> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.whapi.cloud/help-desk/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.whapi.cloud/help-desk/faq/whatsapp-flows-waba-and-whapi.cloud.md).

# WhatsApp Flows (WABA) and Whapi.Cloud

### What is a WhatsApp Flow?

A WhatsApp Flow is a sequence of form screens that opens right inside a WhatsApp chat. When the form is submitted, the answers are sent to the business.

For example, a dental clinic sends a message with a **Book an appointment** button. The patient taps it and, without leaving WhatsApp, goes through **a few** screens: chooses the service, picks a date and time, enters their name. After the patient taps **Submit**, the clinic receives the booking.

Other typical uses: sign-up and lead forms, surveys

<figure><img src="https://2417185145-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FhsdgGmVCG31mEaHyRvxC%2Fuploads%2Fz8AvSWeBwDZLYsevLILk%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=c7c08ce5-807b-4cd2-ad88-1042e80f5077" alt=""><figcaption><p>This is what a WhatsApp Flow looks like. Whapi.Cloud can only read Flows: it delivers incoming Flows and submitted answers to your webhook, but cannot send a Flow or fill in the form via the API.</p></figcaption></figure>

### Can I send a Flow via Whapi.Cloud?

No. Flows are a feature of the official WhatsApp Business Platform (Cloud API). They are created in WhatsApp Manager, and only a business connected to the official API can send them.\\

\
A Flow cannot be sent via the Whapi.Cloud API, from WhatsApp Web or from the WhatsApp app, including WhatsApp Business.

### Can I receive a Flow?

Yes. If a business sends a Flow to your number, Whapi.Cloud delivers it to your webhook as a message with `"type": "template"` and `template.type` = `"flow"`.

When the form is filled in and submitted from your number, you receive the reply as a message with `"type": "interactive"` and `interactive.type` = `"nfm_reply"`. It contains the answers to every field of the form.

Payload examples:

* [Incoming WhatsApp Flow message](https://support.whapi.cloud/help-desk/receiving/webhooks/incoming-webhooks-format/incoming-message#incoming-whatsapp-flow-message-whatsapp-business-account-waba)
* [Outgoing reply to a WhatsApp Flow](https://support.whapi.cloud/help-desk/receiving/webhooks/incoming-webhooks-format/sent-message#outgoing-reply-to-a-whatsapp-flow)<br>

### Alternatives: how to build a similar flow with Whapi.Cloud

Whapi.Cloud cannot send a Flow, but you can collect the same answers step by step in the chat: send one question at a time with buttons, a list of options or a poll, and move to the next question when the answer arrives in your webhook.

Use buttons, a list of options or a poll:

* [Send message with Buttons](https://support.whapi.cloud/help-desk/sending/send-message-with-buttons)
* [How to use polls as buttons](https://support.whapi.cloud/help-desk/hints/how-to-use-polls-as-buttons)