ContrataHelp Centre

The canvas

Understand the nodes, panels, and controls you use to build a workflow.

Updated 2026-07-23


The canvas is where a workflow's steps live, shown as connected nodes you can add, move, and configure.

Screenshot coming soon
A workflow canvas with a trigger, two agents, and a Human review step connected in sequence

Node types

Every workflow is built from three kinds of node:

  • Trigger — starts the workflow, either on a schedule or from a webhook. See Triggers.
  • Agent — an AI step that does the work, such as drafting a summary or checking a system.
  • Human review — pauses the workflow so a person can review, answer questions, or approve before it continues.

Select Edit, then Add Node to open the node selector, which groups your Custom Agents, Pre-built Agents, Human steps, and Triggers so you can search and drop one onto the canvas.

Working with nodes

Select the expand icon in a node's top corner to open it and edit its settings. If your workflow has Stages, each node carries a coloured stage badge — select it to move that step into a different stage. Use the toolbar in the corner to tidy things up: Auto layout, Fit to screen, Zoom in, and Zoom out.

The details panel

Select Details on the left to open the workflow's side panel, covering:

  • Workflow Information — the name, description, and owner.
  • Stages — see Stages and captured data.
  • Capture Workflow Data — see Stages and captured data.
  • Version History — a record of past changes to the workflow. This is coming soon.
NoteChanges only take effect once you select Save Changes. Selecting Cancel discards them, and Contrata lists exactly what would be lost first.

Common questions

Why can't I add an agent to the canvas?

Add a trigger first — agent and human steps stay disabled on an empty canvas until there's something to start them.

Up next
Triggers
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