> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.langdock.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Field Modes
> Configure node fields with Auto, Manual, and AI Prompt modes.
## 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.
## The Three Modes
### Manual Mode
You specify the exact value—static text, variables, or a combination.
**Use when:** You know exactly what value you need.
```handlebars theme={null}
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.
***
### AI Prompt Mode
Give natural language instructions for AI to generate content.
**Use when:** You need AI to write, summarize, or transform content.
```text theme={null}
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.
***
### Auto Mode
AI analyzes context from previous nodes and determines the value automatically.
**Use when:** You're prototyping or the data structure varies between runs.
```text theme={null}
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.
***
## Quick Comparison
| Mode | AI Credits | Control | Best For |
| --------- | ---------- | ------- | ---------------------------------- |
| Manual | No | High | Direct values, templates (default) |
| AI Prompt | Yes | Medium | Content generation, summarization |
| Auto | Yes | Low | Prototyping, variable structures |
## Variable Syntax
Both Manual and AI Prompt modes support variables:
```handlebars theme={null}
{{node_name.output.field_name}}
{{node_name.output.nested.field}}
{{node_name.output.array[0].property}}
```
**Examples:**
```handlebars theme={null}
{{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.
## Real-World Examples
### Customer Support
```text theme={null}
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}}"
```
### Data Processing
```text theme={null}
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"
```
## Next Steps
Deep dive into workflow variables
AI-powered content processing