Messenger Bot – Visual Flow Builder

Visual Flow Builder

INTRODUCTION: Getting Started is Easy!

Welcome to Messenger Bots Flow Builder. This documentation guide you that how you can effectively use the Flow Builder feature.

Get Started

In this section, we will be introduced to the features that come with Messenger Bot Flow Builder. So let’s start.

Click on the Visual Flow Builder menu in your dashboard on your left.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 1

Click again on the Create new flow button and select the Facebook page you want to create a bot for.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 2

Now, click on the Ok button.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 3

It will then take you to the visual flow builder interface like the screenshot below:

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 4

Now you can see the dock menu marked in a red box. From this dock menu, you can drag the Text component and drop it on the editor at any place.

 

Dock Menu contains components. You can use them arbitrarily to create your bot flow. No matter how long the bot flow is. So, you can reuse those components again and again.

The dock menu comes with the following components:

  1. Text
  2. Image
  3. Generic Template
  4. Carousel
  5. Carousel Single
  6. Audio
  7. Video
  8. File
  9. Facebook Media
  10. Ecommerce
  11. User Input Flow
  12. OTN
  13. Button
  14. Quick Reply
  15. Trigger
  16. New Postback

The can be moved over to the editor. Grab the dock menu’s header by the mouse pointer or any position with the components and try to move the mouse position. Thus you can put it where you like to.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 5

To minimize the dock menu, click twice on its header. You will see a tiny red box after minimizing the dock menu. Click twice on it to reopen the dock menu again.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 6
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 7

Trigger Component

Introduction

The Trigger component will allow you to get started with the bot. All you need to connect it to a Start Bot Flow or New Postback. It has only 1 output socket.

  • Output: Next

Connections

Next may be connected to one of the following components:

  • Start Bot Flow, and New Postback

How to create a Trigger component

Let us see how we can get started a bot.

 

Dragging and Dropping

From the dock menu, drag the Trigger component and drop it on the editor and connect to either Start Bot Flow or New Postback component. Once you’re done with making the bot. Save the bot flow and start with a messenger.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 8
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 9

Adding Data

To add data to the Trigger component, click twice on the body of the Trigger component. It will open a sidebar on your right. Now provide some keywords there separating by a comma. In our case, we’re providing single keyword products. Now click on the OK button.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 10

Then connect it to either Start Bot Flow or New Postback component.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 11

New Postback Component

Introduction

The New Postback component will allow you to make multiple postbacks through a single bot flow. Each postback will be stored as a standalone postback under the hood. So, you may trigger them later via trigger components if you want. It has 1 input socket and 1 output socket.

  • Input: Reply
  • Output: Next

Connections

The Reply may get a connection from one of the following components:

  • Quick Reply, Button, and Trigger
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 12

The Next may be connected to the following component:

  • Text, Carousel, Facebook Media, Image, Video, Audio, File, Ecommerce, User Input Flow, Generic Template, and OTN
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 13

How to create a New PostBack component

Let us see how we can create a new postback component.

 

Dragging and Dropping

From the dock menu, drag the New Postback component and drop it on the editor at any place.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 14

Adding Data

To add data to the New Postback component, click twice on the body of the New Postback component. It will open a sidebar on your right. Give it a name. You may choose a label(s) or sequence if you need.

Once done, click on the OK button.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 15

Text Component

Introduction

The Text component will allow you to reply with text content only. It has 1 input socket and 3 output sockets.

  • Input: Reply
  • Output: Next, Buttons, and Quick Replies
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 16
Note: Next to Quick Replies!?
There is a condition between Next and Quick Replies. Using either Next or Quick Replies, you can connect to other components. But you can’t connect to others from both.

Connections

The Reply may get connection from one of the following components:

  • Start Bot Flow, New Postback, Text, Carousel, Facebook Media, Image, Video, Audio, File, Generic Template, Ecommerce, and OTN.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 17

The Next may be connected to the following component:

  • Text, Carousel, Facebook Media, Image, Video, Audio, File, Ecommerce, User Input Flow, Generic Template, and OTN
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 18

Buttons may be connected to the following component:

  • Button – you may connect up to 3 Button components to the Text component.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 19

Quick Replies may be connected to the following component:

  • Quick Reply – you may connect up to 11 Quick Reply components to the Text component.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 20

How to create a Text component

Let us see how we can create a reply with text.

