Workflow Modes

TongFlow offers two distinct modes for working with your workflows: Design Mode for creating and editing, and Execute Mode for running workflows quickly without editing.

Design Mode

Design Mode is the default mode when you open the Workflow Studio. It’s optimized for building and refining your workflows.

What You Can Do

  • Add nodes: Drag nodes from the library or use Quick Add
  • Edit parameters: Adjust settings on each node
  • Rearrange layout: Move nodes freely on the canvas
  • Delete elements: Remove nodes and connections
  • Test runs: Execute the workflow to verify it works

When to Use

  • Building new workflows from scratch
  • Modifying existing workflows
  • Debugging and troubleshooting
  • Learning how workflows function

Visual Indicators

In Design Mode:

  • Full toolbar is visible
  • Node handles are always shown
  • Edit controls are accessible
  • Canvas is freely navigable

Execute Mode

Execute Mode provides a streamlined interface focused purely on running workflows. It hides editing controls to prevent accidental changes.

What You Can Do

  • Run workflows: Execute with a single tap
  • Input data: Provide required inputs (text, images, etc.)
  • View results: See generated outputs
  • Share outputs: Export or share completed work

What’s Hidden

  • Node connection handles
  • Delete buttons
  • Layout editing controls
  • Advanced settings

When to Use

  • Running proven workflows repeatedly
  • Sharing workflows with non-technical users
  • Using workflows on mobile devices
  • Production use without risk of breaking things

Visual Indicators

In Execute Mode:

  • Simplified interface
  • Input fields are prominent
  • Run button is emphasized
  • Results display is maximized

Switching Between Modes

On Desktop

  1. Look for the mode toggle in the top toolbar
  2. Click Design or Execute to switch
  3. The interface updates immediately

On Mobile App

The mobile app defaults to Execute Mode since phones are optimized for running workflows, not designing them.

To access Design Mode on mobile:

  1. Open the workflow
  2. Tap the settings/menu icon
  3. Select Edit Workflow

Best Practices

For Workflow Creators

  1. Design on desktop: Use a larger screen for complex workflows
  2. Test thoroughly: Verify in Design Mode before sharing
  3. Document inputs: Clearly label what users need to provide
  4. Share in Execute Mode: Give others a clean running experience

For Workflow Users

  1. Start with Execute Mode: Focus on inputs and outputs
  2. Switch to Design if curious: Explore how the workflow works
  3. Don’t modify unless needed: Avoid accidental changes

Mode Permissions

When workflows are shared:

Permission LevelDesign ModeExecute Mode
Owner✅ Full access✅ Full access
Editor✅ Can modify✅ Can run
Viewer❌ Read-only✅ Can run

Next Steps