Build Visually in Xano with the Function Stack

Xano's Function Stack is the original visual development environment for building your backend logic — and once you understand its layout and tools, you'll be able to move fast and stay organized. Let's walk through everything you need to know to get started.

Understanding the Three Core Sections

When you open any API endpoint or function in Xano, you'll notice the interface is consistently divided into three sections: the Input, the Function Stack, and the Response. Each section has its own Add button, letting you append new elements exactly where you need them. This structure keeps your logic clean and predictable no matter what you're building.

Working with Functions in the Stack

As you hover over individual functions in the stack, a familiar set of controls appears. You can:

• Add a function directly inline
• Enable or disable a function without deleting it
• Clone a function to reuse it quickly
• Edit the description to keep your logic readable
• Add a comment for added context
• Delete via the context menu

You also get paste before and paste after options, which become especially powerful when combined with the copy shortcut. Just Shift-click a function to copy it, then right-click to paste it exactly where you want.

Selecting and Moving Multiple Functions

Need to reorganize a chunk of logic? You can Shift-click to select multiple functions and treat them as a group — applying the same actions to all of them at once. And if you need to reorder things, simply grab a function and drag it to its new position. Rearranging your logic has never been more intuitive.

Choosing Your View: Compact vs. Comfortable

The Function Stack gives you two display modes to suit your working style. Compact view keeps everything tight so you can see more at once, while Comfortable view gives each function a bit more breathing room. Switch between them based on your preference or the complexity of your stack.

Searching and Using Keyboard Shortcuts

When your function stack grows, finding a specific step is easy with the built-in search. Just type what you're looking for and the stack highlights matching functions instantly.

If you prefer keeping your hands on the keyboard, Xano also offers a full set of keyboard shortcuts. Navigate to the keyboard shortcut button in the interface to see everything available — from moving functions to modifying your logic without touching the mouse.

Stack or Canvas — Your Choice

The Function Stack is one of two ways to develop visually in Xano. You can switch between the stack view and the visual canvas at any point, giving you the flexibility to work in whichever format best matches your thinking. Both approaches put the power of visual backend development right at your fingertips.