# Initialising a process flow manually

## Introduction

Typically, process flows run automatically, according to [trigger shape](/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows/process-flow-shapes/standard-shapes/trigger-shape.md) settings. However, there may be times when you want to run a flow immediately - for example, if you're testing a new flow, or troubleshooting a sync issue.

When you run a process flow manually, you'll see each shape is animated when it's reached, and real-time logs are displayed in a side panel.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Before running a process flow manually, ensure you won't duplicate data - or cause duplication next time the process flow runs according to trigger settings.  &#x20;
{% endhint %}

## Need to know

* Your subscription tier determines the number of process flow runs that can be started per minute - please see [Core subscription tiers](/product-documentation/getting-started/subscription-tier-limits.md) for information.
* When working with `draft` process flows, you cannot edit shapes while the flow is being run manually.

## The steps

<details>

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

![](/files/bYsIZo4PJG9S1EWCuERG)

</details>

To run a process flow manually, follow the steps below.

**Step 1**\
[Access the process flow](/product-documentation/process-flows/accessing-your-process-flows.md) that you want to run.

**Step 2**\
Click the 'play' icon to initialise the process flow:

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/qWZRexBcbXWfy57RmMMy" alt="" width="228"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

**Step 3**\
The process flow runs. As it runs, you'll see that each shape animates as it's reached, and real-time logs are displayed - for example:

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/GzKlw0DbuhebYEQCinLa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>


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