PrimeFlow Canvas Basics
Learn the core PrimeFlow canvas workflow: moving around, selecting nodes, connecting items, pasting content, deleting safely, and using undo and redo.
The PrimeFlow canvas is where you build a visual map of connected work. Start by opening or creating a canvas, add nodes, move them into place, connect related items, and save the result for the active Space.
This article covers the everyday canvas actions that apply before you get into specific node types, templates, FlowMode, export, or MCP.
Canvas basics are available on every license
Core canvas movement, selection, connections, paste actions, undo and redo, export, and Standard node families are available on every PrimeTask license. Some node types and FlowMode require Pro.
What you can do
Move around the canvas
while reviewing a large work map
Zoom in and out
to focus on details or review the whole canvas
Select one or more nodes
before moving, deleting, or duplicating them
Move nodes
to arrange related work
Connect nodes
to explain relationships between items
Paste content
to create useful nodes quickly
Delete selected nodes
with keyboard shortcuts or menus
Undo and redo canvas structure changes
Use the Mini Map
when it is enabled in PrimeFlow settings
Save the canvas
so it remains available in the current Space
Build in passes
Add the main items first, connect what matters, then tidy the canvas. A PrimeFlow canvas is easier to improve when the important relationships are already visible.
How to open a canvas
- Navigation: Open PrimeFlow from the main navigation.
- Command palette: Press ⌘+K (or Ctrl+K) and search for PrimeFlow.
- Canvas Library: In PrimeFlow, open Canvas Library to choose a saved canvas.
- New canvas: In PrimeFlow, choose New Canvas to start a blank canvas in the active Space.
For saved canvas management, see PrimeFlow Canvas Library and Saving.
Move around the canvas
Use the canvas controls, mouse, trackpad, or keyboard shortcuts to move through a canvas and adjust zoom.
Common actions:
- Drag empty canvas space to move around the canvas
- Scroll or pinch to zoom, depending on your input device
- Use zoom controls to zoom in, zoom out, or fit the current canvas into view
- Use
Cmd + =,Cmd + -, and ⌘+0 on macOS - Use
Ctrl + =,Ctrl + -, and Ctrl+0 on Windows
If the Mini Map is enabled, use it as a quick way to understand where you are in a larger canvas.
Canvas settings affect movement aids
PrimeFlow settings control the Mini Map, snap behavior, and the spacing used by snap behavior. See PrimeFlow Settings.
Select and move nodes
Click a node to select it. Select multiple nodes when you want to move, delete, or duplicate more than one item together.
Useful shortcuts:
- Select all nodes: ⌘+A on macOS, or Ctrl+A on Windows
- Duplicate selected node: ⌘+D on macOS, or Ctrl+D on Windows
- Delete selected nodes:
DeleteorBackspace
When you move selected nodes, PrimeFlow keeps their relationships intact. If a selected group is deleted, PrimeFlow keeps child nodes usable rather than leaving them trapped inside a removed group.
Delete behavior depends on the node
Most nodes can be removed directly. File and PDF nodes may ask for confirmation because they can represent uploaded or linked files. Follow the confirmation shown in PrimeTask before deleting.
Connect nodes
Connect nodes when one item supports, depends on, explains, or belongs with another. A new connection starts with PrimeFlow's default connection type, and you can adjust it later.
After a connection exists, right-click it to change the connection type, add or edit a comment, adjust thickness, toggle movement, choose relationship labels where supported, or delete the connection.
See PrimeFlow Connections and Edges.
Paste content onto the canvas
PrimeFlow can create nodes from pasted content when you are not typing into another field.
Paste behavior includes:
- Images from the clipboard create file-style image nodes
- YouTube links create YouTube nodes
- X post links create X Post nodes
- Other supported links create link nodes
- Plain text creates a text label
Pasted content is placed near the current working area so you can move it into the right part of the canvas.
Paste is fastest for reference material
Copy an image, video link, post link, or plain text, then paste it into PrimeFlow to turn it into a canvas item without opening the Node Library first.
Undo and redo
PrimeFlow supports undo and redo for canvas structure changes such as creating nodes, deleting nodes, moving nodes, and creating or deleting connections.
Use:
- Undo: ⌘+Z on macOS, or Ctrl+Z on Windows
- Redo: ⌘+⇧+Z on macOS, or Ctrl+⇧+Z on Windows
- Redo on Windows: Ctrl+Y
Undo and redo are focused on canvas structure. Some edits inside a task, project, contact, file, or other detailed record are handled by that feature's own editing flow.
Some file removals cannot be fully undone
If a file-backed node removes an uploaded or linked file reference, PrimeTask may prevent that file node from being restored by canvas undo. This protects you from thinking a file reference has returned when it has not.
Use right-click actions
Right-click on empty canvas space to add common nodes, create groups, or use available canvas actions.
Right-click on a node to access actions for that node, such as duplicating, converting where supported, changing available style options, or deleting.
Right-click on a connection to edit connection behavior and relationship context.
See PrimeFlow Right-Click Menus.
Save your work
PrimeFlow can save the current canvas, save it with a new name, open another canvas, or create a new one. Saved canvases belong to the active Space.
Use Save when you want to update the current canvas. Use Save As when you want to keep the current version and create another named canvas.
See PrimeFlow Canvas Library and Saving.
Things worth knowing
Canvas actions pause while other windows are open
When a task selector, file picker, settings window, or similar window is open, PrimeFlow avoids accidental canvas actions behind it. Finish or close that window before continuing on the canvas.
Snap behavior is optional
PrimeFlow settings let you decide whether moved nodes should snap into cleaner spacing. Turn it on when you want faster tidy-up, and turn it off when you want freer placement.
The Mini Map is optional
If you prefer a cleaner workspace, turn off the Mini Map from PrimeFlow settings. If you work with large canvases, leave it on for easier navigation.
Canvas basics are separate from node details
This article explains shared canvas behavior. Node-specific behavior is covered in the node family guides.
Common questions
"Can I move several nodes at once?"
Yes. Select multiple nodes, then move them together.
"Can I duplicate more than one node?"
The main duplicate shortcut duplicates the currently selected node. Node-family articles cover any extra duplication behavior for specific node types.
"Why did PrimeTask ask before deleting a file node?"
File and PDF nodes can represent file references. PrimeTask asks for confirmation when deleting may affect more than a simple canvas item.
"Can I paste a YouTube link directly into PrimeFlow?"
Yes. Paste a YouTube link on the canvas to create a YouTube node.
Where to go next
| If you want to… | Read this |
|---|---|
| Manage saved canvases | PrimeFlow Canvas Library and Saving |
| Add nodes from the Node Library | Adding Nodes in PrimeFlow |
| Use the main controls | PrimeFlow Header and Controls |
| Adjust canvas settings | PrimeFlow Settings |
| Use right-click actions | PrimeFlow Right-Click Menus |
| Connect nodes clearly | PrimeFlow Connections and Edges |
| Search or filter a canvas | PrimeFlow Search and Filters |
| Automatically arrange nodes | PrimeFlow Auto Layout |
| Export a canvas | PrimeFlow Export |