Create a Workflow

A workflow defines how Novu delivers notifications for a specific event. It contains the steps, templates, and rules that control how messages are sent across channels.

You can create workflows in the Novu dashboard, using the Novu API or define them in code using the Novu Framework. This guide focuses on creating workflows in the Novu dashboard.

<Note> Workflows can only be created and managed in the development environment. Once created, workflows can be synced to other environments. To learn more, refer to [Environments](/platform/developer/environments#publishable-assets). </Note>

Create a workflow

You can create a Novu workflow in the following ways:

• Create from scratch: Build a custom workflow tailored to your exact needs.
• Create from template: Start with pre-built workflows for common use cases.

<Tabs> <Tab title="From scratch"> <Steps> <Step title="Go to the Novu Dashboard"> Sign in at the [Novu Dashboard](https://dashboard.novu.co). </Step> <Step title="Navigate to Workflows"> Open **Workflows** from the left sidebar. </Step> <Step title="Click Create workflow">  </Step> <Step title="Fill in workflow details"> - **Name** (Required): The display name shown in the dashboard. You can change this later in the workflow editor. - **Identifier** (Required): The `workflowId` is immutable. It must be in a valid slug format (letters, numbers, hyphens, dots and underscores only) and must be unique within one environment. <Note> The `workflowId` is required when triggering a workflow and when using [trigger overrides](/platform/integrations/trigger-overrides). It is also used to conditionally display notifications in the [`<Inbox />`](/platform/inbox). </Note> - **Tags** (Optional): Organize and categorize workflows. Tags can be added later in the workflow editor. <Note> To learn more about Tags, refer to [workflow tags](/platform/workflow/configure-workflow#tags). </Note> - **Description** (Optional): Document the workflow’s purpose and behavior for your team. Description can be added later in the workflow editor.  </Step> <Step title="Enable translations (optional)"> Support multiple locales for this workflow. You can also enable this later in the workflow editor. <Note> To learn more about translations, refer to [Translations](/platform/workflow/advanced-features/translations). </Note> </Step> <Step title="Create the workflow"> Review the form, then click **Create workflow**. </Step> </Steps>

After creating the workflow, you’re redirected to the Workflow Editor, where you can configure the workflow and add steps.

</Tab> <Tab title="From template">

Templates are pre-built workflows for common notification scenarios. They include pre-configured steps, sample content, and pre-filled workflow details that you can customize.

To create a workflow from a template:

<Steps> <Step title="Go to the Novu Dashboard"> Sign in at the [Novu Dashboard](https://dashboard.novu.co). </Step> <Step title="Navigate to Workflows"> Open **Workflows** from the left sidebar. </Step> <Step title="Access templates"> From the **Workflows** page, you can access templates in two ways: - Click the icon on the **Create workflow** button and select **From template**.  - Click **Explore templates**.  </Step> <Step title="Select a template"> Browse the template library and pick one that matches your use case. </Step> <Step title="Create the workflow"> Review the form, then click **Create workflow**. </Step> </Steps> </Tab> </Tabs>

Manage workflows

Once created, you can manage workflows from the Workflows page:

Update a workflow

After creating a workflow, you can modify its configuration at any time from the workflow editor. This allows you to evolve notification logic without creating a new workflow.

Click on any workflow to open the workflow editor, where you can:

• Update name and description (identifier cannot be changed)
• Add or remove the workflow tags.
• Change workflow status.
• Configure channel preferences and payload schema.
• Add, remove, or reorder steps.

Duplicate a workflow

Duplicating a workflow lets you reuse an existing configuration as a starting point for a new workflow. This is useful when workflows share similar logic but differ in trigger identifiers, content, or steps.

<Steps> <Step title="Find the workflow"> Locate the workflow on the **Workflows** page. </Step> <Step title="Open the menu"> Click the three-dot menu (•••). </Step> <Step title="Select Duplicate workflow"> </Step> <Step title="Provide a new name and identifier">  </Step> <Step title="Confirm duplication">  </Step> </Steps>

Delete a workflow

<Warning> Deleting a workflow is permanent and cannot be undone. Any existing triggers referencing the deleted workflow will fail with a `workflow not found` error. Execution history is preserved in the [Novu Activity Feed](/platform/workflow/monitor-and-debug-workflow). </Warning> <Steps> <Step title="Find the workflow"> Locate the workflow on the **Workflows** page. </Step> <Step title="Open the menu"> Click the three-dot menu (•••). </Step> <Step title="Select Delete"> </Step> <Step title="Confirm deletion"> Review the warning, then confirm to permanently delete the workflow. </Step> </Steps>