# Can't drop node between two other nodes...reproducable

**URL:** <https://discourse.nodered.org/t/cant-drop-node-between-two-other-nodes-reproducable/8080>\
**Category:** General\
**Created:** [17 February 2019 22:32 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/cant-drop-node-between-two-other-nodes-reproducable/8080 "2019-02-17T22:32:45Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![zenofmud](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/zenofmud/32/316_2.png) [@zenofmud](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/zenofmud)\
**Post date:** [17 February 2019 22:32 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/cant-drop-node-between-two-other-nodes-reproducable/8080/1 "2019-02-17T22:32:45Z")

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macOS 10.13.6  
Node-red v0.19.5  
node.js v10.15.1

1. got to settings and turn on `Show grid` and `Snap to grid`
2. add an inject and debug node - separate them by a bit (so another node can fit between them)
3. connect the two nodes together
4. add a function node to the editor screen
5. select both the inject and debug node and using the keyboard move them down halfway between two lines.
6. select the function node and try to position it on the line between the two nodes

While you can get the line to go `dashed` you can not connect the node on the line ![dash-not-working](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/2X/4/409a18981f2594c18455d5751d814029729553a0.png)

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**Author:** ![Colin](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/colin/32/17040_2.png) [@Colin](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Colin)\
**Post date:** [18 February 2019 07:30 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/cant-drop-node-between-two-other-nodes-reproducable/8080/3 "2019-02-18T07:30:06Z")

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I have also seen instances where it will not drop in, but I haven't worked out what is the trigger.

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**Author:** ![knolleary](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/knolleary/32/3_2.png) [@knolleary](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/knolleary)\
**Post date:** [18 February 2019 10:43 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/cant-drop-node-between-two-other-nodes-reproducable/8080/4 "2019-02-18T10:43:14Z")

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What sort of chaotic evil are you to enable snap to grid and then place the nodes half-way between the grid? Madness 🙈

What size grid have you got? I'm not able to reproduce this with the default 20-pixel grid size. From a code perspective, if the wire is dashed when you release the node, it will get joined; I can't immediately see a case where we know to dash the wire but don't know to join it.

I can see a case where, if the grid size is sufficiently large (for example 30-pixels), if the node is at the mid-point then you simply can't get the node close enough to the wire to enable the dash. In that case you can press shift to disable the snap-to-grid whilst dragging - which is reasonable.

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**Author:** ![zenofmud](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/zenofmud/32/316_2.png) [@zenofmud](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/zenofmud)\
**Post date:** [18 February 2019 11:33 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/cant-drop-node-between-two-other-nodes-reproducable/8080/5 "2019-02-18T11:33:41Z")

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Arugh, last night it was happening and I reproduced it and this morning I can't reproduce it anymore...sigh....

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**Author:** ![Colin](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/colin/32/17040_2.png) [@Colin](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Colin)\
**Post date:** [18 February 2019 17:19 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/cant-drop-node-between-two-other-nodes-reproducable/8080/6 "2019-02-18T17:19:22Z")

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When I had it I could not persuade the line to go dotted, and I can now replicate it reasonably easily, but only on Firefox, it is ok on Chrome. There is a possibly related issue on firefox, that if the line is horizontal there is a very small window of opportunity to find the right spot.  
To replicate the inability to persuade the line to go dotted then, on Firefox start with a Debug node on the end of a short horizontal line. Pull the debug node right a couple of inches then drop it and then drag a function node out of the palette and try to drop it on the wire. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, and sometimes it does but the line goes dotted with the function node in a slightly different vertical position. If you drop the function node on the canvas and then pick it up again then it usually will drop in ok.

Edit:  
Node-RED version: v0.19.5  
Node.js version: v10.15.1  
On Ubuntu.

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**Author:** ![Colin](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/colin/32/17040_2.png) [@Colin](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Colin)\
**Post date:** [20 February 2019 08:19 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/cant-drop-node-between-two-other-nodes-reproducable/8080/7 "2019-02-20T08:19:43Z")

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Anyone else able to replicate this using my technique?

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**Author:** ![rakgupta](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/rakgupta/32/42535_2.png) [@rakgupta](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/rakgupta)\
**Post date:** [4 August 2021 20:39 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/cant-drop-node-between-two-other-nodes-reproducable/8080/8 "2021-08-04T20:39:42Z")

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Apologies for reviving this old thread, but it looks like this is still happening on MacOS Big Sur and Safari. The drag/drop works correctly on Chrome - just not on Safari. On Safari, the connector never changes to a dashed line and when you release the node, it does not connect to anything.

MacBook Pro (M1), MacOS Big Sur (11.5), Safari (14.1.2), Node-RED (1.3.5)

**EDIT:** I think I see the issue - if the "View" setting in Safari is not "Actual Size", the drag/drop does not work. I changed the view and it works. In Chrome, it works when the setting is "Zoom Out" or "Actual Size"

**EDIT 2:** Some more detail - if you start with the view in "Actual Size", it will work. If you change to "Zoom out" (one step), it works sometimes. If you "Zoom Out" again (two steps from actual), it does not work. On the maximum "Zoom Out" view it also does not work.

