Learn how to connect Canvas nodes to build powerful AI workflows.

Understanding Connections

Connections are the lines that pass data between nodes. They form the "pipes" of your workflow pipeline.

Handles

Output Handles (right side of nodes)

• Send data to other nodes
• Green circles
• Can connect to multiple inputs

Input Handles (left side of nodes)

• Receive data from other nodes
• Blue circles
• Usually accept one connection

Creating Connections

Method 1: Drag and Drop

1. Click an output handle (right side)
2. Drag to an input handle (left side)
3. Release to create connection
4. Connection line appears

Method 2: Click to Click

1. Click an output handle
2. Click a target input handle
3. Connection creates automatically

Visual Feedback

While dragging:

• Valid targets highlight green
• Invalid targets appear dimmed
• Connection line follows cursor

Connection Types

Data Type Matching

Connections must match data types:

Image Connections (Purple)

• Image output → Image input
• Example: Text-to-Image → Image-to-Video

Video Connections (Blue)

• Video output → Video input
• Example: Image-to-Video → Voice-Over

Audio Connections (Orange)

• Audio output → Audio input
• Example: Text-to-Audio → Voice-Over

Text Connections (Green)

• Text output → Text input
• Example: Prompt Node → Text-to-Image

Universal Connections

Some nodes accept multiple types:

• Chat Node - Accepts any type for context
• Asset Node - Outputs any uploaded file type
• Explore Node - Outputs any library content

Connection Behavior

Data Flow

Data flows automatically when:

1. Source node completes generation
2. Output is available
3. Target node is ready

Auto-Run

If target node has auto-run enabled:

• It runs automatically when input arrives
• No need to manually trigger
• Creates automated pipelines

Enable auto-run:

1. Select node
2. Toggle "Auto-run" in settings
3. Node runs when input updates

Manual Run

If auto-run is disabled:

• Input data loads into node
• Click "Generate" to process
• Gives you control over timing

Multiple Connections

One Output, Many Inputs

Output handles can connect to multiple inputs:

Text-to-Image → Image-to-Video
              → Multi-Angle Generator  
              → Image-to-3D

Use case: Generate one image, process it multiple ways

Multiple Inputs, One Output

Some nodes accept multiple inputs:

• Multi-Image Combiner - Combine several images
• Video Stitcher - Join multiple videos
• Chat Node - Multiple context inputs

Connection Paths

Straight Lines

Simple direct connections draw straight lines.

Curved Lines

Connections curve when:

• Nodes are far apart
• Multiple connections cross
• Auto-organization is applied

Connection Crossings

When connections cross:

• Lines adjust to minimize overlap
• Click a connection to highlight it
• Move nodes to reduce crossings

Managing Connections

Selecting Connections

Click a connection line to select it (turns yellow).

Deleting Connections

Method 1: Select connection, press Delete

Method 2: Right-click connection → Remove

Method 3: Drag connection end to empty space

Reconnecting

Change connection target:

1. Click and drag connection end
2. Drop on new target handle
3. Connection updates

Disconnecting All

Right-click a node → Disconnect All

Connection Validation

Valid Connections ✓

Type matches:

• Image → Image ✓
• Video → Video ✓
• Text → Text ✓

Compatible nodes:

• Text-to-Image → Image-to-Video ✓
• Prompt Node → any text input ✓

Invalid Connections ✗

Type mismatch:

• Image → Video input ✗
• Audio → Image input ✗

Circular dependencies:

• Node A → Node B → Node A ✗

Self-connections:

• Node output → same node input ✗

System prevents invalid connections automatically.

Advanced Connection Patterns

Linear Pipeline

Simplest pattern - straight line:

A → B → C → D

Example: Prompt → Text-to-Image → Image-to-Video → Voice-Over

Branching Pipeline

One source, multiple paths:

     → B → D
A → |
     → C → E

Example:

• Generate image
• Branch 1: Create video
• Branch 2: Make variations

Merging Pipeline

Multiple sources, one output:

A → |
     → D
B → |

Example:

• Multiple images
• Combine into one
• Output final composition

Complex Network

Mix of patterns:

A → B → D → F
     ↓     ↗
     C → E

Example:

• Generate base image
• Create variations and videos
• Combine results
• Export final product

Connection Best Practices

Keep It Simple

Start with linear pipelines. Add complexity gradually.

Minimize Crossings

Arrange nodes to reduce connection crossings:

• Place connected nodes close together
• Use vertical or horizontal alignment
• Leverage auto-organize feature

Use Logical Flow

Arrange nodes left-to-right or top-to-bottom:

• Inputs on left
• Outputs on right
• Shows clear data flow

Label Complex Connections

Use Notes nodes to document what data flows where.

Test Incrementally

Test each connection before adding more:

1. Connect two nodes
2. Run and verify output
3. Add next connection
4. Repeat

Troubleshooting Connections

Can't Create Connection

Possible causes:

• Type mismatch (image vs video)
• Circular dependency detected
• Target input already connected
• Nodes not fully loaded

Solutions:

• Check data types match
• Verify no loops exist
• Disconnect existing input first
• Wait for nodes to load

Connection Disappeared

Possible causes:

• Node was deleted
• Board failed to save
• Browser refresh without save

Solutions:

• Undo (Ctrl/Cmd + Z)
• Recreate connection
• Check auto-save is working

Data Not Flowing

Possible causes:

• Source node hasn't run
• Source node generation failed
• Connection was deleted
• Target node is paused

Solutions:

• Run source node first
• Check for error messages
• Verify connection exists
• Check node status

Wrong Data Type

Problem: Connection works but data isn't compatible

Solution: Verify the actual output matches expected input type. Some nodes output multiple formats.

Connection Performance

Optimize Large Workflows

Tips for 20+ node boards:

• Use auto-run sparingly
• Manual trigger complex chains
• Break into smaller boards
• Disable unused nodes

Reduce Processing Time

Efficient patterns:

• Reuse outputs (multiple connections from one node)
• Avoid redundant generations
• Use Explore node to load existing content
• Cache results in Asset nodes

Keyboard Shortcuts

Delete - Remove selected connection

Ctrl/Cmd + Z - Undo connection

Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + Z - Redo connection

Esc - Cancel connection drag

Click + Drag - Create new connection

Full shortcuts →

Next Steps

• Run your workflow
• Learn about all node types
• Best practices for workflows
• Share your board