The message builder allows you to build out each individual message in your flow. This section of the platform is accessible from your message list. Simply create or select the message you want to edit in the messages list:

You can build out the content of each individual message in this section:

There's a few things to consider when building your message so let's explore more.

First things first, create or edit the name of your message. This won't be seen by the flow user. It is here to help you locate your message in your message list. We recommend keeping your message titles clear and straightforward, so it's easy for you and other flow builders to recognise messages from your message list.

Categories help you organise your messages. You can add categories to separate different strands of your flow i.e. to highlight different surveys within one flow. You can then filter your messages by these categories in your message list.

Please note that categories are optional.

This is your preview screen. Your message parts will show up in this section as you build out your message. You can easily reorganise the order of your message parts by hovering to the left hand side of the message part and selecting the up or down arrow to move your message part accordingly.

The message part menu lives next to the preview screen. It offers you a selection of features to use within your individual messages. Here is an overview of each of the features available in the message part menu.

This is the media message part - this allows you to upload images and GIFs to your flow. Simply hover over the media icon to choose which specific form of media to upload. Please make sure that your media does not exceed 125KB in order to prevent a lag in the message flow. 

The text message part allows you to add text boxes to your message. We recommend only adding a maximum of 5 message parts to your message. Each text part has a character limit of 1000 characters and you can add emojis by hovering over the smiley face in the left hand side of the box.

You can also personalise your messages by typing in { to launch the attributes list, and selecting first_name.

Carousels allow you to add a menu of up to 10 cards to your message. Carousels make great menu and navigational tools. You can also add buttons to each carousel card to link out to more messages or websites. 
A carousel can have a maximum of 10 cards. Each card must include title and buttons. The title and the subtitle can have a maximum of 80 characters each. Each card can have a maximum of 3 buttons. A carousel image should have an aspect ratio of 16:9, not be more than 420px wide/125KB in size. A button has a 20 character limit.

A delay is a set period of time between message parts that allows the user time to read a message. Delays are configured in milliseconds e.g. 1000 means 1 second. You can add up to 10,000 milliseconds (10 seconds) to a delay. If you need more of a delay, we recommend stacking the delay message part or using follow-ups.

Q&As can be used for surveys or quizzes and allows a user to use free text rather than multiple choice. This makes it a very useful tool for gathering specific feedback or data points (i.e. an email address, number.

Quick replies provide a different way to present buttons to the user. Quick replies appear prominently above the composer, with the keyboard less prominent. You can add up to 13 quick replies, with a character limit of 20 for each quick reply. Please note that quick replies disappear once clicked.

Attributes are a great way to save user data to the flow database. You can then either save this data or recall it back in a later message to make for a richer flow experience. By hovering over this icon, you can set or clear an attribute, or set up a data set.

External spreadsheets allow you send to and receive data from a Google or Excel spreadsheet. Simply add the message part into the ideal message and input your spreadsheet settings to connect your flow to the external sheet.

A jump message part can help the flow user move quickly through the experience. By adding a jump, the user doesn't have to take any action (i.e click a button) in order to be shown the next message.

So that's your quick start guide to the message builder! To find out more about each feature and other best practices, please check out more of the help docs in the help centre.