# Start a flow from a template

import { Steps } from "@astrojs/starlight/components"

A **template** is a ready-made flow from the Mindflow use case library. You copy it with **Import**, then use
**Paste flow…** on the Flows page to create a flow in an environment. After paste, open the designer to connect
credentials and adapt steps. Screenshots on this page use a Teams user remediation template so you can see the Import
and paste path end to end.

## When to use

- You want a working starting point for a known use case instead of building every step from scratch.
- Prefer **Create** → **Flow** when you are designing a new automation with no matching template.
- Prefer [AI··Build](../ai-build-faster-flow-creation/) when you want Studio to propose steps from a prompt inside an
  empty or partial flow.

Before you begin, you need permission to create flows in at least one environment, and your browser must allow
clipboard access so Studio can read the copied template.

## Guide

### Browse the template library

The public use case library lists templates you can import. In Studio, **Templates** in the sidebar opens that library
in a new tab. You can also go directly to [mindflow.io/use-cases](https://mindflow.io/use-cases).

1. **Open Templates.** In Studio, choose **Templates** in the sidebar, or open
   [mindflow.io/use-cases](https://mindflow.io/use-cases) in your browser.
2. **Choose a use case.** Open the template that matches the job you need. Each page describes the scenario and shows a
   preview of the flow.

### Copy a template

On the use case page, **Import** copies the template JSON to your clipboard. You do not download a file.

<ol>
<li>

**Open the use case page.** Confirm the preview matches the automation you want.

</li>
<li>

**Click Import.** Use the **Import** button on the page (usually bottom right of the preview). The template is now on
your clipboard.
<div class="docs-screenshot-compact">

![Teams user remediation use case preview with Import button bottom right](./assets/teams-user-remediation-use-case-preview.png)

</div>

</li>
</ol>
### Paste the flow in Studio

**Paste flow…** reads the clipboard and opens a **Paste a flow** modal. You set the flow name and default environment,
optionally share access, then paste. Studio creates the flow and opens it in the designer.

<ol>
<li>

**Open Flows.** In Studio, go to **Flows** for your organization.

</li>
<li>

**Open Paste flow…** Next to **Create**, open the more actions menu (⋮), then choose **Paste flow…**.
<div class="docs-screenshot-compact">

![Flows page more actions menu open with Paste flow](./assets/flows-paste-menu.png)

</div>

</li>
<li>

**Confirm name and environment.** In the **Paste a flow** modal, keep or edit the flow title, choose the
**Environment** where the flow should live, then choose **Next**. If the Flows page filter has exactly one environment
selected, that environment is preselected.
<div class="docs-screenshot-compact">

![Paste a flow modal titled Teams user remediation with Docs environment selected](./assets/paste-flow-modal.png)

</div>

</li>
<li>

**Share if needed, then paste.** On the next step, add people or teams when others need access. Choose **Paste**.
Studio creates the flow and opens the designer.

</li>
<li>

**Adapt the flow.** Connect credentials, update inputs, and rename or remove steps so the automation matches your
process.

</li>
</ol>
## Example

A security team wants a Teams-based remediation starter instead of drawing the branching logic by hand. They open
[Automated Cloud Security and User Account Management with Microsoft Teams](https://mindflow.io/use-cases/teams-user-actions-ingestion-and-dispatch-for-remediations)
on the use case library, choose **Import**, then in Studio open **Paste flow…**. The **Paste a flow** modal shows
**Teams user remediation**; they choose their environment and paste.

The designer opens with the template steps (cleanup, AI update, bot message, remediation branches such as reset
password or lock account). They attach Microsoft Graph and Teams credentials, point variables at their tenant, and
deploy when ready.

## Keep in mind

- Templates do **not** include credentials. Connect the required accounts before you run the flow.
- Treat the pasted flow as a starting point: review triggers, conditions, and data fields for your environment.
- If **Paste flow…** fails with a clipboard message, allow clipboard access for Studio in the browser, copy the
  template again with **Import**, then retry.
- Pasting creates a **new** flow. It does not overwrite an existing one.

## Related

[Design your flow](../) ·
[AI··Build: Faster flow creation](../ai-build-faster-flow-creation/) ·
[No-Code best practices](../no-code-best-practices/)