Build flows overview

Postman Flows lets you automate and visualize API workflows using modular building blocks. This guide introduces you to creating, connecting, and testing flows.

Build your first flow

If you’re new to building flows, you can do the following:

• Try the “Hello, world” flow to get started quickly.
• Learn how to create, connect, and run blocks.
• Work with date and time in your flows.

Working with blocks

Each flow is made of blocks that perform specific tasks. You can do the following:

• Chain blocks to pass data between them.
• Get or set variables to manage dynamic values.
• Filter data using conditions.
• Build branching logic into flows that apply conditions to data.
• Build loops to tackle iteration-heavy tasks.

Reuse flows within other flows

A flow with a snapshot and outputs can be called from within other flows with a Flow block. Encapsulating all the original flow’s blocks in a single Flow block makes your flow simpler and easier to grasp.

Deploy flows

Another way to make your flow reusable is to deploy it with a unique cloud-hosted URL. This means your flow can connect with external services and interact with AI applications through MCP. Deployed flows receive HTTP requests and send out structured responses.

Working with AI

AI is an integral part of working with Postman Flows.

• AI blocks enable your flow to interact with AI applications.
• Postman Agent Mode enables you to create and add to your flows with natural language.
• You can build and run an MCP server as a special kind of flow that runs in the Postman cloud.

Organize and visualize flows

Make your flows easier to understand by using the following options:

• Colors to differentiate blocks
• Annotations to add descriptions or instructions
• Groups to cluster related steps

You can also visualize data within your flows to debug or share insights.

Test and troubleshoot

To learn more about testing and troubleshooting your flows:

• Use troubleshooting tools to inspect errors and fix block logic.
• Postman Flows supports deployment and monitoring so you can test as you build.