 

Dragging and Dropping

From the dock menu, drag the Text component and drop it on the editor at any place.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 21

Adding Data

To add data to the Text component, click twice on the body of the Text component. It will open a sidebar on your right. Fill in the fields that you need.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 22

Delay in Reply

If you want to show the typing state on the bot or delay in replying, then you can use those fields.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 22

Image Component

Introduction

The Image component will allow you to reply with an image. It has 1 input socket and 2 output sockets.

  • Input: Reply
  • Output: Next, and Quick Replies
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 24

Quick Replies: You can connect up to 11 Quick Reply components to the Image component.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 25
Note: Next to Quick Replies!?
There is a condition between Next and Quick Replies. Using either Next or Quick Replies, you can connect to other components. But you can’t connect to others from both.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 26

Connections

The Reply may get connection from one of the following components:

  • Start Bot Flow, New Postback, Text, Carousel, Facebook Media, Image, Video, Audio, File, Generic Template, Ecommerce, and OTN
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 27

Next may be connected to one of the following components:

  • Text, Carousel, Facebook Media, Image, Video, Audio, File, Ecommerce, User Input Flow, Generic Template, and OTN.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 28

Quick Replies may be connected to the following component:

  • Quick Reply
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 29

How to create an Image component

Let us see how we can create a reply with an image.

 

Dragging and Dropping

From the dock menu, drag the Image component and drop it on the editor at any place.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 30

Adding Data

To add data to the Image component, click twice on the body of the Image component. It will open a sidebar on your right. Fill in the fields that you need.

Delay in Reply

If you want to show the typing state on the bot or delay in replying, then you can use those fields.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 31

Generic Template Component

Introduction

The Generic Template component will allow you to reply with an image, or title and subtitle, or all. It has 1 input socket and 3 output sockets.

  • Input: Reply
  • Output: Next, Buttons, and Quick Replies
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 32
Note: Next to Quick Replies!?
There is a condition between Next and Quick Replies. Using either Next or Quick Replies, you can connect to other components. But you can’t connect to others from both.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 33

Connections

The Reply may get connection from one of the following components:

  • Start Bot Flow, New Postback, Text, Carousel, Facebook Media, Image, Video, Audio, File, Ecommerce, Generic Template, and OTN.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 34

The Next may be connected to one of the following components:

  • Text, Carousel, Facebook Media, Image, Video, Audio, File, Ecommerce, User Input Flow, Generic Template, and OTN.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 35

Buttons may be connected to the following component:

  • Button – you may connect up to 3 Buttons to the Generic Template component.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 36

Quick Replies may be connected to the following component:

  • Quick Reply – you may connect up to 11 Quick Replies to the Generic Template component.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 37

How to create a General Template component

Let us see how we can create a reply with a generic-template.

 

Dragging and Dropping

From the dock menu, drag the Generic Template component and drop it on the editor at any place.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 38

Adding Data

To add data to the Generic Template component, click twice on the body of the Generic Template component. It will open a sidebar on your right. Fill in the fields that you need.

Delay in Reply

If you want to show the typing gif image on the bot or delay in replying, then you can use those fields.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 39

The Carousel component will allow you to reply with a carousel. It has 1 input socket and 3 output sockets.

  • Input: Reply
  • Output: Next, Items, and Quick Replies
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 40
Note: Next to Quick Replies!?
There is a condition between Next and Quick Replies. Using either Next or Quick Replies, you can connect to other components. But you can’t connect to others from both.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 41

The Reply may get connection from one of the following components:

  • Start Bot Flow, New Postback, Text, Carousel, Facebook Media, Image, Video, Audio, File, Ecommerce, Generic Template, and OTN
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 42

The Next may be connected to one of the following components:

  • Text, Carousel, Facebook Media, Image, Video, Audio, File, Ecommerce, User Input Flow, Generic Template, and OTN.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 43

Items may be connected to the following component:

  • Carousel Single – you may connect up to 10 Carousel Single components to the Carousel components.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 44

Quick Replies may be connected to the following component:

  • Quick Reply – you may connect up to 11 Quick Replies to the Carousel component.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 45

Let us see how we can create a reply with carousel

 

Dragging and Dropping

From the dock menu, drag the Carousel component and drop it on the editor at any place. Next, you see 3 Carousel Single components and 3 Button components have been created with the Carousel component.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 46

Adding Data

To add data to the Carousel component, click twice on the body of the Carousel component. It will open a sidebar on your right with only fields asking reply-delay and type-state. Interact with them if you need.

