Groupflow

node-red-contrib-groupflow

Groupflow adds named Edge junctions and a Collapsed view to standard Node-RED groups. It lets you Collapse or Expand them in any flow while retaining their real contents and wiring.

Features

• Collapse Groupflows into a Collapsed block to clear up your workspace.

• Create Input and Output Edge junctions by dragging wires into the sides of an Expanded Groupflow.
• Use Create Inputs/Outputs on an existing group's context menu to turn every wire crossing its border into an appropriately placed Edge junction.
• Move Edge junctions vertically along their edge while the Groupflow is Expanded.
• Edge junctions snap to Node-RED's editor grid along the Groupflow border.

• Preserve native group colours, borders, labels, and label placement in the Collapsed view.

• Change Edge junction names by double-clicking them.

Behaviour

1. Create a normal Node-RED group and place the nodes that belong together inside it.
2. Drag a wire close to the left or right border to create an Edge junction.
3. Double-click an Edge junction to give it a meaningful name and description.
4. Use the minus button in the top-right corner to Collapse the Groupflow.

While Expanded, an Edge junction can be moved vertically along its own edge. It cannot leave that edge or cross to the other side. While Collapsed, its position is locked but it remains available for connections and renaming. Right-click an Edge junction and choose Remove from group to turn it back into a normal Node-RED junction.

Collapsed Groupflows hide their internal nodes and internal wire segments while keeping named Edge junctions available for connections. New Edge junctions can only be created while a Groupflow is Expanded.

Native flow data

Groupflow stores its presentation state in the group's style metadata. Edge junction names and descriptions are stored on native Node-RED junction nodes. The underlying flow remains made of native Node-RED groups, nodes, junctions, and links; removing Groupflow does not remove or replace the deployable flow data. You can run your flow nonetheless.

Requirements

• Node-RED 5.0 or newer
• Node.js 22.9 or newer

Contact

Found a bug, have a suggestion, or want to discuss a plugin?

• Start a topic on the Node-RED Forum and tag me.
• Join the Discord community.

License

Licensed under the MIT License.