> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.node-pad.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# NodePad Documentation

> Learn how NodePad works: the canvas, branching, references, merges, models, and self-hosted deployment.

A canvas for AI conversations. Branch from any message, reference across the canvas, and merge sources into the next step.

## Start here

<Columns cols={3}>
  <Card title="Quickstart" icon="rocket" href="/quickstart">
    A real first session in seven steps — open a workspace, branch, reference, merge.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Core workflow" icon="frame" href="/concepts/canvas">
    How the canvas, nodes, branches, and edges fit together.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Self-hosting" icon="server" href="/enterprise/overview">
    Deploy NodePad in your own infrastructure.
  </Card>
</Columns>

## By job to be done

<Columns cols={3}>
  <Card title="Research" icon="microscope" href="/use-cases/research">
    Keep parallel investigations visible instead of burying them in one chat.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Engineering" icon="wrench" href="/use-cases/engineering">
    Branch for a second opinion before you change production.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Writing" icon="pen-line" href="/use-cases/writing">
    Keep drafting, fact-checking, and editing in separate branches.
  </Card>
</Columns>

<Card title="Free to try" icon="rocket" type="tip" href="https://app.node-pad.com/register">
  NodePad is free to use today — sign up and open your first workspace.
</Card>