# WhatsApp Flows

> Build native WhatsApp interactive experiences

Source: https://docs.soosh.io/features/whatsapp-flows/

![WhatsApp Flows](https://docs.soosh.io/images/09-whatsapp-flows.png)

## Overview

WhatsApp Flows enable businesses to create rich, interactive experiences directly within WhatsApp. Unlike regular messages, Flows provide native UI components like forms, dropdown menus, and multi-screen journeys.

## Flow Builder

![WhatsApp Flow Builder](https://docs.soosh.io/images/10-whatsapp-flow-builder.png)

Soosh provides a visual Flow Builder to design and manage your WhatsApp Flows:

### Features

- **Visual Editor** - Design flows with a drag-and-drop interface
- **Screen Builder** - Create multi-screen experiences
- **Component Library** - Use native WhatsApp UI components
- **Preview** - Test your flow before publishing
- **Sync with Meta** - Push and pull flows from Meta

## Flow Components

WhatsApp Flows support various UI components:

  **Text Input**

    Single-line and multi-line text fields
  
  **Dropdown**

    Selection menus with multiple options
  
  **Date Picker**

    Native date selection component
  
  **Radio Buttons**

    Single-select option groups
  
  **Checkboxes**

    Multi-select options
  
  **Buttons**

    Action buttons for navigation
  

## Flow Lifecycle

1. **Create**

   Design your flow using the visual builder or JSON editor.

2. **Save to Meta**

   Push your flow to Meta's WhatsApp Business API.

3. **Test**

   Test the flow in draft mode before publishing.

4. **Publish**

   Make the flow available for use in messages.

## Flow Status

| Status | Description |
|--------|-------------|
| **Draft** | Flow is being designed, not yet available |
| **Published** | Flow is live and can be sent to users |
| **Deprecated** | Flow has been retired |

### Editing a Published Flow

Publishing requires a **Draft** flow, so a flow that is already **Published**
or **Deprecated** can't be edited in place. To change one, use **Duplicate**:
it clones the flow into a fresh **Draft** copy (named "… (Copy)") with a new,
empty Meta flow ID. Edit the copy, save it to Meta, and publish it — leaving
the original untouched. This is the intended path for revising a live flow.

## Using Flows

### In Chatbot

Integrate WhatsApp Flows into your chatbot conversation flows:

1. Create a flow step with type "WhatsApp Flow"
2. Select the published flow
3. Configure the trigger message
4. Handle flow completion responses

### Via API

Send flows programmatically using the REST API:

```bash
POST /api/messages
{
  "contact_id": "...",
  "type": "flow",
  "flow_id": "...",
  "flow_token": "...",
  "header": "Complete Your Order",
  "body": "Please fill in the details below",
  "button_text": "Start"
}
```

## Best Practices

> **Tip:** Keep flows concise - users prefer shorter, focused experiences over lengthy multi-screen journeys.

> **Note:** WhatsApp Flows require a business verification and may not be available in all regions.