> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://doc.wearepatchworks.com/product-documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://doc.wearepatchworks.com/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows/adding-a-new-process-flow.md).

# Adding a new process flow

## Introduction

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

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="/files/UmanwqF8Q92QTOq16VKl" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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

<figure><img src="/files/q9plvH94GKMIO7Yuoyni" 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](/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows/the-process-flow-canvas.md) - for example:

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/baOZZn1ftVUtjQ256kje" alt="" width="293"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

<details>

<summary><img src="/files/JOYoP4EdSu7WJ3CMdAAS" alt="" data-size="line"> Show me</summary>

![](/files/ItK49ofZBLBCKzi5RI88)

</details>

This is a [draft version](/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows/process-flow-versioning.md) which you can use to [build your data flow using automated shapes](/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows.md). 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](/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows/process-flow-versioning.md) 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](/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows/process-flow-shapes/standard-shapes/trigger-shape.md) already in place. You should edit this shape to apply your required settings (for example, to set a schedule).
{% endhint %}