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Flow Builder Guide

What is the Flow Builder?​

The Flow Builder is a visual, drag-and-drop tool for designing automated WhatsApp conversations. You build flows by placing nodes (message blocks) on a canvas and connecting them with lines to define the conversation path.

How to use it​

Understanding the builder interface​

When you open the Flow Builder, you will see:

  • Canvas — the main area where you place and connect nodes
  • Sidebar — on the left, showing available node types you can drag onto the canvas
  • Toolbar — at the top, with save, publish, and simulation options

Building a flow step by step​

  1. Start with the Start Node — every flow begins with a Start Node that is already on the canvas
  2. Add nodes — drag node types from the sidebar onto the canvas:
    • Message — send a text message
    • Text Button — show a message with button options
    • Media Button — show an image/video with buttons
    • List — show an interactive list menu (See Flow Node Types for details on each)
  1. Connect nodes — drag a line from one node's output to another node's input to define the conversation flow
  2. Configure each node — click on a node to set its message content, button labels, or other settings
  1. Set trigger keywords — define what words customers can send to start this flow
  2. Save your work regularly

Testing your flow with simulation​

  1. Click the Simulate button in the toolbar
  1. A test chat window opens where you can interact with your flow as if you were a customer
  2. Type messages to test different paths and make sure the flow works as expected
  3. Fix any issues, then close the simulation and save

Publishing your flow​

  1. Make sure all nodes are connected and configured
  2. Click Publish in the toolbar
  3. Set your trigger keywords (e.g., "hello", "menu", "help")
  4. The flow is now live and will respond to matching messages from customers

Tips & best practices​

  • Plan before building — sketch your conversation flow on paper first to avoid confusion on the canvas
  • Keep it simple — shorter flows with 5-10 nodes work better than complex ones with 30+ nodes
  • Always test — use the simulation feature before publishing to catch errors
  • Use descriptive names for your flows and nodes so they are easy to manage
  • Save frequently — the builder warns you if you have unsaved changes, but save regularly just in case
  • You can zoom in and out on the canvas and pan by dragging the background

Frequently asked questions​

Can I edit a published flow?​

Yes. You can open a published flow, make changes, and save. The updated version will take effect immediately.

What if I make a mistake?​

You can undo changes, delete nodes, or disconnect lines. If things get too messy, you can always start a new flow.

Is there a limit on how many nodes a flow can have?​

There is no strict limit, but keeping flows under 15-20 nodes is recommended for maintainability and good customer experience.

Can I duplicate a flow?​

Currently, you would need to create a new flow and rebuild it. Consider saving a draft as a template for similar flows.

What happens if a customer sends a message that doesn't match any button?​

The flow may end, depending on how you designed it. Building your flow around buttons and lists — rather than free-typed replies — keeps customers on a path your flow can handle.