> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://threadly.gitbook.io/threadly/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://threadly.gitbook.io/threadly/workflows/creating-your-first-workflow.md).

# Creating Your First Workflow

A complete step-by-step guide to building your first Threadly workflow. Pick a trigger, add steps, configure settings and activate it. Includes a full welcome-message example you can follow along with

This guide walks you through creating a workflow from start to finish.

***

### Step 1: Start a New Workflow

On the Home tab, under **Workflows & Segments**, click **Workflows**, then **Create Workflow**.

***

### Step 2: Choose Your Trigger

You'll be asked to select what event should start your workflow. Choose from:

* **On a Schedule** — Run at specific times on specific days
* **User Joins Channel** — Triggered when someone joins selected channels
* **Channel Meets Criteria** — Triggered when you're added to channels matching certain rules
* **Form Submission** — Triggered when someone submits a specific Threadly form
* **HubSpot Contact Workflow** — Triggered from a HubSpot workflow
* **Message Posted** — Triggered when messages are posted in selected channels
* **Zapier Webhook** — Triggered by a Zap
* **Inbound Webhook** — Triggered by a signed request from your own system

Message Posted, Zapier Webhook and Inbound Webhook are rolling out gradually. If you don't see them, email <support@trythreadly.com> for early access.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important:** Triggers cannot be changed after you create the workflow. Choose carefully!
{% endhint %}

***

### Step 3: Configure Your Trigger

Click **Edit Trigger** to set up the specifics. What you see depends on the trigger type:

| Trigger Type             | What You'll Configure                                    |
| ------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------- |
| On a Schedule            | Days of the week, time, timezone                         |
| User Joins Channel       | Which channels to monitor                                |
| Channel Meets Criteria   | Filter rules (name starts with, contains, etc.)          |
| Form Submission          | Which form, optional field-based filters                 |
| HubSpot Contact Workflow | Nothing in Threadly. Add the Threadly action in HubSpot. |
| Message Posted           | Channels to monitor, optional keywords                   |
| Zapier / Inbound Webhook | Copy the webhook URL (and signing secret) into your tool |

For detailed configuration options, see [Workflow Triggers](/threadly/workflows/workflow-triggers.md).

***

### Step 4: Add Actions

Once your trigger is configured, add the steps that should happen when it fires:

1. Open the **Add New Step** menu
2. Select a step type (Delay, Send Message, Send Webhook, etc.)
3. Configure the action details
4. Repeat to add more steps as needed

Steps run in order from top to bottom. Use **Move Step Up**, **Move Step Down**, **Edit Step** and **Delete Step** to adjust them.

For all available actions, see [Workflow Steps](/threadly/workflows/workflow-steps.md).

***

### Step 5: Name and Activate

1. Open **Workflow Settings** to give your workflow a descriptive name, and optionally set the sender, re-enrollment, cooldown and allowed days
2. Review your trigger and steps
3. Click **Activate Workflow**

Your workflow is now live and will trigger automatically!

***

### Example: Welcome Message Workflow

Let's create a simple workflow that welcomes new members to your #general channel.

#### 1. Create the workflow

Click **Create Workflow** from the Workflows home screen.

#### 2. Select the trigger

Choose **User Joins Channel**.

#### 3. Configure the trigger

Click **Edit Trigger** and select the `#general` channel.

#### 4. Add a Send Message action

* Open **Add New Step**
* Select **Send Message**
* Set **Where should this message be sent?** to **The user who triggered the workflow**
* Write your welcome message:

```
Hey {{user}}! Welcome to the team!

Here are some helpful resources to get you started:
• Check out #announcements for company updates
• Introduce yourself in #introductions
• Questions? Ask in #help

Happy to have you here!
```

#### 5. Activate

Click **Activate Workflow**.

Now, whenever someone joins #general, they'll automatically receive this welcome DM!

***

### Next Steps

* [Workflow Triggers](/threadly/workflows/workflow-triggers.md) — Learn about all trigger types
* [Workflow Steps](/threadly/workflows/workflow-steps.md) — Explore all available actions
* [Advanced Workflow Settings](/threadly/workflows/advanced-workflow-settings.md) — Fine-tune workflow behavior