Workflow Editor Overview
Last updated: Jan 2026
The workflow editor is a visual canvas where you design, test, and refine your AI automations. It provides a node-based interface for building complex workflows with drag-and-drop simplicity, real-time execution monitoring, and powerful undo/redo capabilities.
Interface Layout
The editor is divided into distinct areas, each serving a specific purpose in your workflow building process.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Editor Canvas (Center) | The main workspace powered by ReactFlow. This infinite canvas supports pan, zoom, and multi-select. Nodes are positioned visually with automatic routing for connections. |
| Component Library (Left) | Browse the different node/step types. Browse tools. Drag nodes and tools onto the canvas. |
| Configuration Panel (Right) | Appears when you select a node. Configure prompts, AI models, conditions, approval requirements, and other node-specific settings. |
| Toolbar (Top) | Quick access to save, undo/redo, run workflow, auto-layout, add sticky notes, workflow settings, and exeucution/history view toggle. |
Editor & Execution Views
The workflow interface has two primary views that you can toggle between using the switch in the toolbar. Each view is optimized for different stages of your workflow lifecycle.
| View | Purpose | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Editor View | Build and configure your workflow | Full canvas access, node library, drag-and-drop, connection editing, and node configuration panels. |
| Execution View | Monitor runs and review history | Live execution stats, real-time node status, step outputs, error details, and previous run history. |
Editor View
This is the default view when you open a workflow. The editor view provides the full canvas experience where you can add nodes, configure settings, create connections, and design your automation logic. Use this view when building or modifying your workflow.
Execution View
Switch to the execution view to monitor workflow runs and review past executions. This view displays:
- Live execution monitoring — Watch nodes execute in real-time with status indicators
- Step outputs — View the output data from each completed node
- Error details — Inspect error messages and stack traces when nodes fail
- Run history — Browse previous executions, compare results, and debug issues
- Execution stats — See duration, token usage, and other metrics for each run
Quick Toggle
Use the view toggle in the toolbar to quickly switch between Editor and Execution views. When you run a workflow, it automatically switches to Execution view so you can monitor progress.
Execution Modes
ORCFLO supports two execution modes that determine how your workflow nodes are processed.
| Mode | Behavior | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| DAG Mode (Parallel) | Nodes execute in parallel when their dependencies are met. A node runs as soon as all its upstream connections complete. | Workflows where independent steps can run simultaneously, maximizing throughput. |
| Sequential Mode | Nodes execute one at a time in a defined order, regardless of dependencies. Each step waits for the previous to complete. | Debugging or when API rate limits require controlled pacing. |
Switching Modes
Toggle between DAG and Sequential mode in the workflow settings. Your workflow structure remains the same; only the execution order changes.
Toolbar & Actions
The toolbar provides quick access to essential actions. Familiarize yourself with these to speed up your workflow building.
| Action | Description | Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Save | Save current workflow | Cmd+S |
| Undo / Redo | Undo or redo changes made in the canvas | Cmd+Z / Cmd+Shift+Z |
| Run | Execute the workflow with real-time monitoring | - |
| Auto-Layout | Automatically position nodes in the canvas | - |
| Copy & Paste / Delete | Duplicate or remove selected nodes | Cmd+C and Cmd+V / Delete |
Keyboard Shortcuts
Master these shortcuts to work more efficiently in the editor.
| Action | Mac | Windows/Linux |
|---|---|---|
| Save workflow | Cmd+S | Ctrl+S |
| Undo | Cmd+Z | Ctrl+Z |
| Redo | Cmd+Shift+Z | Ctrl+Y |
| Copy selected | Cmd+C | Ctrl+C |
| Paste | Cmd+V | Ctrl+V |
| Delete selected | Delete | Delete |
| Select all | Cmd+A | Ctrl+A |
Pro Tips
- Use Note Cards: Add sticky notes to document sections and explain complex logic on the canvas.
- Auto-layout frequently: After adding or rearranging nodes, use auto-layout for clean DAG positioning.
- Name your steps: Give nodes descriptive names so their outputs are easier to identify and reference.
- Use templates: Start from official or user-published templates instead of building from scratch.