Node types
Overview
Tana has many different types of nodes, and icons to reflect what these types are. Below is a list of all the different types you may encounter.
Content nodes
Plain node
Plain nodes show up as dark grey, solid dots.
Plain nodes with content show up with a lighter halo around them.
Reference
References show up with dashed outlines.
You can also have an inline reference or a link to a node, signified by the grey background.
Search node
Search nodes show up with a magnifying glass in the node.
Node with contextual content
Nodes with contextual content show up as diamond shaped.
Supertag definition
Supertag definitions show up as a hashtag inside a circle.
Field definition
Many field definitions show up as a square icon with the various symbols signifying different field types. Others have just the symbol of their types with no framing square.
Fields
Fields show up similarly as field definitions, but with an empty node as placeholder for entering a value.
Command node
A command node shows up as a typical command line symbol >_
, and inside a dashed circle as a reference.
URL node
A URL node shows up with an external link icon.
Code node
A code node shows up as two angled brackets.
Workspace node
A workspace node shows up with a rainbow halo.
Audio node
A node with an audio file looks like a regular node with a play button next to it. Expand it, and you will see more controls for playback.
Video node
A node with a video file looks like a regular node with content that auto-expands to show the video with playback controls.
Image node
A node with an image looks like a regular node with content that auto-expands to show the image.
Node with Youtube link
A node with a link to Youtube looks like a URL node. It will auto-embed to show the video with playback controls. You can undo the embed by hitting the X in the top-right corner.
Node with Vimeo link
A node with a link to Vimeo looks like a URL node. It will auto-embed to show the video with playback controls. You can undo the embed by hitting the X in the top-right corner.
Node with Spotify link
A node with a link to Spotify looks like a URL node. It will auto-embed to show the playlist or album with playback controls. You can undo the embed by hitting the X in the top-right corner.
Unknown (or no access) node
A dashed box node with a no access sign. Means that the source that used to be referenced is unable to load / no longer accessible.
External alias node
A dashed circle with no bullet, and the words "(alias)" at the end. This is a reference with no available content except the name, due to access restrictions.
Function nodes
Saved layout
A saved layout shows up with a bento box icon.
Keyboard Shortcut
In Settings > Private keyboard shortcuts, custom shortcuts show up with the command (for Mac) / place of interest / Bowen knot symbol.
Related FAQs
- Where do deleted/trashed nodes go? Does the trash get emptied?
When you delete something, they go to Trash.
You can access Trash via the command
Open trash
The team is working on an "Empty trash" function, which is currently being tested internally.
Related docs: