Canvas Basics
Master the Vantixs visual builder canvas.
The Canvas
The canvas is your workspace for designing trading strategies. It's an infinite 2D space where you place and connect nodes.
Navigation Controls
Pan
Click and drag on empty space, or use middle mouse button to move around
Zoom
Use scroll wheel, or Ctrl++ / Ctrl+- to zoom in and out
Fit View
Double-click empty space, or press Ctrl+0 to see everything
Grid & Snapping
Nodes snap to an invisible grid for clean alignment. Toggle snapping in settings if you prefer free placement.
Adding Nodes
The primary way to add nodes:
- Open the node library (left sidebar)
- Browse categories or use search
- Drag node onto canvas
- Or double-click to add at center
Selecting Nodes
Single Select
Click on any node to select it and show properties
Multi-Select
Hold Shift and click, or drag a selection box around nodes
Select All
Press Ctrl+A to select every node on the canvas
Connecting Nodes
How to Connect Nodes
Find the Output Port
Look for the small circle on the right side of the source node
Start Dragging
Click and hold on the output port
Connect to Input
Drag the connection line to an input port (left side of target node)
Release to Connect
Let go to create the connection - the line will snap into place
Connection Rules
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Direction | Outputs connect to inputs only, never the reverse |
| Compatibility | Data types must match (numbers to numbers, signals to signals) |
| Fan-out | One output can connect to multiple inputs |
| Fan-in | Each input accepts only one connection |
Organizing Your Canvas
Groups
Select multiple nodes, right-click → "Group" for visual containers
Comments
Add text annotations to document your strategy logic
Colors
Right-click any node to change its color for organization
Best Practices
Follow these guidelines for maintainable strategies
- Flow left to right: Place data sources on the left, execution on the right
- Group related logic: Use groups for indicator clusters and signal chains
- Comment complex sections: Future you will thank you for documentation
- Name your nodes: Double-click the title to give descriptive names