Chat to workflow
Use Build with AI on the workflow canvas to describe a process and draft steps with an assistant.
Chat to workflow is the Build with AI panel on the right of the workflow builder. You describe the process in plain language; the assistant interviews you like a business analyst and places steps on the same canvas you use for Build on the canvas.
Before you start
- Open or create a workflow.
- Use the Build with AI panel on the right of the builder.
- Set an AI connection and model in the panel (Select model / AI settings).
Until those are set, the panel shows Select an AI connection and model to start. You need a workspace AI connection before you can chat.
Build a draft with chat
Open Build with AI
On the workflow builder, keep the Build with AI panel visible on the right. The empty state asks you to describe the process you want to automate. The assistant name is Workflow Builder.
Choose connection and model
Open the model picker in the panel. Select an AI connection and a Model, then confirm. Those choices only steer the builder assistant, not runtime app actions unless an action uses the same connection.
Describe the process
Write what should happen in business language, start to finish if you can. Include:
- How the run should start (manual, schedule, webhook, or an app event)
- Systems involved (apps, inboxes, files, agents)
- Decisions, approvals, or waits
- The outcome you want
The assistant usually restates a short process outline for you to confirm, then places steps one at a time rather than building the whole canvas in one go.
Review the canvas
Watch nodes appear as the assistant works. Status lines in the panel show when it is updating the graph. Open any node to check fields, connections, and yellow warning icons.
Finish by hand
Complete missing connections and required fields. Use Save & Test on critical steps. When the path looks right, turn Active on and click Save in the header. Details: Build on the canvas.
What to expect
| Behaviour | Detail |
|---|---|
| Interview style | Like a business analyst: first a plain-language process description and a short outline to confirm, then one step at a time on the canvas |
| Canvas updates | Tools in the panel add or change nodes; you stay on the same builder |
| Mixed editing | You can type in chat and still click +, drag edges, or delete nodes |
| Saved conversation | After the workflow is saved, the chat is stored with that workflow. Refresh or leave and return to continue. Use Clear conversation in the panel header to start over (canvas unchanged) |
| Agent handoff | If a step needs a project agent (tools, persona, multi-step work), the assistant creates a draft agent, wires Message Agent, and links you to finish tools and knowledge |
| Hidden views | The panel is hidden on execution review and workflow template views |
The workflow builder uses its own canvas tools (list project resources including triggers, set trigger, add or change steps, configure schedules, create draft agents). It does not use the agent platform tools such as Search Available Triggers. Full comparison: Builder tools.
Prompt tips
- Start with the trigger: “When a form is submitted…” or “Every weekday at 09:00…”
- Name the apps you already use in Automate when you know them.
- Call out human gates: “Request approval from Finance before sending.”
- Prefer one clear process per chat. For a second process, create another workflow.
After the draft
| Next job | Guide |
|---|---|
| Finish a draft agent from chat | Create and configure |
| Configure triggers in detail | Triggers |
| Add approvals, branches, or waits | Flow Control |
| Insert shared values | Variables in workflows |
| Name, tags, metrics, Active | Settings |
| Check runs after you go live | Monitor executions |