Step 1: Open the Automation canvas
Open FlowCastle and choose the flow you want to edit. The Automation page is the main workspace: your nodes sit on the canvas, the flow list is on the left, and the editor drawer appears on the right when you edit a node.
!FlowCastle Automation canvas with the starting step visible
Step 2: Click the plus button
Use the floating plus button in the canvas area to open the quick add menu. This is the fastest way to create a new node when you are starting a flow.
!The quick add menu opened from the plus button in FlowCastle
Step 3: Choose New Message
For a first exercise, select New Message. A Message node is the easiest block to understand because it lets you send visible text to the user right away.
Tip: start with a simple message before adding conditions, actions, or variables.
Step 4: Write the message content
When the node editor opens, type the message you want your bot to send. You can also add buttons, variables, and channel-specific options from the same drawer.
!The Message node editor in FlowCastle with message text filled in
Step 5: Save the node
Click Save to apply your changes. The drawer closes and your new node stays on the canvas so you can move it or connect it to the next step.
Step 6: Connect it to the flow
Link the starting step to your new Message node so the bot knows when this message should run. Once that connection exists, your first node is part of the flow.
Step 7: Continue with Message Node Basics
After your first node is working, the next useful guide is Message Node Basics. That follow-up article explains how to structure message text, buttons, and common settings more effectively.