# Getting started with Canvas

Canvas is a workspace of connected cards. A node holds content, creates media, or processes a result. A connection passes a source output to a compatible input.

Canvas is a workspace of connected cards. A **node** holds content, creates media, or processes a result. A **connection** passes a source output to a compatible input.

Start with a small workflow, then reuse its results in other branches.

**Make this:** Text → Image → Video.

1. Open a Canvas project. Use **Add node** to add Text and Image.
2. Choose the Text node's manual writing option and enter:
   “An adult courier in a yellow raincoat on a quiet harbor street at sunrise,
   soft cinematic light, wide composition.”
3. Drag from Text's output handle on the right to Image's input on the left.
4. Select Image, choose an available model and output settings, check the
   displayed Gems, and choose **Generate**.
5. Wait for the image to finish and load. The completed image is Image's output.
6. Drag from Image's output to empty canvas and choose Video. Choose a model
   that accepts images, then write: “The courier walks toward the harbor.
   Slow forward camera movement; keep the same outfit and morning light.”
7. Check Video's input thumbnails, settings and displayed Gems. Generate the
   video and play the finished result.

Connecting nodes does not generate their outputs. Finish the source first,
then start the next generator when its inputs are ready.

### Follow along without generating

Add nodes, write prompts and connect your existing media first. These actions
do not start generation. The videos in this guide show setup or clearly labelled
existing results. When you are ready, check the displayed price or text allowance
before starting a generation or analysis.

### Watch the setup

These short demos show setup or existing results. Generation and analysis are
started separately after you review the inputs and displayed price or allowance.

#### Add a node

![Add your first node. Setup only; no generation.](https://docs-media.letsgen.app/canvas/index/start-add-node/2026-10-07-bb6321be1bcfcc1c.png)

[Watch video: Add your first node. Setup only; no generation.](https://docs-media.letsgen.app/canvas/index/start-add-node/2026-10-07-08827c5111fa2574.mp4)

#### Connect your first prompt

![Connect Text to Image. Setup only; no generation.](https://docs-media.letsgen.app/canvas/connections/connect-existing/2026-10-07-a3883f0e4168f7ab.png)

[Watch video: Connect Text to Image. Setup only; no generation.](https://docs-media.letsgen.app/canvas/connections/connect-existing/2026-10-07-da7c980add3884b5.mp4)