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A workflow defines how Novu delivers notifications for a specific event. It contains the steps, templates, and rules that control how messages are sent across channels. You can create workflows in the Novu dashboard, using the Novu API or define them in code using the Novu Framework. This guide focuses on creating workflows in the Novu dashboard.
Workflows can only be created and managed in the development environment. Once created, workflows can be synced to other environments. To learn more, refer to Environments.

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Create a workflow

You can create a Novu workflow in the following ways:
  • Create from scratch: Build a custom workflow tailored to your exact needs.
  • Create from template: Start with pre-built workflows for common use cases.
1

Go to the Novu Dashboard

Go to the Novu Dashboard.
2

Navigate to Workflows

Navigate to Workflows.
3

Click Create workflow

Click Create workflow.\Create a workflow
4

Fill in workflow details

Fill in the workflow details:
  • Name (Required): The display name shown in the dashboard. You can change this later in the workflow editor.
  • Identifier (Required): The workflowId is immutable. It must be in a valid slug format (letters, numbers, hyphens, dots and underscores only) and must be unique within one environment.
    The workflowId is required when triggering a workflow and when using trigger overrides. It is also used to conditionally display notifications in the <Inbox />.
  • Tags (Optional): Organize and categorize workflows. Tags can be added later in the workflow editor.
    To learn more about Tags, refer to workflow tags.
  • Description (Optional): Document the workflow’s purpose and behavior for your team. Description can be added later in the workflow editor. Create workflow
5

Enable translations (optional)

Enable translations (Optional): Support multiple locales for this workflow. This can be enabled after workflow creation in the workflow editor.
To learn more about translations, refer to Translations.
6

Create the workflow

Click Create workflow.
After creating the workflow, you’re redirected to the Workflow Editor, where you can configure the workflow and add steps.

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Manage workflows

Once created, you can manage workflows from the Workflows page:

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Update a workflow

After creating a workflow, you can modify its configuration at any time from the workflow editor. This allows you to evolve notification logic without creating a new workflow. Click on any workflow to open the workflow editor, where you can:

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Duplicate a workflow

Duplicating a workflow lets you reuse an existing configuration as a starting point for a new workflow. This is useful when workflows share similar logic but differ in trigger identifiers, content, or steps.
1

Find the workflow

Find the workflow in Workflows page.
2

Open the menu

Click the three-dot menu (•••).
3

Select Duplicate workflow

Select Duplicate workflow.
4

Provide a new name and identifier

Provide a new name and identifier.Duplicate a workflow
5

Confirm duplication

Click Duplicate Workflow.Duplicate workflow

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Delete a workflow

Deleting a workflow is permanent and cannot be undone. Any existing triggers referencing the deleted workflow will fail with a workflow not found error. Execution history is preserved in the Novu Activity Feed.
1

Find the workflow

Find the workflow in Workflows page.
2

Open the menu

Click the three-dot menu (•••).
3

Select Delete

Select Delete.
4

Confirm deletion

Confirm deletion.