> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.receptonic.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Flow Builder

> Design conversation flows visually with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface

Flow Builder is a visual, drag-and-drop conversation flow editor that lets you design AI assistant scripts without writing code. Create multi-step conversation flows by connecting nodes that represent different actions and decision points.

## Overview

Flow Builder provides:

* **Visual design** - Drag-and-drop nodes on a canvas
* **Multiple node types** - Messages, prompts, actions, and more
* **Branching logic** - Create different paths based on responses
* **Settings panel** - Configure agent personality and behavior
* **Import/Export** - Save and share flows as JSON files

![Flow Builder Interface](https://mintcdn.com/soft-touch-technology/er_wysvhgj6vOn13/resources/ai-assistants/flow-builder-overview.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=er_wysvhgj6vOn13\&q=85\&s=388f020a0bb99e60ae68767f98f1715c)

## When to Use Flow Builder

> [card] Use Flow Builder for
>
> * Structured conversation scripts
> * Multi-path decision trees
> * Complex call flows with branches
> * Visual thinkers who prefer diagrams

> [card] Use Classic Editor for
>
> * Simple, linear conversations
> * Highly dynamic AI responses
> * Quick prompt iterations
> * Text-focused editing

## Getting Started

**1. Open your assistant**

Navigate to **Assistants** and click on the assistant you want to edit.

**2. Find Flow Builder**

In the edit form, scroll to the **System Prompt** section and click the **Flow Builder** tab.

**3. Launch Flow Builder**

Click **Launch Flow Builder**. A full-screen editor will open.

**4. Choose how to start**

* **Continue with existing** - Edit your current flow
* **Start from scratch** - Begin with just a Start node
* **Start with template** - Load a pre-built flow template

## Interface Overview

### Canvas Area (Center)

The main workspace where you build your flow:

* **Nodes** - Drag to reposition
* **Connections** - Lines showing flow between nodes
* **Grid background** - Helps with alignment
* **Zoom controls** - Zoom in/out and fit to view
* **Pan** - Click and drag on empty space to move around

### Bottom Toolbar

Quick actions for managing your flow:

| Button | Action |
| - | - |
| ⚡ Auto Layout | Automatically arrange nodes neatly |
| 📋 Duplicate | Copy selected node |
| 🗑️ Delete | Remove selected node or connection |
| **+ Add Node** | Add a new node to the canvas |

### Settings Panel (Right Side)

Configure your assistant's personality and behavior:

* **Agent Name** - The name your AI will use
* **Agent Type** - Sales, Support, Survey, etc.
* **Language** - Spoken language for calls
* **Assertiveness** - How pushy the AI should be
* **Humor** - Level of humor in responses
* **Variables** - Pre-call data fields
* **Post-Call Fields** - Data to collect after calls

## Node Types

Flow Builder has 5 node types, each with a specific purpose:

![Flow Builder Node Types](https://mintcdn.com/soft-touch-technology/er_wysvhgj6vOn13/resources/ai-assistants/flow-builder-nodes.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=er_wysvhgj6vOn13\&q=85\&s=9d43266b3395bb20be4fb759d63b1ab0)

### Start Node (Green)

> [card] Start Node
>
> The entry point of every conversation. Every flow must have exactly one Start node.
>
> **Properties:**
>
> * **Greeting** - The initial message when the call begins
>
> **Example:** "Hi, this is Sarah from Acme Insurance. How are you today?"

### Speak Node (Blue)

> [card] Speak Node
>
> Delivers a pre-written message exactly as specified. Use when you need precise wording.
>
> **Properties:**
>
> * **Text** - The exact message to speak
> * **Outcomes** - Different paths based on customer response
>
> **Example:** "We're offering a limited-time 20% discount on all plans. Would you like to hear more?"

### Prompt Node (Purple)

> [card] Prompt Node
>
> Gives the AI instructions on how to respond. More flexible than Speak nodes - the AI generates contextual responses.
>
> **Properties:**
>
> * **Prompt** - Instructions for the AI
> * **Outcomes** - Different paths based on response categories
>
> **Example prompt:** "Ask the customer about their current insurance coverage. Be conversational and empathetic. Listen for mentions of their family size, budget concerns, or timeline."

### Action Node (Orange)

> [card] Action Node
>
> Executes special actions during the call.
>
> **Action Types:**
>
> * **Call Forward** - Transfer to another number
> * **Book Appointment** - Schedule using connected calendar
> * **Custom Action** - Trigger a custom mid-call tool
>
> **Example:** Forward to sales team at +1-555-123-4567 when customer is ready to purchase.

### End Node (Red)

> [card] End Node
>
> Terminates the call or transfers to another destination.
>
> **End Types:**
>
> * **End Call** - Hang up with a closing message
> * **Forward Call** - Transfer to a phone number
> * **Transfer Agent** - Hand off to another assistant
>
> **Example closing:** "Thank you for your time today. Have a great day!"

