Workflow Builder Overview
FlowStack provides two powerful automation engines, each accessible from the same dashboard. Choose the right engine for each automation based on your needs.
Two Engines, One Platform
Flow Builder (ActivePieces Engine)
The Flow Builder is ideal for straightforward automations with a clean, intuitive interface.
Best for:
- Simple-to-moderate automations (3–15 steps)
- Non-technical users who prefer a visual-first approach
- Automations that primarily use pre-built integrations
- Quick prototyping and testing
Key features:
- 687+ pre-built pieces (integrations)
- Deep OAuth support with automatic token refresh
- Built-in testing with step-by-step execution
- Version history and rollback
- Simple branching (if/else conditions)
Workflow Builder (n8n Engine)
The Workflow Builder is designed for complex, multi-branch automations with advanced data transformation.
Best for:
- Complex workflows with many branches and conditions
- Data processing and transformation pipelines
- AI/ML pipelines using LangChain nodes
- Technical users who need code execution
- Sub-workflows and modular automation design
Key features:
- 880+ node types (606 unique services + 130 AI/LangChain nodes)
- Code node with full JavaScript and Python support
- Advanced expressions and data mapping
- Sub-workflow execution
- Error handling with retry and fallback paths
- Webhook endpoints with custom response
Choosing an Engine
| Criteria | Flow Builder | Workflow Builder |
|---|---|---|
| Learning curve | Low | Medium |
| Integration count | 687+ pieces | 880+ nodes |
| Code execution | No | Yes (JS/Python) |
| AI/LangChain nodes | Limited | 130+ nodes |
| Sub-workflows | No | Yes |
| Advanced branching | Basic if/else | Switch, Merge, IF, loops |
| Data transformation | Basic mapping | Advanced expressions |
| Best audience | Business users | Technical users |
Accessing the Builders
- Go to Dashboard → Automations
- Click + New Automation
- Select your engine:
- Click Flow Builder tab to use the ActivePieces engine
- Click Workflow Builder tab to use the n8n engine
- The builder opens in an embedded view within the dashboard
To edit an existing automation, click the Edit button on any flow in the automations list. It automatically opens the correct engine based on which one was used to create it.