# Why can’t I connect my tool to other tools?

At times, you may come across an issue where you are unable to establish a connection between two tools. Don't panic! If this happens, it is likely due to the fact that the necessary configurations haven't been completed for one or both tools.

## Tool Configuration

In the example below, you can see the user has attempted to connect the Select Columns tool to the Sample tool, however, the gear icon on the Sample tool indicates that a configuration must be made. The user must complete the configuration of the Sample tool before preceding to connect it to subsequent tools.

<figure><img src="/files/vUjCXwaVcQvY2kPOzLqh" alt=""><figcaption><p>Example of not being able to connect a tool to another</p></figcaption></figure>

## Output to Input

It is imperative that when connecting two tools, the output node of one tool is connected to the input node of the other tool. This is the only successful way of making a connection. Connecting an output node to an input node will not yield any results.

In the example below, the user has successfully established a connection between two tools by dragging the output node of one tool to the input node of the other.

<figure><img src="/files/fmhrPOTFkS8G7p1bGJNG" alt=""><figcaption><p>Drag and drop a connection from the output node of one tool to the input node of another tool</p></figcaption></figure>

## Last but not least

To sum up, it is essential to remember that in order to make a successful connection between two tools, the preceding tool must have an output node and the subsequent tool must have an input node.

<figure><img src="/files/rCDeJFtZqmNalcBZY0CW" alt=""><figcaption><p>Anatomy of a tool</p></figcaption></figure>

### Related Questions

<details>

<summary>Why am I having difficulty connecting my two tools?</summary>

At times, you may come across an issue where you are unable to make a connection between two tools. This is likely due to the fact that the necessary configurations haven't been completed for one or both tools. It is essential to remember that in order to make a successful connection between two tools, the preceding tool must have an output node and the subsequent tool must have an input node.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What do I need to do to make a connection between tools?</summary>

In order to make a successful connection between two tools, the preceding tool must have an output node and the subsequent tool must have an input node. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the output node of one tool is connected to the input node of the other tool. Connecting an output node to an input node will not yield any results.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What could be preventing me from connecting two tools?</summary>

At times, you may come across an issue where you are unable to make a connection between two tools. Don't panic! If this happens, it is likely due to the fact that the necessary configurations haven't been completed for one or both tools. In order to make a successful connection between two tools, the preceding tool must have an output node and the subsequent tool must have an input node.

</details>


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.cascade.io/cascade/cascade-faqs/troubleshooting/why-cant-i-connect-my-tool-to-other-tools.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.