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**Author:** ![knolleary](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/knolleary/32/3_2.png) [@knolleary](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/knolleary)\
**Post date:** [4 August 2021 22:12 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/cant-drop-node-between-two-other-nodes-reproducable/8080/9 "2021-08-04T22:12:40Z")

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If it is fully reproducible, please raise an issue on GitHub with details. Otherwise it won't get looked at.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![zenofmud](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/zenofmud/32/316_2.png) [@zenofmud](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/zenofmud)\
**Post date:** [4 August 2021 22:36 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/cant-drop-node-between-two-other-nodes-reproducable/8080/10 "2021-08-04T22:36:51Z")

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I can't cause it using Mac Mini M1, MacOS Big Sur (11.5.1) Safari (14.1.2), Node-RED (2.0.5)

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**Author:** ![rakgupta](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/rakgupta/32/42535_2.png) [@rakgupta](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/rakgupta)\
**Post date:** [4 August 2021 23:22 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/cant-drop-node-between-two-other-nodes-reproducable/8080/11 "2021-08-04T23:22:59Z")

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On NR 2.0.5 I found that the first 2 levels of zoom out still seem to work. However, I could not get it to work at the third level.

I launched the NR editor, checked to see that "View" was "Actual Size". Then selected "Zoom Out" - drag, drop worked. Selected "Zoom Out" again - drag/drop worked with some fiddling (had to keep the node hovering over the connector, move it around and then the connector went to "dashed" mode). Selected "Zoom Out" again (max zoom out) - could not get the node connector to change to dashed and dropping the node did nothing.

EDIT: Is there a way to upload a .mov file? I have a Quicktime screen capture that shows this...

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![rakgupta](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/rakgupta/32/42535_2.png) [@rakgupta](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/rakgupta)\
**Post date:** [4 August 2021 23:32 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/cant-drop-node-between-two-other-nodes-reproducable/8080/12 "2021-08-04T23:32:00Z")

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> [@knolleary](#):
>
> If it is fully reproducible, please raise an issue on GitHub with details

I can reproduce it on both 1.3.5 and 2.0.5 but waiting for confirmation from @zenofmud.

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**Author:** ![rakgupta](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/rakgupta/32/42535_2.png) [@rakgupta](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/rakgupta)\
**Post date:** [5 August 2021 12:42 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/cant-drop-node-between-two-other-nodes-reproducable/8080/13 "2021-08-05T12:42:59Z")

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> [@knolleary](#):
>
> please raise an issue on GitHub with details

Issue opened on GitHub - #3101

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![zenofmud](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/zenofmud/32/316_2.png) [@zenofmud](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/zenofmud)\
**Post date:** [5 August 2021 14:48 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/cant-drop-node-between-two-other-nodes-reproducable/8080/14 "2021-08-05T14:48:08Z")

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I still haven’t gotten it to happen following your directions …

I’ll try again in a couple hours once the grandkids have gone home

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**Author:** ![rakgupta](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/rakgupta/32/42535_2.png) [@rakgupta](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/rakgupta)\
**Post date:** [5 August 2021 15:48 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/cant-drop-node-between-two-other-nodes-reproducable/8080/15 "2021-08-05T15:48:32Z")

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> [@zenofmud](#):
>
> I still haven’t gotten it to happen following your directions …

That's strange - it's happening consistently for me.

For NR 1.3.5, I have NR on a remote host (MacBook Pro 2012 - MacOS Catalina 10.15.7, Node.js 14.15.5, NPM 7.5.4). I have attached a screen capture of this behavior and uploaded it to the GitHub issue referenced above.

For NR 2.0.5, I have NR on local host, (MacBook Pro 2020 M1, MacOS Big Sur 11.5, Node.js 14.15.0, NPM 6.14.8)

My NR palette settings have "Snap to grid" unchecked (but I have tried it with it checked as well). Not sure what else would impact this.

