---
title: Workflow Basics
tag: workflow-basics
summary: Build a small workflow and learn Canopy's data-driven execution model.
---

# Workflow Basics

A Canopy workflow is a graph. Data moves through edges. Nodes hold the logic.

Use this guide to build a small manual workflow and see the core model without external APIs or AI providers.

## What you will build

```text
Manual Trigger → Constant → Set Workflow Output
```

The workflow starts when you run it, emits a fixed value, and returns that value as the final output.

## 1. Create a workflow

Open **Workflows** and create a new workflow.

Give it a short name, such as `First Workflow`. Start from an empty graph.

## 2. Add a Manual Trigger

Add a **Manual Trigger** node.

Manual triggers are useful while building because nothing runs until you start the workflow yourself.

## 3. Add a Constant node

Add a **Constant** node and connect the Manual Trigger to it.

Set the constant value to something simple:

```json
{
  "status": "ready",
  "source": "workflow-basics"
}
```

The Constant node gives you predictable data to inspect while learning the editor.

## 4. Add a Set Workflow Output node

Add a **Set Workflow Output** node and connect the Constant node to it.

Set Workflow Output stores the value returned by the run. It is not a terminator or success marker.

## 5. Run and inspect

Save the workflow, then run it from the manual trigger.

Inspect each node's output. You should see the same object move from Constant into Set Workflow Output.

## The important part

Canopy workflows are explicit. Edges carry data between nodes, and nodes decide what happens to the data they receive.

When a workflow gets complicated, this stays true. Branches, loops, AI nodes, table writes, document creation, and integrations all follow the same model.

## Next steps

Try replacing the Constant node with:

- **Template** to render text from input data
- **JavaScript Script** for custom logic
- **HTTP Request** to call an external API
- **Document Create** to turn output into a document