single unit of functionality in your workflow. Each node performs a specific task: accepting input, generating content, previewing results, applying transformations, or triggering actions.
Nodes are connected together to create workflows. Data flows from one node to another through connections, allowing you to build complex AI pipelines visually.
Node Structure
Every node in Agent Docks follows a consistent structure:
Header
- •Icon: Visual identifier for the node type
- •Name: Editable title (double-click to rename)
- •Lock: Prevents node from being moved
- •Collapse: Minimizes node content while keeping ports visible
Content Area
The main body of the node contains inputs, settings, previews, or controls specific to that node type. This is where you configure the node's behavior.
Ports
- •Input Ports (Left): Receive data from other nodes
- •Output Ports (Right): Send data to other nodes
Footer (Generative Nodes Only)
- •Cost: Estimated credit cost for generation
- •Run Button: Execute this node
- •Run Mode: Toggle between Run and Overwrite modes
Node Categories
Nodes are organized into categories based on their function:
Input Nodes →
Text Input, Image Input, Video Input — bring data into your workflow
Generative Nodes →
Text Generate, Image Generate, Video Generate — create content with AI
Preview Nodes →
Text Preview, Image Preview, Video Preview — display results
Color Correction →
Levels, Color Balance, Hue/Saturation, Vibrance, Blur, Noise, Denoise, Painter
Tools →
Crop/Resize, Color, Palette, Describer, Upscaler — transform and analyze
Triggers →
Telegram Trigger, Time Trigger — automate workflow execution
Send Nodes →
Telegram Send — deliver results to external services
Organization →
Folder — collect and organize workflow artifacts
Node States
Nodes can be in different states that affect their appearance and behavior:
Idle
Default state. Node is ready to run but hasn't been executed yet.
Running
Node is currently executing. The gradient background animates to show progress.
Success
Node completed successfully and produced output.
Error
Node failed to execute. Error message is displayed in the node.
Ports & Connections
Nodes communicate through ports and connections:
Port Types
- •Text: Passes text data (prompts, descriptions, strings)
- •Image: Passes image files and metadata
- •Video: Passes video files and metadata
- •Attachments: Passes multiple files (images, documents)
- •Trigger: Controls execution flow (no data transfer)
Connection Rules
- •Connections must match port types (text→text, image→image, etc.)
- •Trigger ports only connect to other trigger ports
- •Attachment ports can accept multiple connection types
- •Output ports can connect to multiple input ports
- •Preview nodes can only receive from generative nodes
Explore Node Types
Now that you understand the basics, dive deeper into specific node categories: