Flows
How to create and use parametric generative algorithms
Flow OverviewAutomatically turn simple shapes into more complex geometry with built-in algorithms.
Flow Interface
Learn the basics for the Flow visual coding interface
The Flow ManagerThe library of Flows in your current project
The Flow BuilderThe Flow Builder is a visual programming application within Giraffe.
NodesA node is a discrete set of instructions in Flow
Connectors & WiresConnects nodes together to create detailed instructions in Flow
The Flow CanvasHow to navigate the flow canvas
Getting Started with Flow
How to build and use your first flow
Create a New FlowStart a new flow from a template or blank canvas.
Anatomy of a FlowHow flows process geometry and data
Search for & Add Flow NodesAdd more nodes to your flow canvas
Using Input Nodes in FlowEstablish editable properties that control your Flow's outputs
Using the Reader NodePreview the data coming from a node
Edit a FlowUpdate a saved flow
Duplicate a FlowCopy an existing flow
Delete a FlowDelete a flow from a geometry or from the project entirely.
Using Flows
Now That you've created a flow, how do you use it in your projects?
Assign a flow to geometryOnce you have created a flow, assign it to a geometry
Using Flows on Multiple GeometriesRe-use the same flow logic in multiple geometries in a single project.
Import Flows from Another ProjectReuse flows from past projects
Bake FlowsHow to un-flow-ify your Flow geometries
Flow Concepts
Important coding concepts that help you to build flows
Objects & FeaturesLearn how to work with object oriented programming in Flow
JSON SyntaxSome syntax basics to help you out with Flows
Data Types (Primitives)The basic types of data Flows work with
Cartesian vs ProjectedWorking with Projected versus Unprojected Geometries
Vectors & TranslationHow vectors drive cartesian geometries
CollectionsHow to work with multiple items as a data structure
Lists vs Sets vs DictionariesWhat is a set vs a list vs a dictionary?
LoopsProcess the same nodes over multiple items
Flow Nodes
How to use each flow node
absGet the absolute value of a number
acosGet the arccosine of a number
addadd two numbers
along pointUse along point to distribute a set number of points along a line
andCheck if two values are both true
Apartment V2Use the apartment transform to create an apartment building based on a single line.
apply usageApply a usage to a feature
areaGet the area of a shape
arrayUse array to evenly space points along a polygon outline or line.
asinGet the arcsine of a number
atanGet the arctangent of a number
AverageAverage a list of numbers
BezierCreate a bezier curve from a set of points
BooleanA boolean (true/false)
boolean differenceReturns the difference of two geometries
boolean unionReturns the union of multiple geometries
Bounding BoxReturns the bounding box of a geometry
Bounding Box PropertiesReturns the properties of a bounding box
ceilRound a number up to the nearest integer
centroid (dendrogram)Returns the centroid (visual center point) of a geometry
circleCreate a circle from a center point
construct cartesianConstruct a cartesian from a geometry
construct colorConstruct an rgb color from 3 number inputs
construct key-value pairConstruct a key-value pair
construct objectConstruct a JSON object
construct vectorConstruct a vector from x, y, and z coordinates
Control PointsGet the end points of a geometry
cosGet the cosine of an angle
deconstruct vectorDeconstruct a vector to get its coordinates
degrees to radiansConvert degrees to radians
distanceGet the distance between two points
divideDivide two numbers
encapsulate in listPlace an object in a list
enclosed polygoncreate an enclosed polygon from intersecting lines
End PointsGet the end points of a polyline
linecreate a line from 2 points
Line SDLConstruct a line from a start point, direction and length
Line String From PointsConstruct a linestring from points
Parking Lots V2Generate parking bays on a geometry
EConstants > E
InfinityConstants > Infinity
PiConstants > Pi
Straight SkeletonGeometric Operations > Straight Skeleton
Flow Use Cases
Step-by-step instructions for how to build flows for common workflows
Build your First FlowCreate a flow from scratch
How to Draw CurvesHow to curve lines and corners
Create a Carpark that automatically solves around buildings with FlowCreate a parking solver that generates parking bays around overlapping buildings
Video: Flows & GeometriesHow Geometries relate to flows
Video: Build a Light Rail Station with FlowUsing Flow to build a parametric light rail station
Video: Flow Activity Centre
Video: Create a Flow with Blocks
Video: Smart Facades
Video: Optimize Solid-Glazing Ratio with Flow
Video: Create a Multi-Family Wrap with Flow