Vani Glossary | Key terms and definitions

What is Vani?

Vani is an intelligent visual collaboration platform that helps teams brainstorm, plan, and innovate together on a shared canvas using diagrams, workflows, and structured content.

Learn more about Vani

A

7 Contents

Add-ons

Add-ons in Vani are extensions that bring additional functionality into your Spaces. They can connect Vani with external services or add specialized capabilities to your workflow.

Admin

Admin is a role with permissions to manage users, settings, and other administrative tasks. In the Team plan, Admins manage the team. In the Business plan, Admins manage the organization and its teams. Admins generally have broad access but cannot change the Super Admin role.

AI

Vani AI helps you generate, modify, and organize content directly within your Space.

You can use it to create mind maps, make flowcharts, draft content, summarize ideas, or refine existing content.

AI credits

AI credits determine how much you can use AI-powered features in Vani.

Different plans include varying credit limits based on usage.

Annotations

Annotations let you draw, mark, and add free-form notes directly on your Space. You can use tools like the pen or highlighter to sketch, underline, or emphasize content.

API

The Vani API allows developers to integrate Vani with other tools and automate workflows. It lets you access Vani features and data through code.

Audit logs

Audit logs track important actions and changes made within your organization or team. They help monitor activity and maintain transparency.

B

1 Content

Brainstorming

Brainstorming in Vani is a common use case where teams visually capture ideas using sticky notes, drawings, mind maps, or AI-generated structures.

It can happen in real time or asynchronously within a shared Space.

C

6 Contents

Catchup

Catchups are Vani's built-in video meetings where teammates can join and work together in real time. A Catchup lets you stay on a live call while collaborating visually on the same Space without switching tabs.

Catchup recordings

Catchup recordings allow you to capture Catchup sessions or presentations. They help you revisit discussions and share updates asynchronously.

Collaboration

Collaboration in Vani refers to how teams work together within a shared Space, both in real time and asynchronously.

It includes features like comments, Catchups, and shared editing.

Commenter

Commenter is a Space permission that allows users to view a Space and interact through comments. They cannot add new content, but they can duplicate the Space.

Comments

Comments allow collaborators to add notes or feedback directly on content within a Space. They help teams discuss ideas, suggest changes, and keep conversations tied to context.

Connectors

Connectors are lines used to link objects within a Space. They help show relationships, flows, or connections between elements in diagrams, flowcharts, or workflows.

D

1 Content

Database tables (DB tables)

Database tables in Vani allow you to store, organize, and manage structured data within a Space.

They help you track information, define relationships, and work with data alongside visual content.

E

5 Contents

Editor

Editor is a Space permission that allows users to create, modify objects, and comment within a Space. They cannot manage other Spacemates.

Elements

Elements is the panel used to add objects to your Space, such as shapes, connectors, sticky notes, media, and tables.

It brings together all the building blocks you need to create and structure content on the canvas.

Embed

Embed allows you to insert content from external sources directly into your Space.

This helps you keep related documents, media, or files visible alongside your work. You can also embed a Vani Space into other platforms using an embed code.

Export

Export is the action of downloading content from your Space to use outside Vani.

You can export selected areas or Frames as formats like images or PDFs.

F

5 Contents

Files

Files in Vani's Upload pane let you add documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and other files directly into your Space. They help you keep supporting materials and references in one place.

Flow

Flow in Vani is a presentation feature that helps you guide people through a Space step by step. They are useful for presentations, walkthroughs, and structured navigation.

Flowchart

A flowchart is a diagram that uses steps, decisions, and connectors to represent a process.

In Vani, you can create one manually or generate it using Vani AI.

Frame

Frames are containers used to group and organize content within a Space.

You can use them to structure ideas, organize workflows, or present content in sections.

G

1 Content

Guest

A Guest is a user who can be added to your team or organization with limited access without requiring a full license. They can only access Spaces that are shared with them individually.

Guests are useful when you want to collaborate with external or occasional users without giving them full access.

H

3 Contents

Hand tool

The hand tool lets you move around the canvas by dragging without selecting or editing objects. It is useful when navigating large Spaces.

Highlighter tool

The highlighter tool is a free-hand drawing tool used to emphasize or mark content on the canvas. It works like a traditional highlighter.

Hyperlink

A hyperlink in Vani allows you to link objects, text, or elements to other parts of a Space or external resources. It helps you connect related content and navigate quickly within your Space.

I

2 Contents

Infinite canvas

Each Zone in Vani provides an infinite canvas to work in. You can expand in any direction without being restricted to fixed page sizes.

Integrations

Integrations in Vani connect your Spaces with external tools and services.

They help bring content, workflows, and data from other platforms into your Space.

K

2 Contents

Kanban board (Structure)

A Kanban board is a visual project management tool that uses columns and cards to represent tasks across different stages, such as To do, In progress, and Done.

In Vani, you can use a Kanban board to plan, track, and manage workflows visually.

Kits

Kits in Vani are collections of tools, shapes, or assets designed for specific use cases.

They help you quickly access relevant elements for tasks like diagramming, planning, or design without starting from scratch. For example, the AWS Architecture Kit provides cloud infrastructure icons, while the Posters Kit offers ready-made layouts.

L

2 Contents

Layers panel

The Layers panel shows all objects in the current Zone in a stacked view. It helps you manage and control individual elements, especially in complex Spaces.

Live cursors

Live cursors show the real-time position and movement of collaborators within a Space. They help you stay aligned and see where others are working.

M

5 Contents

Media

Media in Vani includes images, videos, and other visual content added to a Space. It helps you add context and enrich your work.

Member

Member is a standard role that allows users to collaborate within the teams and Spaces they are part of. Members can exist at both organization and team levels but have limited administrative access and cannot manage users or higher-level settings.

