***

title: Build flows overview
updated: 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z
topictype: concept
slug: docs/postman-flows/build-flows/overview
max-toc-depth: 2
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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](/docs/postman-flows/get-started/build-your-first-flow/) to get started quickly.
* Learn how to [create](/docs/postman-flows/build-flows/create/create-blocks/), [connect](/docs/postman-flows/build-flows/create/create-connections/), and [run](/docs/postman-flows/build-flows/configure/requests-and-variables/) blocks.
* [Work with date and time](/docs/postman-flows/build-flows/structure/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](/docs/postman-flows/build-flows/create/create-connections/).
* [Get or set variables to manage dynamic values](/docs/postman-flows/build-flows/configure/requests-and-variables/).
* [Filter data using conditions](/docs/postman-flows/build-flows/structure/find-and-filter-data/).
* Build [branching logic](/docs/postman-flows/typescript/typescript-overview/) into flows that apply conditions to data.
* Build [loops](/docs/postman-flows/build-flows/structure/loops/overview/) to tackle iteration-heavy tasks.

## Reuse flows within other flows

A flow with a [snapshot](/docs/postman-flows/build-flows/configure/snapshots/) and [outputs](/docs/postman-flows/reference/blocks/output-module/) can be called from within other flows with a [**Flow** block](/docs/postman-flows/reference/blocks/flow-module/). 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](/docs/postman-flows/reference/blocks/request/) and send out structured [responses](/docs/postman-flows/reference/blocks/response/).

## Working with AI

AI is an integral part of working with Postman Flows.

* [AI blocks](/docs/postman-flows/reference/overview-ai-blocks/) enable your flow to interact with AI applications.
* [Postman Agent Mode](/docs/agent-mode/overview/) enables you to create and add to your flows with natural language.
* You can build and run an [MCP server](/docs/postman-ai/mcp-server-flows/overview/) as a special kind of flow that runs in the Postman cloud.

## Organize and visualize flows

[Make your flows easier to understand](/docs/postman-flows/build-flows/organize/organize-flows/) 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](/docs/postman-flows/build-flows/analyze/visualize-data/) to debug or share insights.

## Test and troubleshoot

To learn more about testing and troubleshooting your flows:

* Use [troubleshooting tools](/docs/postman-flows/build-flows/troubleshoot/troubleshoot/) to inspect errors and fix block logic.
* Postman Flows supports [deployment and monitoring](/docs/postman-flows/build-flows/analyze/analytics/) so you can test as you build.