Your First Workflow
This tutorial covers the fundamentals of creating workflows in MachinaOs.
Understanding the Interface
Canvas
The main area where you build workflows by connecting nodes.
Component Palette
Left sidebar with all available nodes organized by category:
- AI Models - Chat models (OpenAI, Claude, Gemini)
- AI Agents - Agent and memory nodes
- WhatsApp - Messaging automation
- Android - Device control
- Utilities - HTTP, webhooks, code execution
- Schedulers - Triggers and timers
Top bar with workflow controls:
- File - New, Open, Save, Export
- Run - Execute selected node
- Deploy - Start workflow triggers
- Stop - Cancel execution
Node Basics
Adding Nodes
- Drag and drop from the component palette
- Right-click on canvas to search nodes
Connecting Nodes
- Drag from an output handle (right side) to an input handle (left side)
- Handles are the small circles on node edges
Node Types
| Type | Shape | Description |
|---|
| Trigger | Diamond | Start workflow on events |
| Action | Square | Perform operations |
| Config | Circle | Provide configuration to other nodes |
Configuring Nodes
- Click a node to select it
- Click the gear icon or double-click to open parameters
- Set values and click Save
Data Flow
Data flows through connections between nodes. Use template variables to access upstream data:
Example
If a Webhook Trigger outputs { body: "Hello" }:
{{webhookTrigger.body}} --> "Hello"
Building a Simple Workflow
Let’s build a workflow that triggers on a schedule and logs the time.
Step 1: Add a Cron Trigger
- Drag Cron Scheduler from Schedulers
- Configure:
Cron Expression: */5 * * * * (every 5 minutes)
Step 2: Add a Python Executor
- Drag Python Executor from Utilities
- Connect Cron output to Python input
- Add this code:
from datetime import datetime
current_time = datetime.now().strftime("%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S")
output = {"time": current_time, "message": f"Triggered at {current_time}"}
Step 3: Deploy
- Click Deploy in the toolbar
- The workflow will run every 5 minutes
- Click Stop to cancel
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|
Ctrl+N | New workflow |
Ctrl+S | Save workflow |
F2 | Rename selected node |
Delete | Delete selected node |
Ctrl+C | Copy node |
Ctrl+V | Paste node |
Tips
Rename nodes for clarity. Press F2 or double-click the node label.
Test individual nodes by selecting them and clicking Run before deploying the full workflow.
Always save your workflow before deploying. Unsaved changes are lost on refresh.
Next Steps
