> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.wisepim.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Visual builder
> Design automation workflows visually: drag nodes onto a canvas, connect them, and watch real-time validation catch errors before you run.
The visual builder is where you design automations. You drag nodes onto a canvas, configure them, and connect them to define how data flows. No code required.
The builder validates your workflow as you go. Each node shows a status badge: a green checkmark when it is ready, an amber icon when it still needs configuration.
## Open the builder
Click **Automations** in the sidebar.
Click **Create Automation**. The builder opens with a blank canvas and a default trigger node.
You can also open the builder by editing an existing automation, or by applying a template from the [templates page](/en/automations/templates).
## Find your way around
The builder has three areas:
* **Left panel** is the node palette. Browse available nodes here and drag them onto the canvas.
* **Canvas** is your workspace. Arrange and connect nodes here.
* **Right panel** is the configuration panel. It appears when you click a node, so you can edit its settings.
### Move around the canvas
| Action | How |
| --------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Zoom** | Scroll, or use the controls in the bottom-left corner |
| **Pan** | Click and drag on empty space |
| **Overview** | Use the minimap in the corner to see your whole workflow |
| **Auto-layout** | Arrange nodes automatically, top-to-bottom or left-to-right |
| **Align** | Snap selected nodes into a straight line |
Press `Ctrl+S` to save, `Ctrl+Z` to undo, `Ctrl+Shift+Z` to redo, and `Delete` to remove selected nodes. On Mac, use `Cmd` instead of `Ctrl`.
## Build a workflow
A workflow is a chain of nodes. Each node is one step. Here is the basic flow.
### Add nodes
The left panel lists every node by category: Triggers, Actions, Data, and Logic.
Click a node in the palette and drag it where you want it.
Click the node to open its settings in the right panel, then fill in what it needs.
Every node belongs to one of four categories:
Start your workflow. Every automation needs at least one. Choose from Schedule, Webhook, Manual, After Import, After Export, Product Updated, and Quality Changed.
Do the work. Choose from Import, Export, AI Enrichment, Bulk Edit, API Call, and Notification.
Control which products flow through. Choose from Select Products and Filter.
Add decision-making. Choose from Condition, Merge, and Delay.
After you add a node, the builder may suggest what to add next, like a data selector after a trigger or an action after a filter.
### Configure nodes
Click any node to open its settings in the right panel. Each type has its own options. For the full list, see the reference page for each node category linked in the cards above.
### Connect nodes
Connections define how data flows from one node to the next.
Connection handles appear on all four sides (top, bottom, left, right).
Click and drag from an output handle (the bottom or right side) of the source node.
Release on an input handle (the top or left side) of the target node. An arrow shows the direction of flow.
A few rules keep your workflow valid:
* **Triggers only have outgoing connections.** They are always starting points.
* **A node cannot connect to itself.**
* **You cannot connect the same two nodes twice.**
* **Branching is allowed.** One node can connect to several downstream nodes to process in parallel.
To remove a connection, hover over the connection line and click the delete button. You can undo this if needed.
Your workflow needs a complete path from a trigger to at least one action before you can save or test it. The builder warns you if the workflow is incomplete.
## Work with nodes
* **Click** a node to select it and open its settings.
* **Ctrl+Click** (Cmd+Click on Mac) to select more than one.
* **Drag-select** by clicking empty canvas space and dragging a box around a group.
Select one or more nodes, press `Ctrl+C` to copy, then `Ctrl+V` to paste. The copies appear offset from the originals, with all settings kept.
Disable a node to skip it during a run without deleting it. Disabled nodes look dimmed on the canvas. This is handy for testing without losing the node's setup.
Select nodes and press `Delete` or `Backspace`. Their connections are removed too. Press `Ctrl+Z` to undo.
Use **Auto-layout** to arrange all nodes into a clean grid, top-to-bottom or left-to-right. Select two or more nodes and use **Align** to snap them into a straight line.
## Name and save
Click the automation name at the top of the builder to rename it. Use a clear name like "Nightly Shopify Sync" or "Post-Import AI Enrichment".
Click **Save** in the toolbar, or press `Ctrl+S`. Before saving, the builder checks that:
1. Your workflow has at least one trigger connected to at least one action.
2. Every enabled node has a complete path from trigger to action.
A new automation gets created on the server and assigned an ID. Later saves update it in place.
Save often as you build. You can reopen and keep editing a saved automation any time from the automations list.
## Test before you activate
Run a test straight from the builder to see your workflow in action.
Make sure every node is configured (green checkmarks) and properly connected.
Click the test button in the toolbar. The builder runs your workflow.
The execution panel shows real-time progress. Each node lights up as it works: blue while running, green when done, red if it fails.
The panel logs each step, including how many products were processed and any errors.
During a test run you get a live view:
* **Node badges** switch between running, done, and failed, with animated indicators.
* **Connection lines** animate to show data moving between nodes.
* **Execution panel** logs a timestamped entry for each step.
* **Progress bar** tracks overall completion.
You can **pause**, **resume**, or **cancel** a test run at any time from the execution panel.
## Back up and share
Export any automation as a JSON file. Click the export button in the toolbar to download the workflow definition. Use it as a backup or to share with someone else.
To import one, click the import button and select a JSON file. The imported workflow replaces what is currently on the canvas.
## Undo and redo
The builder keeps your last 50 changes. Press `Ctrl+Z` to undo and `Ctrl+Shift+Z` to redo. Toast notifications include an **Undo** button for destructive actions.
## Keyboard shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
| ---------------------- | --------------------- |
| `Ctrl+S` | Save automation |
| `Ctrl+Z` | Undo last action |
| `Ctrl+Shift+Z` | Redo |
| `Ctrl+C` | Copy selected nodes |
| `Ctrl+V` | Paste copied nodes |
| `Delete` / `Backspace` | Delete selected nodes |
| `Ctrl+A` | Select all nodes |
On Mac, use `Cmd` instead of `Ctrl` for every shortcut.
## Related
Start from a pre-built template for common workflows.
Learn how to manage and monitor your automations.