--- schema_version: "1" id: 12d9207d7b92bcb1f3e9fa67076371b8f58ce0de4a9e46262d7d491a60f62010 title: Building Blocks of Flows collection: admin version: current locale: en-us portal_url: https://docs.salesforce.com/admin/current/en-us/platform/264-0-0/flow_concepts_building_blocks.md canonical_url: https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_concepts_building_blocks.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 source_site: help.salesforce.com content_type: documentation content_hash: 20bda8838a26dc8eaffc2c102d2649b2ef9db770fb63162edc51ea3071b8ce23 description: "Flows are built from three core components: elements, connectors, and resources. Elements represent actions that flows run, such as reading or writing Salesforce data. Connectors define the paths that flows can take at run time. Resources represent values that you can reference throughout a flow." products: - Flow Builder - Salesforce Platform release: "264" --- # Building Blocks of Flows Flows are built from three core components: elements, connectors, and resources. Elements represent actions that flows run, such as reading or writing Salesforce data. Connectors define the paths that flows can take at run time. Resources represent values that you can reference throughout a flow. ### Required Editions
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![Elements, connectors, and resources in a flow](https://sf-zdocs-cdn-prod.zoominsoftware.com/tdta-platform-platform_automation-264-0-0-production-enus/60568438-ec7e-4665-acd1-7c80dcbe60d5/platform_automation/images/flow/flow_building_blocks.png) - Each element (1) represents an action that the flow can run. Examples include reading or writing Salesforce data, displaying information to and collecting data from flow users, running logic, or manipulating data. - Each connector (2) defines an available path that the flow can take at run time. - Each resource (3) represents a value that you can reference throughout the flow. When you build a flow in Flow Builder, you work with three main building blocks that come together to create your automation: ## Elements Elements are the actions your flow performs. Think of them as the "doing" parts of your flow. Each element represents a specific task that your flow runs. The most common elements include: Screen Display information to users and collect their input. Create Records Add new records to Salesforce. Update Records Modify existing Salesforce records. Get Records Retrieve records from Salesforce to use in your flow. Delete Records Remove records from Salesforce. Decision Evaluate conditions and direct the flow down different paths. Assignment Set or change the values of variables and other resources. Loop Repeat actions for each item in a collection. For a complete list of all available elements, see [Flow Elements](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "An element represents an action that the flow can run. Examples include reading or writing Salesforce data, displaying information and collecting data from flow users, runnning business logic, or manipulating data."). ## Connectors Connectors are the lines that link your elements together. They define the path your flow takes at run time, showing the order in which actions happen. The most common connector types include: Standard Connector Links one element to the next in sequence. Decision Outcome Connectors Routes the flow based on whether conditions are met. For example, True and False paths. Fault Connector Handles errors by directing the flow after an element fails. Scheduled Path Connectors Triggers actions after a specified time delay or at a scheduled date. For detailed information about all connector types, see [Flow Element Connectors](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_connectors.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "A connector determines the path that a flow takes at run time."). ## Resources Resources store information that you can use throughout your flow. They act as containers for values you reference, calculate with, or pass between elements. Common resource types include: Variable Store single values that can change as the flow runs. Formula Calculate values based on other data. Text Template Create formatted text for emails or messages. Constant Store values that never change. Choice Define options for picklists or radio buttons on screens. Record Collection Variable Store multiple Salesforce records. For detailed information about all resource types, see [Flow Resources](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_resources.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Each resource represents a value that you can reference throughout the flow."). By combining these three building blocks—elements to perform actions, connectors to define the sequence, and resources to store data—you can create powerful automations that streamline your business processes. #### See Also - [Flow Elements](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "An element represents an action that the flow can run. Examples include reading or writing Salesforce data, displaying information and collecting data from flow users, runnning business logic, or manipulating data.") - [Flow Resources](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_resources.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Each resource represents a value that you can reference throughout the flow.") - [Flow Element Connectors](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_connectors.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "A connector determines the path that a flow takes at run time.")