# How to create a Workflow in Novu (/platform/workflow/create-a-workflow)

Create a workflow and define its identifier, metadata, and initial configuration.

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](/api-reference/workflows/create-a-workflow) or define them in code using the [Novu Framework](/framework/introduction#create-a-workflow). This guide focuses on creating workflows in the Novu dashboard.

<Callout type="info">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](/platform/developer/environments#publishable-assets).</Callout>

## 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.

### Create a workflow from scratch

1. Go to the <a href="https://dashboard.novu.co" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Novu Dashboard</a>.
2. Navigate to **Workflows**.
3. Click **Create workflow**.\
   ![Create a workflow](/images/workflows/create-a-workflow/create-a-workflow.png)
4. Fill in the [workflow details](#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.
     <Callout>The `workflowId` is required when triggering a workflow and when using [trigger overrides](/platform/integrations/trigger-overrides). It is also used to conditionally display notifications in the <Method href="/platform/inbox">{`<Inbox />`}</Method>.</Callout>
   * **Tags** (Optional): Organize and categorize workflows. Tags can be added later in the workflow editor.
     <Callout>To learn more about Tags, refer to [workflow tags](/platform/workflow/configure-workflow#tags).</Callout>
   * **Description** (Optional): Document the workflow’s purpose and behavior for your team. Description can be added later in the workflow editor.
     ![Create workflow](/images/workflows/create-a-workflow/create-workflow.png)
5. **Enable translations** (Optional): Support multiple locales for this workflow. This can be enabled after workflow creation in the workflow editor.
   <Callout>To learn more about translations, refer to [Translations](/platform/workflow/advanced-features/translations).</Callout>
6. Click **Create workflow**.

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

### Create a workflow from a template

Templates are pre-built workflows for common notification scenarios. They include pre-configured steps, sample content, and pre-filled workflow details that you can customize.

To create a workflow from a template:

1. Go to the <a href="https://dashboard.novu.co" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Novu Dashboard</a>.
2. Navigate to **Workflows**.
3. From the **Workflows** page, you can access templates in two ways:
   * Click the icon on the **Create workflow** button and select **From template**.
     ![Create from template](/images/workflows/create-a-workflow/create-from-template.png)
   * Click **Explore templates**.
     ![Create from explore](/images/workflows/create-a-workflow/create-from-explore.png)
4. Select a template.
5. Click **Create workflow**.

## Manage workflows

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

### 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:

* Update name and description (identifier cannot be changed)
* Add or remove the workflow tags.
* Change [workflow status](/platform/workflow/configure-workflow#workflow-status).
* Configure [channel preferences](/platform/workflow/configure-workflow#channel-preferences) and [payload schema](/platform/workflow/configure-workflow#payload-schema).
* Add, remove, or reorder [steps](/platform/workflow/add-and-configure-steps#add-a-step-to-a-workflow).

### 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 in **Workflows** page.
2. Click the three-dot menu (•••).
3. Select **Duplicate workflow**.
4. Provide a new name and identifier.
   ![Duplicate a workflow](/images/workflows/create-a-workflow/duplicate-workflow.png)
5. Click **Duplicate Workflow**.
   ![Duplicate workflow](/images/workflows/create-a-workflow/duplicate-a-workflow.png)

### Delete a workflow

<Callout type="warn">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](/platform/workflow/monitor-and-debug-workflow).</Callout>

1. Find the workflow in **Workflows** page.
2. Click the three-dot menu (•••).
3. Select **Delete**.
4. Confirm deletion.