Quick Use
- Sign up at vapi.ai
- Open dashboard.vapi.ai/workflows → New Workflow
- Drag in Say / Ask / Decision nodes; connect via the visual builder
Intro
Vapi Workflows is the visual flow builder for voice agents — drag-and-drop nodes (say-message, ask-question, run-tool, transfer-to-human, end-call) connected by conditions. Replaces hand-coded state machines for any flow more complex than 'one prompt → many responses'. Best for: customer support, qualification, booking flows where the conversation has predictable branches. Works with: Vapi platform, callable as a Workflow asset from any Vapi assistant. Setup time: 10 minutes (visual builder).
Node types
| Node | Use |
|---|---|
| Say | Bot speaks a fixed line |
| Ask | Bot speaks, then waits for user reply (with VAD) |
| Decision | Branch based on intent classification or tool result |
| Tool | Call your backend (REST endpoint) |
| Transfer | Hand off to human / another assistant |
| End | Hang up gracefully |
Hello-world flow
[Start]
→ Say "Hi! I'm Acme's booking assistant."
→ Ask "Are you looking to book a new stay or modify an existing one?"
→ Decision { new → BookingFlow, modify → ModifyFlow, else → Transfer to human }
[BookingFlow]
→ Ask "Great! What dates?"
→ Tool check_availability(dates)
→ Decision { available → ConfirmFlow, full → SuggestAlternatives }
[ConfirmFlow]
→ Say "Got it. Confirming a 2-night stay May 10-12."
→ Tool create_booking(...)
→ Say "Booked! Confirmation sent to your phone."
→ EndBuild via API
curl -X POST https://api.vapi.ai/workflow \
-H "Authorization: Bearer $VAPI_API_KEY" \
-d @workflow.jsonOr use the visual builder at dashboard.vapi.ai/workflows. The exported JSON is identical.
When Workflow vs free-form LLM
| Use Workflow | Use free-form LLM (assistant) |
|---|---|
| Conversation has known branches | Open-ended Q&A |
| Compliance / script required | Creative responses ok |
| Need predictable transfer rules | Edge cases handled by model |
| 80% of customer support | Concierge / brainstorm |
You can also nest: a Workflow can include a "free-form LLM" node that hands off to a chat assistant for the open-ended portions, then returns to the flow.
FAQ
Q: Workflow vs Squad — what's the difference? A: Workflow is a single agent following a flowchart. Squad is multiple agents that can hand off to each other (e.g. greeter → booking → support). Use Workflow for in-call branching; Squad for distinct personas.
Q: Can I version Workflows?
A: Yes — every save creates a new version. Roll back via the dashboard or workflow.versionId in the API. Useful for A/B testing flow variants.
Q: How do I test a Workflow without making real calls? A: The dashboard has a 'Test Call' button that simulates the flow with text input/output (no audio). For full audio testing, Vapi gives you a free test phone number on the playground.
Source & Thanks
Built by Vapi. Commercial product with free trial.
docs.vapi.ai/workflows — Official docs