**EDIT:** Also uploaded a screen capture for Node-RED 2.0.5

> <https://github.com/node-red/node-red/issues/3101>
>
> \### Current Behavior
> 
> On MacOS (Big Sur) and Safari, I am unable to add a node… to an existing flow by dragging and dropping a node from the palette onto the connector between two nodes. This happens when the Safari "View" menu is set to "Zoom Out". The behavior is slightly different between 1.3.5 and 2.0.5. On both 1.3.5 and 2.0.5 it works if the "View" setting is "Actual Size". 
> 
> However, on 1.3.5 it works inconsistently on the first level of "Zoom Out" (mostly does not work) and does not work if the setting is the next level (2nd) of "Zoom Out" or higher (3rd)
> 
> On 2.0.5 it works on the first level of "Zoom Out" (mostly works), sometimes works on the 2nd level of "Zoom Out" and does not work if the setting is the next level (3rd) of "Zoom Out".
> 
> 
> NR 1.3.5 - Screen Shot
> https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/59174606/128351507-86f050ee-d1a1-431a-8059-b1cb57837a5b.mov
> 
> NR 2.0.5 - Screen Shot
> https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/59174606/128382385-4c08a36f-9755-4491-a631-2a6345a712c0.mov
> 
> 
> 
> \### Expected Behavior
> 
> User should be able to drag and drop a node onto the connector between 2 nodes and have it added to the flow between the 2 other nodes.
> 
> \### Steps To Reproduce
> 
> \*\*MacOS and Safari only\*\* - works on Chrome on Mac
> 
> 
> \*\*On Node-RED 1.3.5\*\*
> 1) Launch the NR editor, make sure that Safari "View" menu is "Actual Size"
> 2) Drag an Inject node and a Debug node from the pallete and connect the two
> 3) Drag a Function node and put it anywhere on the page
> 4) Drag the Function node onto the connector between the other nodes - line will go "dashed" and the function node will get added to the flow.
> 5) Select "Undo" so that the function node is back on the palette
> 6) Select "View" menu and then select "Zoom Out"
> 7) Drag the Function node onto the connector between the other nodes - \_sometimes\_ the line will go "dashed" (if you move the node around bit) and you will be able to add the node to the flow. Most often it does not work.
> 8) Select "Undo" so that the function node is back on the palette
> 9) Select "View" menu and then select "Zoom Out"
> 10) Drag the Function node onto the connector between the other nodes - the line will does not go "dashed" and you will not be able to add the node to the flow.
> 
> \*\*On Node-RED 2.0.5\*\*
> Repeat steps - the drag/drop stops working on the max "Zoom Out" level (3rd). It works consistently at the first level, sometimes on the 2nd level but never at the 3rd level.
> 
> \### Example flow
> 
> \`\`\`
> paste your flow here
> \`\`\`
> 
> 
> \### Environment
> 
> \- Node-RED version: 1.3.5 and 2.0.5
> \- Node.js version: 14.15.5
> \- npm version: 7.5.4
> \- Platform/OS:MacOS Big Sur 11.5, MacBook Pro (M1)
> \- Browser: Safari (14.1.2)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Colin](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/colin/32/17040_2.png) [@Colin](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Colin)\
**Post date:** [5 August 2021 16:15 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/cant-drop-node-between-two-other-nodes-reproducable/8080/16 "2021-08-05T16:15:10Z")

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I don't know if it is a factor with you, but I sometimes find I can't drop it into a horizontal wire, but it is ok with a diagonal wire.

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**Author:** ![rakgupta](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/rakgupta/32/42535_2.png) [@rakgupta](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/rakgupta)\
**Post date:** [5 August 2021 16:21 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/cant-drop-node-between-two-other-nodes-reproducable/8080/17 "2021-08-05T16:21:26Z")

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> [@Colin](#):
>
> I sometimes find I can't drop it into a horizontal wire, but it is ok with a diagonal wire.

This is what I has testing on...

 ![Screen Shot 2021-08-05 at 11.18.52 AM](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/3X/b/7/b7701bb6634c725cdb545a7d54ec34e913d911c4.png)

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**Author:** ![zenofmud](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/zenofmud/32/316_2.png) [@zenofmud](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/zenofmud)\
**Post date:** [5 August 2021 16:30 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/cant-drop-node-between-two-other-nodes-reproducable/8080/18 "2021-08-05T16:30:12Z")

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Ahhh I’ve been testing with a straight horizontal line. Hopefully I can test in the next hour (if the kids will leave 😜)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![rakgupta](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/rakgupta/32/42535_2.png) [@rakgupta](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/rakgupta)\
**Post date:** [5 August 2021 17:01 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/cant-drop-node-between-two-other-nodes-reproducable/8080/19 "2021-08-05T17:01:03Z")

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> [@zenofmud](#):
>
> Ahhh I’ve been testing with a straight horizontal line

I just tested it (on 2.0.5) with a straight horizontal line and I can only get it to work when view is "Actual Size" - any amount of zoom out and the line never turns "dashed"🤷🏽‍♂️

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![zenofmud](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/zenofmud/32/316_2.png) [@zenofmud](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/zenofmud)\
**Post date:** [5 August 2021 17:04 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/cant-drop-node-between-two-other-nodes-reproducable/8080/20 "2021-08-05T17:04:33Z")

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Ahhh!!! You're talking about the `ZOOM Out option of Safari`

 ![Screen Shot 2021-08-05 at 12.58.44 PM](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/3X/8/d/8db7cdef77b82902a3117a4a4229051d4ff01ab4.png)

`not` the Node-RED editors zooming options:

![Screen Shot 2021-08-05 at 12.57.14 PM](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/3X/7/1/715c88ad850c30bde9a557794b7f091341a51a13.png)

Yes, I can confirm that setting Safari's `Zoom Out` to the maximum does make it impossible to drop a node of the line between two nodes.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![rakgupta](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/rakgupta/32/42535_2.png) [@rakgupta](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/rakgupta)\
**Post date:** [5 August 2021 18:20 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/cant-drop-node-between-two-other-nodes-reproducable/8080/21 "2021-08-05T18:20:05Z")

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> [@zenofmud](#):
>
> You're talking about the `ZOOM Out option of Safari`

Thanks for confirming this. I have updated the GitHub issue to clarify that this behavior is caused by changing the Safari “View” menu settings..