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

Field: "Recipient Email"
Mode: Manual
Value: "{{trigger.output.email}}"
→ Directly uses the email from your form

AI Prompt Mode

Give natural language instructions for AI to generate content.

Use when: You need AI to write, summarize, or transform content.

text

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

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

Field: "Ticket Priority"
Mode: Auto
→ AI looks at message content and sets priority based on urgency signals

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

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

Examples:

handlebars

{{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

Real-World Examples

Customer Support

text

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

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

Variable Usage — Deep dive into workflow variables
Agent Node — AI-powered content processing