# Build Your First Workflow

New users can leverage the Cascade Canvas Tutorial in their workspace for a hands-on experience discovering Cascade.

<figure><img src="/files/Mxg4XYcNATVesNBTr2tS" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Everything in Cascade starts with a workflow, which serves as the backbone of the data logic. Within minutes, the cards and dots located in the tool menu allow you to quickly formulate your logic into a visual representation.

## New workflow

From your workspace, click 'New Workflow'. Instantly, you will be redirected to the canvas located within a new workflow file.

<figure><img src="/files/EylS1UvQZQnhvIHqXl6b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Import File

Every workflow must begin with a data source; thus, drag and drop a tool from the [<mark style="color:blue;">**Import**</mark>](/cascade/cascade-faqs/import.md) tool group onto the canvas.

<figure><img src="/files/OjUCzBXwFaulo1RJP6hO" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Most of the Import tools must be set up before they can be connected to subsequent tools. To do this, click on the tool and follow the prompts in the tool configuration.

{% hint style="info" %}
A wrench icon displayed atop a tool is indicative of the fact that it needs to be configured.
{% endhint %}

<details>

<summary>Connect to Flat Files</summary>

Flat files such as CSVs and XLSXs can be imported to the Cascade canvas by selecting the [Import File](/cascade/tools/import/import_file.md) tool. In addition to these formats, the canvas also accepts SAV and HYPER files.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Connect to your Data Warehouse</summary>

[**Integrations**](/cascade/integrations/connecting-cascade-to-your-database.md) can be configured from your workspace to facilitate the transfer of data from a warehouse to the canvas. To do this, select the Import from Integration tool.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Connect to APIs</summary>

APIs, both public and private, can be accessed with the [Import from API](/cascade/tools/import/import_api.md) tool to bring datasets to your canvas.

</details>

## Prep and Cleanse

Having imported data to your canvas, it's time to hone in on crafting a data-logic flow. Connect your input data to one (or numerous) of the following tool types: cleanse, transform, merge.

<figure><img src="/files/9tyb3q5Kr5EEEaqqhtLf" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<details>

<summary>Cleanse</summary>

[**Cleanse**](/cascade/tools/cleaning.md) tools are ideal for cleaning and standardizing messy data before analysis. Utilize the [Text to Columns](/cascade/tools/cleaning/text2columns.md) feature, familiar to anyone who has worked with a spreadsheet. Alternatively, you can deploy the [Find Replace](/cascade/tools/cleaning/findreplace.md) functionality to substitute values from a specified column.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Transform</summary>

[**Transform**](/cascade/tools/transform.md) tools provide insight into data. The [Edit Columns](/cascade/tools/transform/editcolumns.md) tool possesses an expression builder in the style of a spreadsheet, allowing for the insertion of new calculations. Additionally, you can incorporate a [Pivot](/cascade/tools/transform/pivot.md) tool to total and aggregate data. The [Filter](/cascade/tools/transform/filter.md) tool is also useful for singling out rows based on a given criteria.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Combine</summary>

[**Merge**](/cascade/tools/combine.md) tools combine multiple downstream datasets. Connect multiple datasets to the [Append](/cascade/tools/combine/append.md) tool, for a seamless union of rows. Alternatively, join two datasets using the [Join](/cascade/tools/combine/join.md) tool, based on a shared column.

</details>

## Publish and Visualize

Don't let your insights remain locked in your data. Transform your findings into visuals to share with your colleagues. Utilize the [<mark style="color:blue;">Chart</mark>](/cascade/tools/visualize/chart.md) tool to create bar charts, line graphs, scatter plots, and more.

<figure><img src="/files/rJwBpoX85Fuyimb3NS9h" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<details>

<summary>Publish to your Warehouse</summary>

Deliver your tabular data with the Publish to Integration tool. This feature pipes a dataset back to your data warehouse. Alternatively, use the [Embed](/cascade/tools/publish/embed.md) tool to host the dataset at a public URL, or the [Publish via Email](/cascade/tools/publish/publish_email.md) tool to send a CSV to a designated email address.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Build a Data App</summary>

Construct a Data App to showcase your discoveries, like a notebook-style microsite. Create a narrative to share with a client. Develop a tools dashboard. Or design a data integration portal for your partner-clients. Interested in exploring Data Apps? Check out our [Data App Gallery](https://www.cascade.io/gallery) or take a peek at [Build Your First Data App](/cascade/getting-started/data-apps-101.md).

</details>


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