By default, we provided 3 carousel single items. You can add more if you wish. Now it’s time to prepare a carousel single component. Make double-click on each of them to provide data as you need.

Having done with filling in carousel single, you may go for button component to be provided with your carousel. Make double-click on the button component to fill in data as you need.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 47

Carousel Single Component

Introduction

Carousel Single component will allow you to reply with an image, or title and subtitle, or all. It has 1 input socket and 1 output socket.

  • Input: Reply
  • Output: Button
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 48

Connections

The Reply may get connection from the following component:

  • Carousel
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 49

The Button may be connected to the following component:

  • Button – you may connect up to 3 Button components to the Carousel Single component.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 50

How to create a Carousel Single component

Carousel Single is dependent on the Carousel component. So we make it prepare to be connected to the Carousel component.

 

Dragging and Dropping

From the dock menu, drag the Carousel Single component and drop it on the editor at any place.

Adding Data

To add data to the Carousel Single component, click twice on the body of the Carousel Single component. It will open a sidebar on your right. Fill in the fields as you need.

Delay in Reply

If you want to show the typing gif image on the bot or delay in replying, then you can use those fields.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 51

Audio Component

Introduction

The Audio component will allow you to reply with an audio file. It has 1 input socket and 2 output sockets.

  • Input: Reply
  • Output: Next, and Quick Replies
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 52
Note: Next to Quick Replies!?
There is a condition between Next and Quick Replies. Using either Next or Quick Replies, you can connect to other components. But you can’t connect to others from both.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 53

Connections

The Reply may get connection from one of the following components:

  • Start Bot Flow, New Postback, Text, Carousel, Facebook Media, Image, Video, Audio, File, Ecommerce, Generic Template, and OTN.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 54

Next may be connected to one of the following components:

  • Text, Carousel, Facebook Media, Image, Video, Audio, File, Ecommerce, User Input Flow, Generic Template, and OTN.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 55

Quick Replies may be connected to the following component:

  • Quick Reply – you may connect up to 11 Quick Replies to the Audio component.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 56

How to create an Audio component

Let us see how we can create a reply with an audio component.

 

Dragging and Dropping

From the dock menu, drag the Audio component and drop it on the editor at any place.

Adding Data

To add data to the Audio component, click twice on the body of the Audio component. It will open a sidebar on your right. Fill in the fields that you need.

Delay in Reply

If you want to show the typing state on the bot or delay in replying, then you can use those fields.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 57

Video Component

Introduction

The Video component will allow you to reply with a video file. It has 1 input socket and 2 output sockets.

  • Input: Reply
  • Output: Next, and Quick Replies
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 58
Note: Next to Quick Replies!?
There is a condition between Next and Quick Replies. Using either Next or Quick Replies, you can connect to other components. But you can’t connect to others from both.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 59

Connections

The Reply may get connection from one of the following components:

  • Start Bot Flow, New Postback, Text, Carousel, Facebook Media, Image, Video, Audio, File, Ecommerce, Generic Template, and OTN.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 60

Next may be connected to one of the following components:

  • Text, Carousel, Facebook Media, Image, Video, Audio, File, Ecommerce, User Input Flow, Generic Template, and OTN.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 61

Quick Replies may be connected to the following component:

  • Quick Reply – you may connect up to 11 Quick Replies to the Video component.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 62

How to create a Video component

Let us see how we can create a reply with a video component.

 

Dragging and Dropping

From the dock menu, drag the Video component and drop it on the editor at any place.

Adding Data

To add data to the Video component, click twice on the body of the Video component. It will open a sidebar on your right. Fill in the fields that you need.

