# Change model or presentation without losing work

> Switch a Nodespell node between a Creative Tool and its model-node view, change its model safely, and branch so earlier takes and downstream work stay intact.

Source: https://docs.nodespell.com/graph/branch-and-switch-presentation/ · Last updated: 2026-11-10

In Nodespell, an AI model node can be shown as a guided [Creative Tool](https://docs.nodespell.com/creative-tools/) or as its plain model node, and you can switch between the two at any time without changing the node. Changing the model is different: once a node has results, Nodespell creates a branch, a new node with the new model, so the original node, its [takes](https://docs.nodespell.com/graph/takes/) and everything downstream stay exactly as they were.

## Presentation versus model: what changes?

| Action                                           | Same node?            | Takes                | Connections                                                    | Settings               |
| ------------------------------------------------ | --------------------- | -------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------- |
| Switch presentation (Creative Tool ↔ model node) | Yes                   | Kept                 | Kept                                                           | Kept                   |
| Change model before the node has results         | Yes                   | None yet             | Compatible ones kept                                           | Compatible ones kept   |
| Change model after the node has results          | No, a new branch node | Stay on the original | Inputs reconnected to the branch; outputs stay on the original | Compatible ones copied |

A Creative Tool changes the editing experience, not the underlying model, pricing, results or connections.

## Switch between Creative Tool and model node

1. In **Graph**, right-click an AI model node.
2. Choose **Show as Creative Tool**. If the model fits more than one Creative Tool, pick one from the submenu.
3. To go back, right-click the node and choose **Show as** followed by the model name and **node**, for example **Show as Nano Banana 2 node**.

The option only appears for models that belong to at least one Creative Tool. Cinematic Shot, Variations and Relight are offered for a node only when its prompt already contains that tool's instructions.

## Change the model before the first run

With a Creative Tool node selected, choose a different model from the model picker in [Parameters](https://docs.nodespell.com/graph/parameters/). If every setting and connection carries over, the change happens in place, and a notice summarizes any values that had to be adapted to the new model.

If something cannot carry over, **Review what will change** opens first. It lists **Settings that won't carry over** and **Connections that won't carry over**, with each connection marked **Incoming** or **Outgoing**. Click **Change model** to apply, or **Cancel** to keep the current model and everything you entered.

## Create a branch when the node already has results

When the node already has run history, changing its model opens **Create a new model branch?**.

1. Choose the new model in the Creative Tool's model picker.
2. Read the dialog. It says how many settings and connections will not carry over to the branch, and confirms that the original node, its selected result and its downstream graph stay unchanged.
3. Click **Create branch**.

Nodespell adds the branch to the right of the original. It has the same name and Creative Tool, the settings that fit the new model, and the same incoming connections. Its outputs start unconnected, so connect the branch to downstream nodes when you are ready to use it. The whole branch is one step in undo history.

If the node changes while the dialog is open, Nodespell shows **The node changed while this dialog was open. Review the latest details, then confirm again.**

> **Tip:** To compare models on the same prompt, create a branch for each model, run them, and view the results side by side. See [Compare models side by side](https://docs.nodespell.com/recipes/compare-models-side-by-side/).

## Frequently asked questions

### Does switching to a Creative Tool lose my results?

No. Switching presentation keeps the same node, so its takes, connections, settings and price stay the same.

### Why did changing the model create a new node?

The node already had run history. Nodespell branches so the earlier takes stay attached to the model that made them and the downstream graph keeps working.

### What happens to downstream connections when I branch?

They stay on the original node. The branch receives the same inputs, and you connect its outputs yourself.

### Can I undo a branch?

Yes. Creating the branch is a single undo step.

### Why is Show as Creative Tool missing from the menu?

The node's model is not part of any Creative Tool, or the node is not an AI model node.

## Related

- [Creative Tools](https://docs.nodespell.com/creative-tools/): every tool and how it relates to nodes
- [Choose a model](https://docs.nodespell.com/creative-tools/choose-a-model/): the model picker
- [Creative Tools on the canvas](https://docs.nodespell.com/creative-tools/on-the-canvas/): working with tool nodes in Graph
- [Takes](https://docs.nodespell.com/graph/takes/): results stay with the original node
- [Revise without starting over](https://docs.nodespell.com/recipes/revise-without-starting-over/): a worked example