Canvas Basics
Master the Vantixs visual builder canvas -- your workspace for designing algorithmic trading strategies through drag-and-drop.
Vantixs is currently in BETA. You can build strategies and validate them through backtesting and paper trading. Live trading is not yet available.
The Canvas
The canvas is an infinite 2D workspace where you place nodes and connect them into a strategy pipeline. Data flows left to right -- from market data sources, through indicators and logic, to execution and risk management.
Navigation Controls
Pan
Click and drag on empty space, or use middle mouse button to move around the canvas
Zoom
Use scroll wheel, or Ctrl++ / Ctrl+- to zoom in and out of the canvas
Fit View
Double-click empty space, or press Ctrl+0 to fit all nodes into view
Grid and Snapping
Nodes snap to an invisible grid for clean alignment. This keeps your pipelines organized and readable. Toggle snapping in settings if you prefer free placement.
Adding Nodes to the Canvas
There are two ways to add nodes. The node palette on the left sidebar organizes all 65+ node types into categories like Data Source, Indicator, Technical, Logic, Execution, Risk, and Price Action.
The primary way to add nodes:
- Open the node palette from the left sidebar
- Browse categories or type a node name in the search bar (e.g., "RSI", "MACD", "Bollinger")
- Drag the node onto the canvas and drop it where you want
- Or double-click a node in the palette to add it at the canvas center
Selecting Nodes
Single Select
Click on any node to select it and open its configuration in the inspector panel
Multi-Select
Hold Shift and click multiple nodes, or drag a selection box around a group of nodes
Select All
Press Ctrl+A to select every node on the canvas
Connecting Nodes with Edges
Connections (edges) carry typed data between nodes. Each port has a specific data type -- for example, an OHLCV Data node outputs OHLCV data, which indicators like RSI or MACD accept as input. The builder enforces type compatibility so you cannot wire incompatible ports.
How to Connect Nodes
Find the Output Port
Look for the small circle on the right side of the source node. Hover to see the data type (e.g., OHLCV, TIMESERIES, SIGNAL).
Start Dragging
Click and hold on the output port -- a connection line appears.
Connect to Input
Drag the line to a compatible input port on the left side of the target node. Compatible ports highlight when you hover over them.
Release to Connect
Let go to create the edge. The line snaps into place and data will flow through the connection.
Auto-Mapping
When you connect two nodes, the builder can automatically map compatible ports for you. For example, connecting an OHLCV Data node to a Bollinger Bands node will auto-wire the ohlcv output to the ohlcv input without needing to match each port manually.
Connection Rules
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Direction | Outputs (right side) connect to inputs (left side) only, never the reverse |
| Type Safety | Data types must be compatible -- OHLCV ports connect to OHLCV inputs, SIGNAL ports to SIGNAL inputs |
| Fan-out | One output port can feed multiple input ports on different nodes |
| Fan-in | Each input port accepts only one incoming connection |
| No Cycles | The pipeline must be a directed acyclic graph (DAG) -- no circular connections allowed |
Common Data Types
The system uses 17 data types to ensure correct wiring between nodes:
| Data Type | Description | Example Nodes |
|---|---|---|
OHLCV | Candlestick market data (open, high, low, close, volume) | OHLCV Data, HTF Data |
TIMESERIES | Numeric series over time | RSI, EMA, MACD, Bollinger Bands |
SIGNAL | Buy/sell/hold trading signals | Signal Generator, Crossover nodes |
ORDER | Order instructions with sizing | Signal to Order, Smart Entry |
NUMBER | Single numeric value | Comparison, Threshold nodes |
BOOLEAN | True/false flags | Logic gates (AND, OR, NOT) |
RISK_PARAMS | Risk configuration parameters | Risk Parameters node |
ZONE | Price zones (support, resistance, order blocks) | Order Block, Fair Value Gap |
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Cmd/Ctrl + K | Quick Add node search |
| Cmd/Ctrl + Z | Undo last action |
| Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + Z | Redo |
| Cmd/Ctrl + A | Select all nodes |
| Cmd/Ctrl + C / V | Copy and paste selected nodes |
| Delete / Backspace | Remove selected nodes or edges |
| Cmd/Ctrl + 0 | Fit all nodes in view |
Organizing Your Canvas
Groups
Select multiple nodes, right-click and choose "Group" to create a visual container for related logic
Comments
Add text annotations to document your strategy logic and reasoning
Colors
Right-click any node to change its color for visual organization by function
Best Practices
Follow these guidelines for clean, maintainable strategy pipelines
- Flow left to right: Place data sources on the far left, indicators next, then logic and signals, and finally execution and risk on the right
- Group related logic: Use groups to cluster indicator chains (e.g., all RSI-related nodes together)
- Name your nodes: Double-click the title bar to give descriptive names like "BTC 1h Data" or "RSI Oversold Check"
- Comment complex sections: Add annotations explaining why you chose specific parameter values or logic
- Start from templates: Use a strategy template as your starting point and modify from there -- it is faster than building from scratch