Mention (Tagging)

A mention is used by typing "@" followed by a person's name to notify them and link them to a specific spot in a Space. It helps you draw attention, assign context, and bring collaborators into the conversation.

Mind map

A mind map is a visual diagram that organizes ideas around a central topic using branches and connections. It is commonly used for brainstorming, planning, and structuring information.

In Vani, you can create a mind map from scratch or generate one using Vani AI.

Minimap

The minimap provides a zoomed-out view of your entire canvas. It helps you quickly navigate large Spaces and jump between different areas.

N

1 Content

Navigate with Spacemate

Navigate with Spacemate allows you to follow another user's cursor and view within a Space. It helps you stay aligned during walkthroughs, presentations, or collaborative sessions.

O

4 Contents

Organization

An organization in Vani is a shared account that brings together teams, users, and settings. It provides a centralized structure for managing access, billing, and policies.

Organization roles

Organization roles define what users can do across the entire organization. Roles such as Super Admin, Admin, and Member control access to users, teams, and organization-level settings.

Organizer

Organizer is a Space permission that allows users to manage permissions and Zone access for other Spacemates. They have all Owner abilities except deleting the Space.

Owner

Owner is the highest level of Space permission and the creator of a Space. They have full control and can create, edit, comment on, and delete the Space, and they can add Spacemates as Organizers, Editors, Commenters, or Viewers.

P

6 Contents

Pen tool

The pen tool is a free-hand drawing tool used to sketch or annotate anywhere on the canvas.

Personality cursor

A personality cursor is a custom style for your live cursor, such as a rocket or bee, that makes your presence more distinct during collaboration.

Pins

Pins allow you to mark and navigate to specific objects or locations within a Space.

They help highlight important areas and can also be used as anchor points for hyperlinks.

Placeholder

A placeholder is a temporary block used to reserve space for content like media or tables that will be added later. It helps with early planning and structuring a Space.

Policy

Policies are organization- or team-level controls that define how features like AI, external sharing, and access behave.

Only Admins can update these settings.

Polls

Polls allow teams to gather quick feedback or make decisions within a Space. They collect responses from collaborators in a structured way. Polls are available in Widgets.

Q

1 Content

Quick Access Toolbar (QAT)

The Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) is a small context menu that appears near your selection. It lets you quickly perform common actions like adding pins, reactions, or hyperlinks without opening side panels.

R

2 Contents

Reactions (Emoji reaction)

Reactions let users respond to content or comments using simple visual cues like a thumbs-up or smiley. They provide quick feedback without interrupting the flow of work.

Roles

Roles in Vani define the level of access and control a user has within a team or organization. They determine permissions and responsibilities for different users.

S

10 Contents

Selection

Selection refers to choosing one or more objects within a Space to move, edit, or modify them. It helps you work with multiple elements at once.

Settings

Settings allow you to manage preferences and configurations across your organization, team, or Space. They control how Vani works for your needs.

Shapes

Shapes are basic visual elements used to create diagrams, layouts, and structures within a Space. They help represent ideas, processes, and relationships clearly.

Space

A Space in Vani is a shared visual canvas where teams create, organize, and collaborate. It serves as the central place where work, discussions, and workflows come together.

Spacemate

A Spacemate is a collaborator working with you inside a Space. They can view, edit, or interact with content based on their permissions.

Space permissions

Space permissions define what users can do within a Space. These include roles such as Owner, Organizer, Editor, Commenter, and Viewer.

Stack (Structure)

A Stack is a simple layout made of draggable blocks arranged vertically or horizontally in a single lane.

It is useful for listing ideas, steps, or notes in a clean, linear format.

Sticky note

A sticky note is a colored note placed on the canvas for quick ideas, reminders, or voting. It works similar to a physical Post-it.

Summary (AI)

A summary is a condensed version of selected content or a Zone generated by Vani AI.

It helps you quickly understand or share key information.

Super Admin

The Super Admin is the user who creates the primary account in Vani and has full control over it. In the Team plan, this applies to the team, while in the Business plan, it applies to the organization.

T

5 Contents

Table

Tables or grids allow you to organize information in rows and columns within a Space. They help structure data and keep information clear and aligned.

Team

A team in Vani is a group of users who collaborate and share Spaces together. In the Team plan, a team acts as the primary account for managing members, Spaces, and access controls.

Team roles

Team roles define what users can do within a team. Roles such as Super Admin, Admin, and Member determine access to team management, settings, and Spaces.

Templates

Templates are prebuilt layouts designed for specific use cases. They help you get started quickly with structured content and workflows.

Timer

The timer helps you track time during activities such as brainstorming sessions or meetings. It helps you stay focused and manage time effectively.

U

1 Content

Upload

Upload is the feature used to add images, audio, videos, or files from your device into a Space. It also refers to the action of bringing your own content into the canvas.

V

3 Contents

Version history

Version history allows you to view and restore previous versions of a Space. It helps you track changes and recover earlier states of your work.

Viewer

Viewer is a Space permission that allows users to view a Space. They can also duplicate the Space.

Voice notes

Voice notes allow you to record and share audio directly within a Space. They help communicate ideas quickly without typing.

W

1 Content

Widgets

Widgets are mini apps you can add to your canvas for private use or team interaction.

Examples include tools like a timer, stopwatch, polls, or dice.

Z

3 Contents

Zen mode

Zen mode is a distraction-free view where toolbars and side panels are hidden, allowing you to focus on the canvas or present without interruptions.

Zone

A Zone is a canvas within a Space used to organize content into focused areas. It helps you structure your Space into logical sections based on topics, teams, or workflows while allowing each Zone to have its own content and access control.

Zone access

Zone access defines what users can see or do within a specific Zone, allowing you to control permissions at a more granular level.