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Field Modes

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Overview

Every node field can be configured in one of three modes. Choose based on whether you need AI intelligence, exact control, or quick setup.

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The Three Modes

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Manual Mode

You specify the exact value—static text, variables, or a combination. Manual Mode Use when: You know exactly what value you need. 
Field: "Recipient Email"
Mode: Manual
Value: "{{trigger.output.email}}"
→ Directly uses the email from your form
No AI credits. Fastest and most predictable. Use this whenever possible.

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AI Prompt Mode

Give natural language instructions for AI to generate content. AI Prompt Mode Use when: You need AI to write, summarize, or transform content. 
Field: "Email Body"
Mode: AI Prompt
Instructions: "Write a friendly response to {{trigger.output.message}},
addressing their concern about {{agent.output.structured.issue_category}}."
→ Personalized email generated each time
Uses AI credits. Output varies between executions based on context.

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Auto Mode

AI analyzes context from previous nodes and determines the value automatically. Auto Mode Use when: You’re prototyping or the data structure varies between runs. 
Field: "Ticket Priority"
Mode: Auto
→ AI looks at message content and sets priority based on urgency signals
Uses AI credits. Convenient for quick setup, but less predictable than Manual.

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Quick Comparison

ModeAI CreditsControlBest For
ManualNoHighDirect values, templates (default)
AI PromptYesMediumContent generation, summarization
AutoYesLowPrototyping, variable structures
Recipient fields such as To, Cc, and Bcc are never filled by AI by default, to protect against prompt injection. If you switch them to Auto or AI Prompt, the editor shows a security warning. See the Action node page for details.

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Variable Syntax

Both Manual and AI Prompt modes support variables: 
{{node_name.output.field_name}}
{{node_name.output.nested.field}}
{{node_name.output.array[0].property}}
Examples: 
{{trigger.output.email}}              // Form field
{{agent.output.summary}}              // Agent output
{{http_request.output.data.userId}}   // API response
{{my_loop.output.currentItem.name}}   // Current loop item
Type {{ in any field to see available variables from previous nodes.

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Real-World Examples

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Customer Support

Trigger: Form submission

Action: Send email
├─ To: Manual → "{{trigger.output.email}}"
├─ From: Manual → "support@company.com"
├─ Subject: Manual → "Re: {{trigger.output.subject}}"
└─ Body: AI Prompt → "Write a helpful response to: {{trigger.output.message}}"

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Data Processing

Trigger: New spreadsheet row

Action: Create CRM record
├─ Name: Manual → "{{trigger.output.customer_name}}"
├─ Email: Manual → "{{trigger.output.email}}"
├─ Notes: AI Prompt → "Summarize this feedback: {{trigger.output.feedback}}"
└─ Status: Manual → "New Lead"

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Next Steps

Variable Usage

Deep dive into workflow variables

Agent Node

AI-powered content processing