Core Concepts Offline Mode

Offline Mode

Navigator's Offline Mode allows you to continue working with Elements and building flows even when you have no internet connection or limited connectivity. This feature ensures that your AI development workflow remains uninterrupted, giving you the flexibility to work from anywhere, regardless of network availability.

What is Offline Mode?

Offline Mode is a feature in Navigator that enables you to interact with Elements and build flows when internet connectivity is unavailable or unreliable. When Navigator detects limited or no internet connection, it automatically switches to Offline Mode, allowing you to continue working with Elements that have been previously downloaded to your device.

Offline Mode: Navigator's capability to function with downloaded Elements when internet connectivity is unavailable or limited. You'll see toast notifications in the app to inform you when Navigator is operating in Offline Mode.

Offline Mode Indicators

Navigator provides clear visual feedback when operating in Offline Mode through toast messages. These notifications appear in the application to inform you of the current connectivity status:

  • Connection Status: Toast messages will appear when Navigator detects limited or no internet connectivity

Keep an eye on these toast messages to stay informed about Navigator's connectivity status and available functionality. Currently, Offline Mode is a fallback and can not be enabled inside of the application manually. To test this feature, simply turn off the WiFi on your device!

Element Drawer in Offline Mode

The Element Drawer is Navigator's library where you can access all available Elements to build your projects. When operating in Offline Mode, the Element Drawer behaves differently to ensure you only see Elements that are available for use.

Downloaded Elements Only

In Offline Mode, the Element Drawer will only display Elements that have been downloaded to your device. This ensures that:

  • You can only interact with Elements that are available locally
  • There are no broken or unavailable Elements cluttering your workspace
  • Your workflow remains smooth and predictable even without internet access

Elements that haven't been downloaded will not appear in the Element Drawer when Navigator is in Offline Mode, preventing confusion and ensuring you can only work with Elements that will function properly.

Downloading Elements for Offline Use

To make Elements available for use in Offline Mode, you need to download them to your device first. Currently, the primary way to download Elements is by creating and running a flow within a Canvas.

How to Download Elements

To download Elements for offline use:

  1. Create a Flow: Open a Canvas in Navigator and create a flow that includes the Elements you want to use offline
  2. Run the Canvas: Click the Run button on your Canvas to execute the flow
  3. Automatic Download: When you run the Canvas, Navigator will automatically download all Elements used in that flow to your device
  4. Offline Availability: Once downloaded, these Elements will be available in the Element Drawer when Navigator is in Offline Mode

Before going offline, create and run a Canvas with all the Elements you might need. This ensures you have everything downloaded and ready for offline work. You can create a simple test flow just to trigger the download process for specific Elements.

Example: Preparing for Offline Work

If you know you'll be working offline and need to use the LLM Element and API Element:

  1. Create a new Canvas from the LLM Chatbot Template
  2. Click Run to execute the flow
  3. Once the flow runs successfully, both Elements will be downloaded and available for offline use
  4. Turn the WiFi off on your device 
  5. Run the Canvas again and chat with your LLM! 

Benefits of Offline Mode

Offline Mode provides several advantages for your AI development workflow:

Uninterrupted Workflow

  • Continue building and testing flows even when internet connectivity is unreliable
  • Work from remote locations or areas with poor network coverage
  • Avoid disruptions during critical development sessions

Local Processing

  • All downloaded Elements run locally on your device
  • Faster response times without network latency
  • Enhanced privacy and security for sensitive projects

Flexibility and Portability

  • Work on your projects from anywhere, regardless of internet availability
  • Prepare your workspace in advance for offline sessions
  • Maintain productivity during travel or in areas with connectivity issues

Best Practices for Offline Mode

Preparing for Offline Work

  • Plan Ahead: Identify which Elements you'll need before going offline
  • Test Downloads: Create and run test flows to ensure all required Elements are downloaded
  • Verify Availability: Check the Element Drawer while online to confirm which Elements are available
  • Save Your Work: Ensure your Canvas and flows are saved before going offline

Working in Offline Mode

  • Monitor toast messages to stay informed about connectivity status
  • Export versions of your Canvas periodically
  • Be aware that some Elements may require internet connectivity for full functionality

Limitations and Considerations

While Offline Mode provides significant flexibility, there are some limitations to be aware of:

  • Element Availability: Only Elements that have been downloaded (by running a Canvas) will be available in Offline Mode
  • New Element Access: You cannot download new Elements while offline - you must be connected to the internet to run a Canvas with new Elements
  • Updates: Element updates and new versions will not be available until you reconnect to the internet

For the best offline experience, ensure you've downloaded all necessary Elements while connected to the internet before going offline.

Next Steps