# Adding a new process flow

## Introduction

When you add a **process flow**, you're given a new, blank [canvas](https://doc.wearepatchworks.com/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows/the-process-flow-canvas) to start [building your data flow using automated shapes](https://doc.wearepatchworks.com/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows). 

A process flow can be as simple or as complex as you need, and you can add as many as you like - maybe one flow will fulfil all of your requirements, or maybe you'll need several to achieve different things.  

## The steps

To add a new process flow, follow the steps below.

**Step 1**\
Log in to the [Patchworks dashboard](https://app.wearepatchworks.com/login), then select **process flows** <mark style="color:red;">></mark> **process flows** to access the **manage process flows** page.

**Step 2**\
Click the **create new flow** button:

<figure><img src="https://2440044887-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FLYNcUBVQwSkOMG6KjZfz%2Fuploads%2F3AzSzi7ry8DxRthtJuup%2Fadd%20process%20flow%201.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d2a8c0dc-390b-465e-b939-18c9b04c2fa1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Step 3**\
Enter a name for this flow, then click the **next step** button.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://2440044887-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FLYNcUBVQwSkOMG6KjZfz%2Fuploads%2FqZUNrFR7l9GDZOfY2wQH%2Fcreate%20flow%202.png?alt=media&#x26;token=f4a1cfe2-fb83-4cc1-854a-4c1055ae277e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
It's advisable to use a name that reflects the aim of this process flow. Names must be three characters or more.
{% endhint %}

**Step 4**\
Version 1 of the new process flow is created and displayed on the [process flow canvas](https://doc.wearepatchworks.com/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows/the-process-flow-canvas) - for example:&#x20;

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://2440044887-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FLYNcUBVQwSkOMG6KjZfz%2Fuploads%2FcnSjj9fnJvHG66nX0NAV%2Fnew%20flow%20version%201.png?alt=media&#x26;token=1fd3abcf-0f5d-4767-8eb9-da618bf7a35a" alt="" width="293"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

<details>

<summary><img src="https://2440044887-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FLYNcUBVQwSkOMG6KjZfz%2Fuploads%2FpLMO12yvTCxi9PorCt53%2Ficons8-film.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=e59864bc-2d97-4f98-966c-a083c18e60db" alt="" data-size="line"> Show me</summary>

![](https://2440044887-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FLYNcUBVQwSkOMG6KjZfz%2Fuploads%2Fd04M8zBbj8CzHKzd67T4%2Fdemo%20-%20add%20process%20flow%20-%20draft%20status.gif?alt=media\&token=aaaac582-5b9f-46df-ab02-6262402bd0dc)

</details>

This is a [draft version](https://doc.wearepatchworks.com/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows/process-flow-versioning) which you can use to [build your data flow using automated shapes](https://doc.wearepatchworks.com/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows). Once you're satisfied that your process flow is working as required, you can deploy it for use. For more information about this process please see our [Process flow versioning](https://doc.wearepatchworks.com/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows/process-flow-versioning) page.

{% hint style="info" %}
All process flows must begin with a **trigger** - what event is going to trigger this flow to run? For this reason, all new process flows are created with a [trigger shape](https://doc.wearepatchworks.com/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows/process-flow-shapes/standard-shapes/trigger-shape) already in place. You should edit this shape to apply your required settings (for example, to set a schedule).
{% endhint %}