> 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/managing-process-flows/start-flow-from-any-shape.md).

# Start flow from any shape

Initialise a process flow from any shape or step - bypassing preceding actions and jumping straight to the part of the flow you need to test or run.

***

## Introduction

Previously, running or testing a process flow always meant starting from the very beginning. The **Start from here** feature lets you pick any shape in your flow as the entry point. All actions and scripts *above* that shape are skipped - execution begins exactly where you specify.

This is particularly useful when developing or debugging mid-flow logic, where repeatedly running preceding steps would be time-consuming or have unintended side effects.

{% hint style="info" %}
Actions and scripts **before** the selected starting shape are not executed. Ensure any variables or data those steps would have set are accounted for - you can supply them manually when initialising.
{% endhint %}

## Using start from here<br>

1. Open your process flow in the flow builder.
2. **Right-click** on the shape you want to start from.
3. Select **Start from here** from the context menu.
4. Choose to **initialise immediately**, or set variables and payloads before running.

<figure><img src="https://2440044887-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FLYNcUBVQwSkOMG6KjZfz%2Fuploads%2F03Bsu5C9jR2svlMk7naN%2FScreenshot%202026-04-29%20at%2010.11.29.png?alt=media&amp;token=d07e6a3a-86f0-4f9c-844d-80ad2dbed3d0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Initialisation options

Initialise flowRuns the flow from the selected shape immediately, with no variable pre-configuration. Best used when the shape does not depend on output from preceding steps.

Set variables and payloadsOpens a configuration panel where you can manually define the variables and payloads that earlier steps would normally have produced. Use this when the starting shape requires input data.

⚠This feature is designed for development and testing purposes. Use caution when running partial flows against production data, as upstream validation steps will be skipped.<br>