# Getting Started with Flow Master

Welcome to Flow Master! This guide will help you get up and running with automation in minutes.

## Table of Contents
- [First Launch](#first-launch)
- [Understanding the Interface](#understanding-the-interface)
- [Basic Workflow](#basic-workflow)
- [Next Steps](#next-steps)

## First Launch

### 1. Initial Setup
When you first launch Flow Master, you'll be guided through a quick setup process:

1. **Welcome Screen**: Introduction to Flow Master's capabilities
2. **Permissions Setup**: Grant necessary system permissions for automation
3. **License Activation**: Enter your license key or start trial
4. **Configuration**: Basic settings and preferences

### 2. Required Permissions

Flow Master needs specific permissions to automate applications:

#### macOS
- **Accessibility**: Allow Flow Master to control your computer
- **Screen Recording**: Enable screenshot capture for component detection
- **Input Monitoring**: Allow keyboard and mouse simulation

#### Windows
- **Administrator Rights**: Some automation features require elevated permissions
- **Windows Defender**: Add Flow Master to exclusions if needed

#### Linux
- **X11 Dependencies**: Install required packages (xdotool, xwininfo)
- **Input Groups**: Add user to input groups for automation access

## Understanding the Interface

### Main Navigation
The Flow Master interface consists of five main sections:

1. **Dashboard**: Overview of recent flows and system status
2. **Components**: Manage and capture UI elements for automation
3. **Flows**: Create and edit automation workflows
4. **Settings**: Configure application preferences and automation settings
5. **License**: Manage your license and subscription

### Key Features
- **Visual Flow Editor**: Drag-and-drop interface for creating automations
- **Component Library**: Organized collection of captured UI elements
- **Real-time Monitoring**: Live feedback during automation execution
- **Global Hotkeys**: Quick access to flows and controls

## Basic Workflow

### 1. Capture a Component
Components are UI elements that Flow Master can recognize and interact with:

```
1. Navigate to Components tab
2. Click "Capture Component"
3. Take screenshot of target UI element
4. Crop to select specific component
5. Name and save the component
```

### 2. Create a Flow
Flows are sequences of actions using your captured components:

```
1. Go to Flows tab
2. Click "Create New Flow"
3. Drag components from library
4. Configure actions (click, type, wait)
5. Add conditional logic if needed
6. Save and test the flow
```

### 3. Execute Automation
Run your automation manually or schedule it:

```
1. Select flow from library
2. Click "Run Flow" for immediate execution
3. Or use "Schedule Flow" for automated runs
4. Monitor progress in real-time
```

## Next Steps

Now that you understand the basics, explore these advanced features:

- [Component Management](components.md) - Advanced component capture techniques
- [Flow Creation](flows.md) - Building complex automation workflows
- [Scheduling](scheduling.md) - Automated execution and task management
- [Settings](settings.md) - Customizing Flow Master for your needs

## Common Issues

### Component Not Found
- Ensure target application is visible and in foreground
- Check component matching threshold in settings
- Recapture component if UI has changed

### Automation Too Fast/Slow
- Adjust delay settings between actions
- Use wait conditions instead of fixed delays
- Configure timing in Settings > Automation

### Permission Errors
- Verify all required permissions are granted
- Restart Flow Master after permission changes
- Run as administrator on Windows if needed

## Getting Help

- 📚 Browse the complete [documentation](../README.md)
- 🐛 Report issues on [GitHub](https://github.com/your-repo/flow-master/issues)
- 💬 Join our [Discord community](https://discord.gg/flow-master)
- 📧 Contact support at support@flowmaster.app