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

# Building Your First Marble Run

> A fun, zero-stress guide to snapping together your very first automation.

# Building Your First Marble Run

Putting together an automation in Mailofly feels just like setting up a colorful toy marble run. You drop a marble in at the top, let it roll through twists and turns, and watch it ring bells at the bottom!

Here is how you can snap one together in 4 easy peasy steps:

***

## 1. Unroll Your Blank Blueprint

1. Pop open your **Mailofly Dashboard**.
2. Click **Automations** on the left menu bar.
3. Click the bright **Create Automation** button.

Boom! You now have a big open workbench ready for your imagination.

***

## 2. Set Up the Starting Bell

Every marble run needs a place to drop the marble:

* Click on the top card on your canvas.
* Pick which event should drop the marble into the track (like `user.signup` when a new friend joins).
* You can pick an existing signal or type a brand-new name right into the box!

***

## 3. Snap On Your Action Blocks

Now let's add some fun twists and turns!

1. Hover your mouse over the little **`+` (Plus)** button beneath any card.
2. Pick what kind of block to snap in place:
   * **Send Email**: Delivers a custom letter or template straight to their inbox.
   * **Delay**: Sets an egg timer to wait before continuing the ride.
   * **Condition**: A fork in the road that asks a Yes/No question!
   * **Wait for Event**: Waits until they do something cool (like uploading an avatar).
   * **Add to Segment**: Gives them a club badge (like adding them to the "VIP Club").
   * **Update Contact**: Writes new notes on their profile card.

***

## 4. Flip the Power Switch!

Once your track looks great and you're happy with it:

1. Click **Save** in the top corner to keep your draft safe.
2. Toggle the switch to **Enabled**!

That's it! Your marble run is officially open for business. Whenever someone rings the bell, Mailofly sends them rolling smoothly down your track.

***

## 🛡️ A Friendly Golden Rule: Editing Active Flows

To make sure nobody gets stuck mid-ride while you are swapping tracks around, **Mailofly locks the layout of active automations**.

Want to change how an active track is wired?

* Just click **Duplicate** to make an instant twin copy!
* Tweak the new copy all you want while the original keeps working safely.
* Turn on the new one whenever you're ready!

***

## Next Adventures

* [Explore The 8 Lego Blocks](steps)
* [Wring Train Tracks & Bridges](connections)
* [Shout Walkie-Talkie Signals](custom-events)


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