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Canvas Node Types

Understand the nodes available for notes, images, links, AI, Mythos, and timelines.

3 min readLast updated Sep 3, 2026

What are node types?

Canvas supports eight node types, each designed for a different kind of planning or reference.


Text node

Simple text boxes for quick notes and labels.

Features:

  • Plain text only (no formatting)
  • Quick and simple
  • Lightweight
  • Resizable

Best for: Short labels, quick notes, node titles


Markdown node

Rich text with full markdown formatting for detailed content.

Features:

  • Markdown formatting (bold, italic, headings, lists)
  • Resizable
  • Zoomable
  • Color customization
  • Connectable to other nodes

Best for: Detailed information, formatted content, anything you wish to write


Timeline node

Numbered, sequential nodes for chronological organization.

Features:

  • Automatic numbering (1, 2, 3, etc.)
  • Vertical or horizontal layouts
  • Maintains sequential order

Best for: Story timelines, project milestones, chronological events, sequential processes


Image node

Display images and visual references.

Features:

  • Upload images (max 10MB)
  • Supported formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP
  • Resizable
  • Connectable to other nodes

Best for: Character art, location maps, reference images, visual inspiration, mood boards


Add a web address and keep an external reference directly on the canvas.

Best for: Sources, inspiration, research, published pages, and reference material


AI node

Generate content using AI within the canvas.

Features:

  • AI-powered content generation
  • Dynamic information
  • Quick research

Best for: Research lookups, brainstorming ideas, AI-generated content


Mythos entity node

Place a person or character, location, organization, item, event, lore entry, or custom Mythos entity on a Book workspace canvas.

Best for: Relationship maps, character boards, world-building, and connecting story information visually


Timeline event node

Link an event from the Book workspace Timeline Board to the canvas.

Best for: Plot maps, event relationships, chronology planning, and connecting events to characters or locations

Mythos entity and Timeline event nodes are available in Book workspaces.


Working with nodes

All nodes can:

  • Be moved - Click and drag to reposition
  • Be resized - Drag corner handles
  • Be connected - Drag from one node to another to create connections
  • Be colored - Change background color for organization
  • Be deleted - Select and press Delete/Backspace

Node connections

Connect nodes to show relationships, create flow diagrams, link related ideas, and organize hierarchies.

Connections can be removed by selecting the connection and pressing Backspace, or by deleting one of the connected nodes.

Templates

Canvas templates can create a starting structure, including horizontal and vertical timelines. You can edit, move, connect, or remove the generated nodes like any other canvas content.


Next steps

Still need help?