sim/apps/docs/content/docs/en/introduction/index.mdx

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title: Introduction
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Sim is an open-source visual workflow builder for building and deploying AI agent workflows. Design intelligent automation systems using a no-code interface—connect AI models, databases, APIs, and business tools through an intuitive drag-and-drop canvas. Whether you're building chatbots, automating business processes, or orchestrating complex data pipelines, Sim provides the tools to bring your AI workflows to life.

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## What You Can Build

**AI Assistants & Chatbots**  
Build intelligent conversational agents that integrate with your tools and data. Enable capabilities like web search, calendar management, email automation, and seamless interaction with business systems.

**Business Process Automation**  
Eliminate manual tasks across your organization. Automate data entry, generate reports, respond to customer inquiries, and streamline content creation workflows.

**Data Processing & Analysis**  
Transform raw data into actionable insights. Extract information from documents, perform dataset analysis, generate automated reports, and synchronize data across platforms.

**API Integration Workflows**  
Orchestrate complex multi-service interactions. Create unified API endpoints, implement sophisticated business logic, and build event-driven automation systems.

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## How It Works

**Visual Workflow Editor**  
Design workflows using an intuitive drag-and-drop canvas. Connect AI models, databases, APIs, and third-party services through a visual, no-code interface that makes complex automation logic easy to understand and maintain.

**Modular Block System**  
Build with specialized components: processing blocks (AI agents, API calls, custom functions), logic blocks (conditional branching, loops, routers), and output blocks (responses, evaluators). Each block handles a specific task in your workflow.

**Flexible Execution Triggers**  
Launch workflows through multiple channels including chat interfaces, REST APIs, webhooks, scheduled cron jobs, or external events from platforms like Slack and GitHub.

**Real-time Collaboration**  
Enable your team to build together. Multiple users can edit workflows simultaneously with live updates and granular permission controls.

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## Integrations

Sim provides native integrations with 80+ services across multiple categories:

- **AI Models**: OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini, Groq, Cerebras, local models via Ollama or VLLM
- **Communication**: Gmail, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Telegram, WhatsApp  
- **Productivity**: Notion, Google Workspace, Airtable, Monday.com
- **Development**: GitHub, Jira, Linear, automated browser testing
- **Search & Data**: Google Search, Perplexity, Firecrawl, Exa AI
- **Databases**: PostgreSQL, MySQL, Supabase, Pinecone, Qdrant

For custom integrations, leverage our [MCP (Model Context Protocol) support](/mcp) to connect any external service or tool.

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## Copilot

**Ask Questions & Get Guidance**  
Copilot answers questions about Sim, explains your workflows, and provides suggestions for improvements. Use the `@` symbol to reference workflows, blocks, documentation, knowledge, and logs for contextual assistance.

**Build & Edit Workflows**  
Switch to Agent mode to let Copilot propose and apply changes directly to your canvas. Add blocks, configure settings, wire variables, and restructure workflows with natural language commands.

**Adaptive Reasoning Levels**  
Choose from Fast, Auto, Advanced, or Behemoth modes depending on task complexity. Start with Fast for simple questions, scale up to Behemoth for complex architectural changes and deep debugging.

Learn more about [Copilot capabilities](/copilot) and how to maximize productivity with AI assistance.

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## Deployment Options

**Cloud-Hosted**  
Launch immediately at [sim.ai](https://sim.ai) with fully managed infrastructure, automatic scaling, and built-in observability. Focus on building workflows while we handle the operations.

**Self-Hosted**  
Deploy on your own infrastructure using Docker Compose or Kubernetes. Maintain complete control over your data with support for local AI models through Ollama integration.

## Next Steps

Ready to build your first AI workflow?

<Cards>
  <Card title="Getting Started" href="/getting-started">
    Create your first workflow in 10 minutes
  </Card>
  <Card title="Workflow Blocks" href="/blocks">
    Learn about the building blocks
  </Card>
  <Card title="Tools & Integrations" href="/tools">
    Explore 80+ built-in integrations
  </Card>
  <Card title="Team Permissions" href="/permissions/roles-and-permissions">
    Set up workspace roles and permissions
  </Card>
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