> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://machinations.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://machinations.gitbook.io/docs/nodes-properties/activation-modes.md).

# Activation Modes

Automatic, Interactive, OnStart, Passive

Nodes have 4 Activation Modes, according to which Resources get redistributed.

{% hint style="info" %}
Set the Activation Mode of a Node in its Properties menu, under Activation. <img src="https://2667914601-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LGZcALyOGDKb9q0wdJ5%2F-MLqUNm6fVsSytWq2VzF%2F-MLqXm7ew-bhXH_kgOC6%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=8eeddc70-dd7b-471e-a255-c1c91048013f" alt="" data-size="original">&#x20;
{% endhint %}

When a Node fires it [pushes or pulls Resources](https://machinations.gitbook.io/docs/nodes/pulling-and-pushing-resources) along the [Resource Connections](https://machinations.gitbook.io/docs/connections/resource-connections) that are connected to it. Whether a Node fires depends on its Activation Mode.&#x20;

A Node in a Machinations diagram can be in one of 4 different Activation Modes:&#x20;

1. **Automatically -** fires every Time Step. All automatic Nodes fire simultaneously.
2. **Interactive -** fires only when the you click it during Run time.
3. **Starting Action** - fires only once, immediately after you click the Run button.
4. **Passive** - can fire only in response to a trigger generated by another element.&#x20;

![Activation Modes symbols](https://2667914601-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LGZcALyOGDKb9q0wdJ5%2F-LHHuFS4z2EfvzOU-7tB%2F-LHHuIB3sQGAjCpejm8F%2Factivatiomodes.jpg?alt=media\&token=04934cf1-e40c-4571-92af-dfff48e078ba)

{% hint style="danger" %}
All 4 Activation Modes apply to ALL types of Nodes!
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**Interactive** Nodes fire after being clicked **only when the next Time Step begins**. This may make it seem as if the Node didn't receive the input or that there's a delay.
{% endhint %}

:wrench: Here's a video example of 4 Pools, having different Activation Modes, and their actions (or lack thereof).

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bPm-q8TH44>" %}

1. The green Pool is Automatic, and will push 1 Resource every time step, until there are no more Resources available.
2. The orange Pool will push a Resource once, when you hit the Play button.
3. The blue one is Interactive, and will only push a Resource when the Player/User clicks on it.
4. The red Pool is passive, and it will not react in this case.

{% hint style="info" %}
You may want to check out:
{% endhint %}