Delay in Reply

If you want to show the typing state on the bot or delay in replying, then you can use those fields.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 63

File Component

Introduction

The File component will allow you to reply with a file. It has 1 input socket and 2 output sockets.

  • Input: Reply
  • Output: Next, and Quick Replies
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 64
Note: Next to Quick Replies!?
There is a condition between Next and Quick Replies. Using either Next or Quick Replies, you can connect to other components. But you can’t connect to others from both.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 65

Connections

The Reply may get connection from one of the following components:

  • Start Bot Flow, New Postback, Text, Carousel, Facebook Media, Image, Video, Audio, File, Ecommerce, Generic Template, and OTN.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 66

Next may be connected to one of the following components:

  • Text, Carousel, Facebook Media, Image, Video, Audio, File, Ecommerce, User Input Flow, Generic Template, and OTN.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 67

Quick Replies may be connected to the following component:

  • Quick Reply – you may connect up to 11 Quick Replies to the File component.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 68

How to create a File component

Let us see how we can create a reply with a file component.

 

Dragging and Dropping

From the dock menu, drag the File component and drop it on the editor at any place.

Adding Data

To add data to the File component, click twice on the body of the File component. It will open a sidebar on your right. Fill in the fields that you need.

Delay in Reply

If you want to show the typing state on the bot or delay in replying, then you can use those fields.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 69

Facebook Media Component

Introduction

Facebook Media component will allow you to reply by referring to a Facebook page. It has 1 input socket and 3 output sockets.

  • Input: Reply
  • Output: Next, Buttons, and Quick Replies
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 70
Note: Next to Quick Replies!?
There is a condition between Next and Quick Replies. Using either Next or Quick Replies, you can connect to other components. But you can’t connect to others from both.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 71

Connections

The Reply may get connection from one of the following components:

  • Start Bot Flow, New Postback, Text, Carousel, Facebook Media, Image, Video, Audio, File, Ecommerce, Generic Template, and OTN.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 72

Next may be connected to one of the following components:

  • Text, Carousel, Facebook Media, Image, Video, Audio, File, Ecommerce, User Input Flow, Generic Template, and OTN.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 73

Buttons may be connected to the following component:

  • Button – you may connect up to 3 Button components to the Facebook Media component.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 74

Quick Replies may be connected to the following component:

  • Quick Reply – you may connect up to 11 Quick Replies to the Facebook Media component.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 75

How to create a Facebook Media component

Let us see how we can create a reply with a Facebook page.

 

Dragging and Dropping

From the dock menu, drag the Facebook Media component and drop it on the editor at any place.

Adding Data

To add data to the Facebook Media component, click twice on the body of the Facebook Media component. It will open a sidebar on your right. Fill in the fields that you need.

Delay in Reply

If you want to show the typing gif image on the bot or delay in replying, then you can use those fields.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 76

Ecommerce Component

Introduction

Ecommerce component will allow you to reply by referring to an ecommerce shop and its products as a carousel or generic reply. It has 1 input socket and 2 output sockets.

  • Input: Reply
  • Output: Next, and Quick Replies
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 77
Note: Next to Quick Replies!?
There is a condition between Next and Quick Replies. Using either Next or Quick Replies, you can connect to other components. But you can’t connect to others from both.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 78

Connections

The Reply may get connection from one of the following components:

  • Start Bot Flow, New Postback, Text, Carousel, Facebook Media, Image, Video, Audio, File, Ecommerce, Generic Template, and OTN.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 79

Next may be connected to one of the following components:

  • Text, Carousel, Facebook Media, Image, Video, Audio, File, Ecommerce, User Input Flow, Generic Template, and OTN.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 80

Quick Replies may be connected to the following component:

  • Quick Reply – you may connect up to 11 Quick Replies to the Ecommerce component.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 81

How to create an Ecommerce component

Let us see how we can create an ecommerce.

Dragging and Dropping

From the dock menu, drag the Ecommerce component and drop it on the editor at any place.

Adding Data

To add data to the Ecommerce component, click twice on the body of the Ecommerce component. It will open a sidebar on your right. Fill in the fields that you need.

