> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.thinkpickle.com.au/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.thinkpickle.com.au/flows.md).

# Flows

## What are flows?

Flows allow you to automate all sorts of phone related business logic. There are 2 main types of flows, Call Flows and SMS Flows:

#### **Call flows:**

Call flows are used to control what happens when someone calls one of your Pickle numbers. For example:

* Forwarding incoming calls to another number
* Constructing IVR menus to forward calls to different departments
* Recording calls or voicemails outside of operating hours
* Sending analytics tracking events whenever you get a call

#### **SMS Flows:**

These control what happens when someone SMS's one of your numbers but can also be used for outbound SMS campaigns. For example:

* Auto-respond when someone send an SMS to your phone number
* Send an SMS welcome when someone signs up to your website, product or service
* Send a reminder SMS when an appointment is coming up
* Set up an SMS campaign about a special offer

Check out the [examples](/flows/examples.md) for more ideas.

## The Basics

### Adding nodes to the flow

Add nodes to the flow by **dragging** them from the sidebar.

![Click and drag to add nodes to the canvas](https://670590325-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LFpomjg5NzD-5eUbIrK%2F-LFqJmE9T43Zx-VNXyKP%2F-LFqL-5O0p9lPVW5Pkqk%2Fdemo2.gif?alt=media\&token=044d9b41-cb4d-4371-a029-625fd8292887)

### Connecting Nodes

Nodes are connected together by with a simple **click and drag** of the mouse.

![Click and drag to connect nodes together](https://670590325-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LFpomjg5NzD-5eUbIrK%2F-LFqJBWmkEyIrGU2O5Kh%2F-LFqJjIrGwLcCtIEkNgI%2Fdemo1.gif?alt=media\&token=fb71e113-131d-4bcd-922f-63540e68e7fa)

## Publishing Flows

You can save your flow continually as you work on it. It will not take effect until you publish it.