View and edit pro-code workflows in the workflow builder

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Agentic workflows can be authored by using the ADK (pro-code) or the workflow builder user interface (low-code), depending on the builder’s preferences and expertise.

Users with Python expertise might prefer to author workflows in pro-code. You can open these workflows in the workflow builder to view the overall structure in a read-only, diagrammatic format. You can also inspect runtime data by using the flow inspector. To update a pro-code workflow, modify it in the ADK, re-import it, and refresh the workflow builder to view the latest version.

If you want to modify the workflow in the workflow builder instead of the ADK, you can convert the pro-code workflow to an editable format. After conversion, the workflow builder becomes the primary authoring environment, and updates made in the workflow builder are not synchronized with the original Python code. Convert the workflow only if you do not intend to continue development in pro-code. To return to pro-code as the authoring source, re-import the workflow from the ADK.

Add and open a pro-code workflow

To add a pro-code workflow to your agent, and open it in the workflow builder:
  1. Configure access to remote environments.
  2. Import the workflow from the ADK.
  3. Navigate to your agent builder page, select the toolset option, and click Add tool > Local instance.
  4. Select the pro-code workflow and click Add to agent.
  5. To open the pro-code workflow in the workflow builder, click the Options icon option icon, and select Open in flow builder.

    Alternatively, from the menu Menu, navigate to Build > All tools. Select the pro-code workflow, click the Options icon option icon, and select Open in flow builder.

View pro-code workflows

Pro-code workflows can be opened in the workflow builder as a read-only visualization.

When opened:

  • A Read-only indicator appears on the canvas
  • The toolbar shows Editing unavailable
  • A notification banner indicates that the workflow was created in the ADK environment and includes a Convert option

To modify the workflow, update it in the ADK or convert it to an editable workflow.

Convert and edit pro-code workflows

If you need to modify a pro-code workflow in the workflow builder, convert it to an editable format. After conversion, you can update the workflow in the workflow builder.

To convert a pro-code workflow into an editable workflow builder flow.

  1. Open the pro-code workflow in the workflow builder. The workflow opens in Read-only mode.

  2. Click Convert from either of the following locations:
    • The notification banner on the canvas
    • The Read-only indicator tooltip

  3. In the Convert to editable format dialog, review the details.

  4. Click Convert to confirm.

  5. Click Start building button to begin editing. You can rearrange workflow steps and continue building visually.

Converting a pro-code workflow to an editable format is a one-way operation. After conversion, changes made in the flow builder won't update the original ADK code.

Working with pinned notes

After conversion, you might see pinned notes on some nodes. These notes highlight areas that require attention, such as nodes marked as Unknown.

These nodes originate from advanced pro-code logic that is not fully editable in the workflow builder but continues to run as designed. Pinned notes help identify parts of the workflow that might require further validation or updates.

To view and manage pinned notes:

  1. Click on a node with a pinned note indicator.

  2. The Pinned notes panel opens.

  3. Review the note content.

  4. Add a reply or click Mark as resolved after addressing the issue.