## Working with Nodes

### Adding Nodes

1. Click **+ Add Node** in the bottom toolbar
2. Select the node type from the dropdown
3. The node appears on the canvas
4. Drag it to your desired position

### Connecting Nodes

1. Hover over a node's bottom edge to see the **output handle** (small circle)
2. Click and drag from the output handle
3. Connect to another node's **input handle** (top edge)
4. Release to create the connection

### Editing Nodes

1. Click on any node to select it
2. The node's properties appear in a panel
3. Edit the text, prompt, or settings
4. Changes save automatically to the canvas

### Deleting Nodes

* Select a node and press **Delete** key, or
* Select a node and click the 🗑️ button in the toolbar

> [!WARNING]
>
> The Start node cannot be deleted. Every flow must have one Start node.

## Outcomes (Multiple Paths)

Speak and Prompt nodes can have multiple **outcomes** - different paths based on how the customer responds.

### Adding Outcomes

1. Select a Speak or Prompt node
2. In the properties panel, find **Outcomes**
3. Click **Add Outcome**
4. Name the outcome (e.g., "Interested", "Not interested", "Wants callback")

### Connecting Outcomes

Each outcome appears as a colored dot at the bottom of the node. Connect each outcome to a different destination node to create branching logic.

![Conversation Branching with Outcomes](https://mintcdn.com/soft-touch-technology/er_wysvhgj6vOn13/resources/ai-assistants/flow-builder-branching.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=er_wysvhgj6vOn13\&q=85\&s=60ab0ff655b6f966efcc229d389622b1)

**Example flow:**

```
[Start] → [Ask about interest]
              ↓
         [Prompt: "Ask if interested"]
              ↓
    ┌─────────┼─────────┐
    ↓         ↓         ↓
[Interested] [Maybe] [Not Interested]
    ↓         ↓         ↓
[Book Demo] [Send Info] [Thank & End]
```

## Settings Panel

![Flow Builder Settings Panel](https://mintcdn.com/soft-touch-technology/er_wysvhgj6vOn13/resources/ai-assistants/flow-builder-settings.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=er_wysvhgj6vOn13\&q=85\&s=d21144a346f34947457e2184eba03255)

### Agent Identity

| Setting | Description |
| - | - |
| **Agent Name** | Name the AI uses to introduce itself |
| **Agent Type** | Preset personality: Sales, Support, Survey, etc. |
| **Language** | Primary language for the conversation |

### Personality

| Setting | Options | Description |
| - | - | - |
| **Assertiveness** | Low / Medium / High | How persistent the AI is |
| **Humor** | Off / Low / Medium / High | Level of humor in responses |

### Variables

Add pre-call data that can be used in your messages:

1. Click **Add Variable**
2. Enter a **Name** (e.g., `product_interest`)
3. Set a **Default Value**

Use variables in messages with curly braces: `{variable_name}`

**Example:** "Hi {customer_name}, I see you were interested in our {product_interest}."

### Post-Call Fields

Define data to extract from calls:

1. Click **Add Field**
2. Enter **Name**, **Type**, and **Description**
3. The AI will attempt to fill these based on the conversation

**Types:** `string`, `number`, `boolean`

## Import/Export

### Export Your Flow

1. Open the Settings panel
2. Scroll to the bottom
3. Click **Export JSON**
4. Save the `.json` file

### Import a Flow

1. Click **Import JSON** in settings
2. Select your `.json` file
3. The flow loads on the canvas

> [!TIP]
>
> Export your flows regularly as backups. You can also share flows with team members this way.

## Voicemail Settings

Configure what happens when voicemail is detected:

* **Voicemail Message** - Message to leave if voicemail answers
* **End Call on Voicemail** - Toggle to automatically hang up on voicemail

## Saving Your Flow

Click the **Save** button in the top-right corner to save your flow to the assistant.

> [!NOTE]
>
> The flow is stored as JSON in your assistant's system prompt field. If you switch to the Classic Editor, you'll see the raw JSON data.

## Best Practices

> [card] Start Simple
>
> Begin with a basic flow and add complexity gradually. Test at each step.

> [card] Use Prompt Nodes
>
> Prompt nodes give the AI flexibility. Use them for dynamic, context-aware responses.

> [card] Plan Your Outcomes
>
> Before building, sketch the main paths: positive, negative, and neutral responses.

> [card] Test Thoroughly
>
> Make test calls covering all paths. Verify each outcome leads to the right destination.

## Troubleshooting

> [accordion] Nodes won't connect
>
> * Ensure you're dragging from an **output handle** (bottom) to an **input handle** (top)
> * Check that you're not creating a circular connection
> * The Start node only has an output, End node only has an input

> [accordion] Flow not saving
>
> * Check your internet connection
> * Ensure you have at least one node (besides Start)
> * Look for any validation errors in the settings panel

> [accordion] AI not following the flow
>
> * Use Speak nodes for exact wording requirements
> * Make Prompt node instructions more specific
> * Check that outcomes are clearly defined and connected

## Related Resources

* [AI Prompt Editor](https://docs.receptonic.com/ai-assistants/ai-prompt-editor.md) - Chat-based alternative for prompt editing
* [System Prompts Guide](https://docs.receptonic.com/ai-assistants/system-prompt.md) - Understanding prompt fundamentals
* [Testing Your Assistant](https://docs.receptonic.com/ai-assistants/testing.md) - How to test your flows


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