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.
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.
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.
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:
{{node_name.output.field_name}}
{{node_name.output.nested.field}}
{{node_name.output.array[0].property}}
{{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
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
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
