# How to use templates to build workflows?

Templates are pre-built workflows designed for a variety of marketing situations. You can find them under **[Tools > Automation > Create workflow](https://app.getresponse.com/automation/templates)**. They are built to provide you with a starting point using preselected elements. The conditions, actions, and filters are arranged and connected in a way that will help you manage your contacts and customers journey in specific scenarios. Once you select a template, you’ll need to configure some of its elements. Each required element will prompt you to enter specific information under the **Properties** tab before you can publish the template as a workflow.

Additionally, you have the option to:

*   export new and existing workflows as templates
*   import templates

What are the available templates
--------------------------------

The templates are grouped into 9 categories:

*   [Welcome](https://www.getresponse.com/help/what-are-the-welcome-templates-used-for.html)
*   [Lead qualifying](https://www.getresponse.com/help/what-are-the-lead-qualifying-templates-used-for.html)
*   [Engagement and retention](https://www.getresponse.com/help/what-are-the-engagement-and-retention-templates-used-for.html)
*   [Post-purchase](https://www.getresponse.com/help/what-are-the-post-purchase-templates-used-for.html)
*   [Abandoned cart](https://www.getresponse.com/help/what-are-the-abandoned-cart-templates-used-for.html)
*   [Online courses](https://www.getresponse.com/help/what-are-the-online-courses-templates-used-for.html)
*   [Webinars and events](https://www.getresponse.com/help/what-are-the-webinars-and-events-templates-used-for.html)
*   [Sales promotions](https://www.getresponse.com/help/what-are-the-sales-promotions-templates-used-for.html)
*   [Affiliate](https://www.getresponse.com/help/automation#:~:text=Time%2Dsensitive%20reminder-,Affiliate%20marketing,-Check%20how%20to) [marketing](https://www.getresponse.com/help/affiliate-marketing)

Once you select the category, scroll to choose the template you want to use. You can use a template to automate a specific process, for example, sales promotions or special event sales. You can also build an entire series of workflows by using tags applied at the end of one workflow to trigger another workflow for contacts with that tag.

Using the prebuilt templates
----------------------------

Below are general instructions for using templates. You’ll find instructions on how to configure specific templates in the [Working with templates](https://www.getresponse.com/help/working-with-templates) section.

#### Accessing the template gallery

1.  Go to Tools > **[Automation](https://app.getresponse.com/automation/manage)**.
2.  On the **Manage workflows** page, click the **Create workflow** button.
3.  A page with all the templates will open. You can scroll to see all, or click the category name in the side menu to browse by category.  
      
    ![Template categories listed in the menu](https://us-wd.gr-cdn.com/help/2018/02/Automation-categories.png)  
      
    
4.  Click **Preview** if you want to see the template before using it.
5.  Click the **Use template** button on the tile. This will take you to the workflow template. You can now start setting it up.  
      
    ![Example showing one of the available automation templates with Preview and Use template buttons visible.](https://us-wd.gr-cdn.com/help/sites/9/2026/06/1700/Zrzut-ekranu-2026-06-25-o-18.59.52.png)

For step-by-step instructions on how to configure specific templates, go to the [Working with templates](https://www.getresponse.com/help/working-with-templates) section.

AI Template Assistant
---------------------

If you’re not sure which automation template to use, or you’d simply like AI to suggest the best available template for your specific use case, you can use our AI Template Assistant.

To get started:

1.  Go to Tools > **[Automation](https://app.getresponse.com/automation/manage)**.
2.  Click **Create workflow**.
3.  On the next page, under **What would you like to do?**, enter your scenario, a keyword, or simply describe what you’d like to achieve. The AI will analyze your request and recommend the most suitable templates available.
4.  Click **Search**. Review the templates and select the one you want to use. Once a template is selected, you can fully customize it to match your specific needs and requirements.

![AI Template Assistant in GetResponse, allowing you to enter the desired scenario. The Assistant will then show you the most suitable templates available.](https://us-wd.gr-cdn.com/help/sites/9/2026/06/1717/CleanShot-2026-06-25-at-19.17.03-2x.png)

Sharing templates
-----------------

You can export and import templates as a GRFLOW file. If you want to export a file to share with others, all elements will be reset to their default settings during export. This ensures that any sensitive information like list names, tags, or message names are removed.

### Exporting templates

You can export templates directly from the workspace or from the **Manage templates** page:

*   in the workspace, move the mouse pointer over the **Save and publish** button to expand additional actions. Select **Save and export** to download the template to your computer.
*   on the **Manage workflows** page, click the **Actions** menu icon (3 vertical dots) and select **Export** to download the file to your computer.

![Export option on the Manage workflows page.](https://us-wd.gr-cdn.com/help/sites/9/2026/06/1703/CleanShot-2026-06-25-at-19.02.43-2x.png)

**Note**: Because the file is coded, you won’t be able to open or edit its content.

The exported templates are downloaded to your computer (the workflow name is also the file name). You can add them to **My templates** by importing the downloaded files.

### Importing templates

You can upload a template as GRFLOW file up to 10MB.

1\. Go to Tools > **[Automation](https://app.getresponse.com/automation/manage)**.  
2\. On the **Manage workflows** page, click the **Create workflow** button.  
3\. A page with all the templates will open. Click **Import template** in the side menu.

![Import template button on the page where you can choose automation templates.](https://us-wd.gr-cdn.com/help/sites/9/2026/06/1704/CleanShot-2026-06-25-at-19.04.12-2x.png)

4\. Enter a name (required) and description (optional) of your template.

5\. Upload the template. You can:

*   drag and drop the file from your computer into the upload area,
*   or click **Select a file from your computer** to find and select a file from your computer.  
    

![Import page.](https://us-wd.gr-cdn.com/help/sites/9/2026/06/1706/Zrzut-ekranu-2026-06-25-o-19.06.03.png)

6\. Click **Next**.  
The template will be added to **My templates**. Your imported templates are organized chronologically, oldest to newest. You can edit or delete your existing templates.