Who This Is For / When to Use
This feature is designed for users who build complex or multi-path workflows and want full visual control, faster editing, and better organization than the Standard Builder allows.
What the Advanced Builder Is
The Advanced Builder is a workflow design mode that replaces linear step lists with a visual canvas, allowing workflows to be built, connected, and organized freely without structural constraints.
It is used when workflows require multiple entry points, parallel paths, conditional routing without nested logic, or collaborative visual planning.
How the Advanced Builder Differs From the Standard Builder
The Advanced Builder allows workflows to be visually arranged on an open canvas, while the Standard Builder enforces a linear, vertical structure.
Key differences include free-form node placement, multiple independent trigger paths, go-to connections, delinked nodes, sticky notes, keyboard shortcuts, and bulk node controls that are not available in the Standard Builder.
How to Switch to the Advanced Builder
Switching to the Advanced Builder changes the workflow editor view but does not delete or alter existing steps.
Steps:
Navigate to Automations → Workflows
Open an existing workflow or create a new one
Use the builder selector at the top of the screen
Select Advanced Builder
Existing workflows will automatically spread across the canvas and can be reorganized manually or using layout tools.
Visual Workflow Canvas
The Advanced Builder uses a drag-and-drop canvas that allows nodes to be placed, spaced, and connected visually.
This layout makes it easier to understand complex logic, trace execution paths, and identify workflow structure at a glance without scrolling through stacked steps.
Multiple Triggers and Independent Entry Paths
The Advanced Builder supports multiple triggers within the same workflow, each with its own starting point.
Triggers can operate independently or converge into shared logic, allowing one workflow to handle multiple entry conditions without duplication.
Go-To Triggers and Direct Routing
Go-to triggers allow a trigger to connect directly to any action on the canvas.
This eliminates the need for long if/else chains and provides precise control over where contacts enter a workflow, improving clarity and execution efficiency.
Delinked Nodes and Parallel Logic
Delinked nodes allow multiple independent workflow paths to exist side by side on the same canvas.
These paths can run in parallel, merge later, or remain fully separate, making it easier to manage complex automation logic in a single workflow.
Enabling and Disabling Nodes
Individual nodes or groups of nodes can be enabled or disabled without deleting them.
Disabled nodes are skipped during execution and appear visually dimmed, making this feature useful for testing, debugging, or temporarily pausing parts of a workflow.
How to use:
Select one or more nodes
Right-click
Choose Disable Nodes or Enable Nodes
Sticky Notes and Visual Organization
Sticky notes allow text annotations to be placed anywhere on the canvas.
They are used to explain logic, label workflow sections, document assumptions, or guide collaborators without affecting workflow execution. Sticky notes can also be color-coded for visual grouping.
Keyboard Shortcuts
The Advanced Builder includes keyboard shortcuts that speed up navigation, editing, and layout actions.
Shortcuts are available for copying, cutting, pasting, deleting, zooming, saving, and node selection, reducing reliance on mouse interactions during large workflow builds.
How to access shortcuts:
Open a workflow in Advanced Builder
Press K on the keyboard or click the Keyboard Shortcuts button
Saving and Publishing Workflows
Workflows must be saved and published to become active.
Saving stores changes in draft form, while publishing applies the workflow logic to live automation execution. Disabled nodes remain inactive even after publishing.
Common Issues and Fixes
Workflow Looks Scattered After Switching
When switching from Standard Builder, steps may appear spread out on the canvas.
Fix: Use the Tidy Up or layout controls to automatically organize the workflow.
Disabled Nodes Are Not Running
Disabled nodes are intentionally skipped during execution.
Fix: Re-enable the node and republish the workflow.
Cannot Switch Back to Standard Builder
Certain Advanced Builder features are not supported in Standard Builder.
Fix: Remove go-to triggers, delinked nodes, and parallel paths before switching back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all workflows use the Advanced Builder?
Yes. Any workflow can be edited using the Advanced Builder regardless of complexity.
Does switching builders affect live workflows?
No. Switching builders only changes the editor view and does not impact live execution unless changes are saved and published.
Do disabled nodes run after publishing?
No. Disabled nodes remain inactive until re-enabled and republished.