---
title: "Build your first automation with Ask Ballet"
description: "TL;DR: Open Home, describe the workflow you want in plain language, and Ask Ballet plans then builds a playbook for you. Review the plan, confirm, and run the playbook from the Play view. This is the fastest path from early access onboarding to your first working automation."
canonical_url: "https://docs.ballet.dev/articles/build-your-first-automation-with-ask-ballet-zfkqVlu4cC"
md_url: "https://docs.ballet.dev/articles/build-your-first-automation-with-ask-ballet-zfkqVlu4cC.md"
---
# Build your first automation with Ask Ballet

**TL;DR:** Open Home, describe the workflow you want in plain language, and Ask Ballet plans then builds a playbook for you. Review the plan, confirm, and run the playbook from the Play view. This is the fastest path from early access onboarding to your first working automation.

## Who this is for

Builders and Owners completing their first automation after workspace onboarding.

## How do I start?


1. Sign in and land on **Home** (or open Home from the sidebar).
2. In the composer, describe what you want to automate — be specific about tools, triggers, and outputs.
3. Ask Ballet proposes a **Plan**. Review the steps and confirm to proceed.
4. Ask Ballet **Builds** the playbook — creating steps, connectors, and code as needed.
5. Open the playbook and click **Run** in the Play view to execute it.

## What should I describe in my prompt?

Include:

* **The goal** — "When a Freshdesk ticket arrives, post a summary to Slack."
* **Your tools** — which systems are involved.
* **The trigger** — manual, scheduled, or webhook-driven.
* **Expected output** — what success looks like.

## What is Plan vs Build?

**Plan** is a proposal — Ask Ballet outlines steps before making changes. **Build** executes the plan and creates or edits the playbook. Always review the plan before confirming Build, especially for production workflows.

## What if Ask Ballet needs more information?

Ask Ballet may ask clarifying questions before planning. Answer with specifics — API names, field mappings, channel IDs — so the automation matches your process.

## What is my activation goal?

Run your first playbook successfully. Once you see a completed run with step outputs, you have validated that Ballet works for your use case. Next, add connectors, triggers, and teammates.

## Related articles

* [How does the Plan vs Build flow work?](/articles/how-does-the-plan-vs-build-flow-work-fS39QIPJyt)
* [How do I build a playbook with the Console?](/articles/how-do-i-build-a-playbook-with-the-console-ask-ballet-oHptRP9mI4)
* [How do I run a playbook?](/articles/how-do-i-run-a-playbook-dChtouCzok)