Delay in Reply

If you want to show the typing gif image on the bot or delay in replying, then you can use those fields.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 82

User Input Flow Component

Introduction

User Input Flow component will allow you to reply with a user input flow. It has only 1 input socket.

  • Input: Reply
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 83

Connections

The Reply may get connection from one of the following components:

  • Start Bot Flow, New Postback, Text, Carousel, Facebook Media, Image, Video, Audio, File, Ecommerce, Generic Template, and OTN.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 84

How to create a User Input Flow component

 

Let us see how we can create a reply using the user-input-flow component.

Dragging and Dropping

From the dock menu, drag the User Input Flow component and drop it on the editor at any place.

Adding Data

To add data to the User Input Flow component, click twice on the body of the User Input Flow component. It will open a sidebar on your right. Fill in the fields that you need.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 85

OTN Component

Introduction

The OTN component will allow you to reply with One Time Notification. It has 1 input socket and 1 output socket.

  • Input: Reply
  • Output: Next
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 86

Connections

The Reply may get connection from one of the following components:

  • Start Bot Flow, New Postback, Text, Carousel, Facebook Media, Image, Video, Audio, File, Ecommerce, Generic Template, and OTN.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 87

Next may be connected to one of the following components:

  • Text, Carousel, Facebook Media, Image, Video, Audio, File, Ecommerce, User Input Flow, Generic Template, and OTN.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 88

How to create an OTN component

 Let us see how we can create a reply with one-time-notification.

Dragging and Dropping

From the dock menu, drag the OTN component and drop it on the editor at any place.

Adding Data

To add data to the OTN component, click twice on the body of the OTN component. It will open a sidebar on your right. Fill in the fields that you need.

Delay in Reply

If you want to show the typing state on the bot or delay in replying, then you can use those fields.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 89

Button Component

Introduction

The Button component will allow you to reply with a button. It has only 1 input and 1 output.

  • Input: Reply
  • Output: Next
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 90

Note: Button Type Clarification

If the button type is something other than New Postback, then you can NOT connect this Button component to other components via its Next output socket. Because it only allows the New Postback component to be connected. See the connections section.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 91

Connections

The Reply may get connection from one of the following components:

  • Text, Carousel Single, Generic Template, and Facebook Media Button
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 92

Next may be connected to one of the following components:

  • User Input Flow and New Postback.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 93

How to create a Button component

Let us see how we can create a reply with the help of the button component.

Dragging and Dropping

From the dock menu, drag the Button component and drop it on the editor at any place.

Adding Data

To add data to the Button component, click twice on the body of the Button component. It will open a sidebar on your right. Fill in the fields that you need.

Delay in Reply

If you want to show the typing state on the bot or delay in replying, then you can use those fields.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 94

Quick Reply Component

Introduction

The Quick Reply component will allow you to reply quickly creating a New Postback, using an existing Postback, using your Facebook page’s Phone number or Email address. It has only 1 input socket and 1 output socket.

  • Input: Reply
  • Output: NewPostback
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 95
Note: Quick Reply Type Clarification
If your quick-reply type is something other than New Postback, then you can NOT connect this Quick Reply component to other components via its New Postback output socket. Because it only allows the New Postback component to be connected. See the connections section.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 96

Connections

The Reply may get connection from one of the following components:

  • Text, Carousel, Facebook Media Button, Image, Video, Audio, File, Ecommerce, and Generic Template,
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 97

Next may be connected to the following components:

  • New Postback.
Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 98

How to create a Quick Reply component

Let us see how we can create a quick reply.

Dragging and Dropping

From the dock menu, drag the Quick Reply component and drop it on the editor at any place.

Adding Data

To add data to the Quick Reply component, click twice on the body of the Quick Reply component. It will open a sidebar on your right. Fill in the fields that you need.

Messenger Bot - Visual Flow Builder 99

Related Articles

The Facebook Ad Sizes and Specifications You Need to Know

The Facebook Ad Sizes and Specifications You Need to Know

It's not just about the copy, although that is important. The design of your Facebook ad also matters a lot. One thing you need to consider when designing your ads is the different sizes available on Facebook. Each size has its own specifications, and you need to know...

read more