Nodespell is built on a small set of ideas. A Project holds a graph of nodes; nodes pass media and data to each other through connections; running a node produces a take, which is kept; and AI model runs use credits. Each idea is defined once below, with a link to its full guide.
How the pieces fit together
Section titled “How the pieces fit together”| Concept | One-line definition | Full guide |
|---|---|---|
| Project | The saved workspace that holds a graph, its takes and its layout | Projects and snapshots |
| Node | One step: an AI model, an edit, an effect, an input or an organizer | Add nodes |
| Connection | A link from one node’s output to another node’s input | Connections |
| Parameter | A setting on a node, such as a prompt, a duration or a blur size | Parameters |
| Run | Executing selected nodes and whatever they need upstream | Run nodes |
| Take | One saved result of a node’s run | Takes |
| Level and Folder | A graph inside a node, for structure and reuse | Levels and Folders |
| Asset | Uploaded or generated media stored in Nodespell | Asset Manager |
| Credits | The usage balance that AI model runs draw from | Plans and credits |
| Creative Tool | A guided presentation of an AI model node for a familiar task | Creative Tools |
Project
Section titled “Project”A Project is the unit you open, save and share in Nodespell. It holds the node graph, every take its nodes have made, and the panel layout. Nodespell saves changes automatically; the top bar shows Saved, Saving… or a problem status. File > Save Version … keeps a named Project Snapshot you can return to. Projects live in your personal workspace or a Team workspace.
A node is one step in the graph. Nodes come in several kinds:
- AI model nodes call a specific model, such as an image or video generator. They run on Nodespell’s servers and use credits.
- Processing nodes edit or combine media, such as Merge, Color Correct or Transform.
- Input nodes bring material in: an Asset node holds an image, video or audio file, and a Prompt node holds reusable text.
- Organizing nodes structure the graph: Group, Folder, Level and Dot nodes.
Every node has a name, input sockets on one side, output sockets on the other, and parameters. The Library panel in the app lists every node; see Add nodes.
Connection
Section titled “Connection”A connection carries data from an output socket to an input socket. Data always flows one way, from output to input. Nodespell accepts a connection only when the output’s type fits the input, so an image output cannot feed an audio input. Some inputs accept several connections, such as a list of reference images. See Connections.
Parameter
Section titled “Parameter”A parameter is a value on a node that you set in the Parameters panel or, in Create, in the composer. Parameters include text (a prompt), numbers (a duration), choices (an aspect ratio), colors and media. Many parameters can also take an input connection or an expression instead of a typed value.
A run executes the selected nodes. Before it starts, Nodespell builds a plan: which nodes generate new takes, which reuse takes they already have, and which only update. Hover the run button to see the plan; on paid plans it also shows a credit estimate. Nodes never rerun automatically when something upstream changes. You decide when to run, so nothing is charged until you do. Press Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+R for Run Selected Tasks, or select the run button above the graph.
A take is one saved result of a node. Each run of a model node adds a take; earlier takes are kept, not overwritten. The node’s output uses one take at a time: by default the newest successful one (Follow latest), or one you choose with Use this take and keep with Keep this take. Downstream nodes use whatever take their input node is using. See Takes.
Level and Folder
Section titled “Level and Folder”A Level is a node that contains its own graph. Press Enter on a Level to go inside and U to go back up. A Folder is a Level used only for organizing; it cannot run directly. Use Convert to Folder and Convert to Level to switch between them. See Levels and Folders.
An Asset is a media file stored in Nodespell: something you uploaded, or a result saved from a node. The Assets panel (the Asset Manager) lets you browse, search, tag, preview and organize Assets, and drag them into the graph as Asset nodes. Assets belong to your personal workspace (Personal Assets) or to a Team (Team Assets). See Asset Manager.
Credits
Section titled “Credits”Credits are the balance that AI model runs draw from. Different models use different amounts depending on the model, the settings and the output length. Paid plans include monthly credits; credits on a free account do not renew. Each take in a node’s take list shows whether its credits were charged, refunded, not charged or are charge pending. Runs that only reuse existing takes are not charged. See Plans and credits.
Creative Tool and model node
Section titled “Creative Tool and model node”A Creative Tool, such as Image Generator or Image to Video, is a guided way to use AI model nodes for a familiar task. It shows a curated set of controls and lets you switch between suitable models. A model node is the same model shown with its own name and its full list of parameters.
A Creative Tool changes the editing experience, not the model, its price, its results or its connections. On the canvas you can switch a node between Show as Creative Tool and Show as followed by the model name. Changing the model on a node that already has takes creates a new branch node so the original and its takes stay intact. See Creative Tools on the canvas and Branch and switch presentation.
Frequently asked questions
Section titled “Frequently asked questions”What is the difference between a take and an Asset?
Section titled “What is the difference between a take and an Asset?”A take is a result stored on the node that made it, part of that node’s history. An Asset is a media file in the Asset Manager that you can reuse anywhere. You can turn a chosen take into an Asset node in the graph, for example with Continue with this result in Create.
Do I pay again when I reopen a Project?
Section titled “Do I pay again when I reopen a Project?”No. Opening a Project, browsing takes and running with existing takes does not use credits. Credits are used when a run generates new takes with an AI model.
Is a Folder the same as a Level?
Section titled “Is a Folder the same as a Level?”No. Both contain a graph, but a Level can run as a node while a Folder is only for organizing and cannot run directly.
What is the difference between a Workflow and a Project?
Section titled “What is the difference between a Workflow and a Project?”A Project is the full workspace you open and edit. A Workflow is a reusable piece of graph saved with Save As Workflow that you can place into any Project. See Snippets and presets.
Related
Section titled “Related”- What is Nodespell? — what you can make and who it is for.
- Build your first graph — see these concepts in a real graph.
- Glossary — every Nodespell term defined.
- Run nodes — run plans, reuse and costs.
- Takes — choose which result the graph uses.