> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.bird.com/applications/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.bird.com/applications/automation/flows/how-to/create-a-simple-auto-responder.md).

# Create a simple auto-responder

<figure><img src="/files/PNhanUGcVpgpDauCNdLz" alt=""><figcaption><p>Click the image to see the flow in more detail</p></figcaption></figure>

## How it works

1. **Conversation created**: The flow is triggered when an incoming message is received from a customer.
2. **Send plain text message to conversation**: The flow immediately responds to the incoming message with a predefined plain text message, acknowledging receipt and providing a response to the customer.

## How to use the flow

### What you’ll need

* At least one installed [channel](/applications/channels/channels.md)
* The plain text message you want to send as an auto-response

### How to set up

**Trigger**

1. Go to **Flows** > **Template library** and locate and select the 'Simple Auto-Responder' flow.
2. Click Save to my library in the top right-hand corner.
3. The trigger is automatically configured for WhatsApp, but you can change the trigger to a channel of your choice

**Send plain text message to conversation**

1. Within the flow, locate the 'Send plain text message to conversation' action.
2. In the ‘Configuration’ > ‘Message content’ field, enter the plain text message you want to send as an auto-response. For example: "Thanks for getting in touch! We’ve got your inquiry and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible."

Click **Publish flow** to start automatically responding to incoming messages with the predefined plain text message.


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