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Visual Flow Canvas

The Visual Flow Canvas (/automations/flow/[id]) is AutoDM's interactive node editor for designing multi-step decision trees and conversational sales funnels.

1. When to Use the Flow Canvas​

Use the Visual Flow Canvas when your campaign requires more than a single reply:

  • Asking prospective buyers diagnostic questions with clickable Quick Reply chips (e.g., "Men's" vs "Women's", or "Budget" vs "Premium").
  • Directing users to specific Product Carousels based on their answers.
  • Chaining follow verification gates with downstream rewards.
  • Scheduling multi-step reminders and recovery sequences.

2. Canvas Interface Overview​

The canvas environment provides a clean visual workspace:

  • Top Header Toolbar:
    • Back Button: Returns to the main Automations list.
    • Flow Name: Click to edit your automation title inline.
    • Connected Account Badge: Displays the active Instagram handle or Facebook Page executing the flow.
    • Test Simulator: Opens the interactive slide-over phone simulator to test the flow end-to-end.
    • Save Flow: Persists your canvas nodes, branching edges, and template bindings.
  • Floating Step Dock (Bottom Center): Quick-add buttons to insert steps onto your canvas.
  • Minimap and Zoom Controls: Located in the corner for easy navigation across large trees.
  • Node Properties Drawer: Slide-over panel on the right that opens whenever you click a node.

3. Supported Canvas Node Types​

1. Trigger Node (TRIGGER)​

The root node representing the starting event:

  • Defines the trigger type (Post/Reel Comment, Direct Message, Story Reply, Story Mention).
  • Sets keyword filters or unconditional execution.
  • Configures the public comment reply template when triggered by a comment.

2. Question Node (QUESTION_QUICK_REPLY)​

Presents the user with a question followed by interactive Quick Reply choice chips:

  • Add multiple choice branches (e.g., "Jeans", "Shirts", "Shoes").
  • Each branch creates an output handle on the node.
  • Drag a connection line from a choice handle to the next step to create branching paths based on what the user taps.

Dispatches a horizontal swipeable product slider (Instagram only):

  • Binds to a pre-configured Carousel Template with images, prices, and direct "Shop Now" buttons.

4. Direct Message Node (SEND_MESSAGE)​

Sends a standard text message with optional call-to-action buttons:

  • Supports rich text variations, dynamic variables ({first_name}, {username}), and media attachments.
  • Interactive buttons on the message can also serve as connection handles to trigger further canvas steps when tapped.

5. Follow Gate Node (FOLLOW_GATE)​

Verifies whether the participant follows your Instagram account before advancing:

  • Sends a verification prompt to non-followers with a "Check Again ✅" quick reply.
  • Branches execution only after follow status is successfully confirmed.

6. Follow-Up Reminder Node (REMINDER)​

Schedules an automated follow-up message within the Meta 24-hour window:

  • Configure delay hours (e.g., 6h, 12h, 24h).
  • Select auto-cancellation conditions (LINK_NOT_CLICKED, NO_REPLY_RECEIVED, NOT_FOLLOWED, NO_ENGAGEMENT).

4. Connecting and Editing Nodes​

  1. Adding a Step: Click any step in the floating dock (e.g., Question, Carousel, or DM). The new node will appear on the canvas.
  2. Connecting Logic: Click and drag from an output handle (such as an individual Quick Reply choice on a Question node) to the input handle on the target node. A labeled, animated connector line will appear.
  3. Editing Node Data: Click any node on the canvas to open the Node Properties Drawer:
    • Select or change the bound Message Template.
    • Edit branch labels and payloads.
    • Configure delays or gate messages.
  4. Deleting Connections: Click the deletion button on any connecting edge to sever the link.
  5. Deleting Nodes: Click the node, then click the Delete Node button in the properties drawer.

5. Testing with the Flow Simulator​

Before making your campaign live, click Test Simulator in the top toolbar to open the interactive mobile drawer:

  • Test the initial comment or message trigger.
  • See the simulated response bubble appear.
  • Tap the actual Quick Reply buttons and links inside the simulator to verify that each branch routes to the correct downstream node.