> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.hexabot.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.hexabot.ai/workflow-editor/workflow-types.md).

# Workflow Types

Hexabot supports conversational, scheduled, and manual workflows. The type is selected when a workflow is created and controls trigger behavior, input schema editability, test panel behavior, and action availability.

<figure><img src="/files/4m5jmyKIQoOMEdRnwVQ2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Conversational workflows are triggered by chat events. Scheduled workflows run from a cron schedule. Manual workflows run from the API or admin UI with an author-defined input schema.

### Type Summary

| Type           | Trigger                                    | Input schema                                       | Schema editability | Editor test panel     |
| -------------- | ------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------- | ------------------ | --------------------- |
| Conversational | Incoming channel messages and chat events. | Fixed system schema with message data.             | Read-only.         | Embedded chat tester. |
| Scheduled      | The workflow's cron schedule.              | Fixed system schema with schedule metadata.        | Read-only.         | Trigger simulator.    |
| Manual         | API call or manual run from the admin UI.  | Custom JSON Schema created by the workflow author. | Editable.          | Trigger simulator.    |

The workflow type cannot be changed after the workflow is created. If you need a different trigger model, create a new workflow with the correct type.

### Workflow type details

* [Conversational Workflows](/workflow-editor/workflow-types/conversational-workflows-chatbot-message-triggers.md) cover inbound chat events and message inputs.
* [Scheduled Workflows](/workflow-editor/workflow-types/scheduled-workflows-for-recurring-automation.md) cover cron-triggered runs and schedule metadata.
* [Manual Workflows](/workflow-editor/workflow-types/manual-workflows-http-webhooks-and-api-triggers.md) cover on-demand runs and custom input schemas.

### Choosing a Type

Choose the type based on who or what starts the workflow:

* Use **conversational** when the trigger is a channel event or incoming chat message.
* Use **scheduled** when the trigger is time-based and should run without an external caller.
* Use **manual** when another system, admin user, or API client decides when to run the workflow and what payload to pass.


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