> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://nonlinear.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Using Workflows

> Run existing automation apps built by your team

## Getting started as a user

Using workflows in Nonlinear is simple - your team has already built the automation apps, and you just need to run them. Whether you're processing submittals, analyzing specs, or extracting data from RFPs, you'll find pre-built workflows ready to use.

There are two ways to use workflows: through our web app or by emailing our AI agent.

## Method 1: Web App

<Steps>
  <Step title="Browse available workflows">
    Navigate to our app at [www.nonlinear.build](http://www.nonlinear.build), sign in, and browse workflows shared by your team or imported from our community.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select a workflow">
    Click on the workflow that matches your task (e.g., "Submittal Review", "RFP Analysis").
  </Step>

  <Step title="Provide inputs">
    Upload files, enter text, or provide other inputs as shown in the workflow preview.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run and get results">
    Click Run and wait for the automation to process your inputs and generate results.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Download or share results">
    Copy text outputs, download generated files, or share results with your team.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Method 2: Email Agent

For users with registered accounts, you can simply email **[agent@nonlinear.build](mailto:agent@nonlinear.build)** to run workflows using natural language.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Email your request">
    Send an email to [agent@nonlinear.build](mailto:agent@nonlinear.build) describing what you need in plain English (e.g., "Please review the attached submittal against the attached spec for compliance").
  </Step>

  <Step title="Include all necessary inputs">
    Attach files, paste text, or provide all information the workflow needs to run successfully.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Agent processes your request">
    Our AI agent will identify the best workflow for your task and run it with your provided inputs.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Receive results via email">
    Get workflow outputs delivered directly to your inbox as attachments or formatted text, along with a link to open the workflow in our web app.
  </Step>
</Steps>

**Email tips:**

* **Forward existing threads**: You can forward email conversations or reply to previous agent emails
* **Be specific**: Clearly describe what you need (e.g., "Extract key dates from this contract")
* **Include attachments**: Attach PDFs, documents, or other files the workflow needs
* **Provide context**: Mention project names, deadlines, or other relevant details

## Viewing past executions

You can review all previous workflow runs to track your automation history and reuse successful inputs.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to workflow">
    Click on any workflow in the web app to open its details page.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the Preview tab">
    Switch to the "Preview" tab to see the workflow interface and your execution history.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Browse execution history">
    In the left panel, you'll see a list of your past executions with:

    * **Status indicators**: Success or error states for each run
    * **Timestamps**: When each execution was performed
  </Step>

  <Step title="View execution details">
    Click on any past execution to see:

    * **Input files and data**: What was provided to the workflow
    * **Output results**: What the workflow generated
    * **Run duration**: How long each execution took to complete
    * **Error details**: Any issues that occurred during processing
  </Step>
</Steps>

This execution history helps you:

* **Reuse successful inputs**: Copy settings from previous successful runs
* **Compare results**: See how different inputs affect outputs

## Tips for best results

* **Check file quality**: Ensure PDFs are readable and not corrupted
* **Review outputs**: Always verify automated results before final use
* **Save successful patterns**: Note what inputs work well for future requests

## Getting help

* **Workflow descriptions**: Read the description to understand what each workflow does
* **Input guidance**: Look for placeholder text and help tips in input fields
* **Contact builders**: Reach out to workflow creators for questions or improvements
* **Request new workflows**: Ask your team to build automations for recurring tasks