Action

Black-box out

Where this chain returns to the parent

Black-box out marks the single point where this chain hands its result back to the parent workflow when it's reused as a Subworkflow, so the result returns from exactly where you intend even if the chain also delivers things on its own.

How it works

A reusable chain often ends at a clear result, but sometimes it also does side work along the way, like sending an internal copy. Black-box out lets you say which point is the one that returns to the parent, so the parent's next step always receives the right thing.

It is optional. Without it, a black box returns from the chain's single final step. You reach for Black-box out when the chain both delivers something itself and still needs to return a result upstream, or when there's more than one endpoint and you want to name the one that carries on.

Like its partner Black-box in, it does no work and costs nothing. It marks the seam where the reusable chain rejoins the parent flow.

Black-box out in a workflow

A simple example of where this node sits in a flow.

Black-box in Where the parent feeds this chain Extract PDFs → structured data Analyze Underwriting pass Black-box out Where this chain returns to the parent

What you set up

  • Add it at the point in the chain whose result should return to the parent.
  • Wire the step that produces that result into it.
  • Optionally name the port so it reads clearly on the black-box node in the parent.

Common questions

Do I have to use this?

No. Without it a black box returns from the chain's single final step. Use it when the chain also delivers on its own, or has more than one endpoint.

Can the chain still send its own emails or files and return a result?

Yes. That's exactly what this marker is for: the chain can deliver internally AND hand a result back to the parent through Black-box out.