# Preview

> Preview shows the results of connected nodes, text, images, video and audio, in one place. Today every node shows its own result, so most workflows skip it.

Source: https://nodaro.ai/docs/nodes/automate/preview

The **Preview** node shows the results of the nodes connected to it, whether text, images, video or audio, as one ordered list on the canvas. It dates from the time before each node showed its own result. Today every job it did is done more clearly by other nodes, so most workflows do not need it. This page explains the node for workflows that contain one, and which nodes to use instead.

- Found in: Automate › Canvas
- Output: none
- API type: `preview`

## What to use instead

| To do this | Use |
| --- | --- |
| See what a node produced | The node itself. Every node shows its own result on the canvas. |
| See several results side by side | [Collect](https://nodaro.ai/docs/nodes/automate/collect), which also passes them on by type. |
| See which of several results is best | [Choose Best](https://nodaro.ai/docs/nodes/automate/choose-best), which shows the winner and the reason. |
| Deliver a result | Connect the node that made it directly to [Telegram Post](https://nodaro.ai/docs/nodes/publish/telegram-post), [Publish to Social](https://nodaro.ai/docs/nodes/publish/publish-to-social) or [Save to Storage](https://nodaro.ai/docs/nodes/publish/save-to-storage). |

Workflow: Two image nodes connected to one Preview, which lists both results side by side for comparison.

- Generate Image → Preview
- Generate Image → Preview

## How the Preview node works

- **Any type of result.** Text appears as formatted text, images inline, videos with a player, and audio with playback controls.
- **Several connections.** Every connected node adds its result to the list.
- **A stable order.** The order of the items is kept when you run the workflow again.
- **Display only.** Preview never changes a result and never costs credits.

The settings panel lists the items under **Connected Values**. Drag an item to change its place in the list. For each item, **Hide on canvas** or **Show on canvas** controls whether it appears on the node. You can also copy the item's text or link, or download it. Until the connected nodes have results, the panel says "Connect upstream nodes and run to see their values here."

## Credits
Preview is free.

## Tips
- **Compare with Collect.** To compare the results of two models, connect both nodes to [Collect](https://nodaro.ai/docs/nodes/automate/collect), and let [Choose Best](https://nodaro.ai/docs/nodes/automate/choose-best) pick one if you want a decision.
- **Deliver directly.** Preview only displays results. Connect the node that made a result straight to the node that publishes or saves it.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does the Preview node do?

It shows the results of the nodes connected to it, whether text, images, video or audio, as one ordered list on the canvas. It is only for looking at results and never changes them.

### Do I need a Preview node to see a result?

No. Every node shows its own result on the canvas. Collect shows several results together, and Choose Best shows the winner it picked.

### Can Preview publish or save a result?

No. To publish or save a result, connect the node that made it directly to Telegram Post, Publish to Social or Save to Storage.

### Does the Preview node cost credits?

No. Preview is free and does not slow the workflow down.