Start with a clear desktop
Before creating the workflow, close or hide what does not belong.
Give the workspace room to become intentional. Start from an empty desktop. Add back only what belongs.
Decide what truly belongs
A good workflow should feel light.
Do not add every possible future item. Add the apps, folders, files, and links you regularly need when this work begins.
For design work, choose the client-specific materials that help you begin the next session clearly. Leave out optional inspiration, old exports, and anything that belongs to a different client or campaign.
- What do I always open for this work?
- What do I leave open because I do not want to find it again?
- What helps me start?
- What adds clutter?
- What can stay out until I actually need it?
Open the pieces intentionally
Once you know what belongs, open those pieces on purpose before creating the workflow.
Open the client folder, brief, current working file, and strongest references before saving. The goal is to capture the start of the design session, not every possible direction it could take.
Example workflow: Client brand refresh
A focused design workflow can begin with the core pieces that make a client project ready to work on.
Create the workflow
Name the workflow, choose an icon, then press Next.
Scan open apps
On the Select screen, press Scan Open Apps. ZenFlow lists what is currently running. Check the apps you want this workflow to open, then press Next.
Confirm app positions
On the Position screen, review where the selected apps are positioned. If the layout looks right, press Customize.
Customize what each app opens
On the Customize screen, use the app list and dropdowns to attach files, URLs, or script commands. When the workflow has what it needs, press Finish. How you connect the program to a file or web address depends on the type of program.
Photoshop
On the Customize screen, open the Photoshop row, choose Add Files, and select the Photoshop file for this client project. When the file is attached, ZenFlow can reopen Photoshop with the right design file when the workflow starts.
Specific click-by-click instructions and program screenshots will be added here.
Client folder
Open the client folder before scanning so it is part of the workspace. On the Customize screen, attach the folder or folder shortcut that contains the client's working files, assets, references, and exports.
Specific click-by-click instructions and program screenshots will be added here.
Copy deck
Choose the program that opens the copy deck, select Add Files, and pick the copy deck from the file selector. This keeps approved messaging, headlines, labels, and content notes attached to the workflow.
Specific click-by-click instructions and program screenshots will be added here.
Use the workflow
Press Play when you are ready to return to this work.
ZenFlow opens the pieces you saved so the workspace feels familiar without making you rebuild it by hand.
Stop the workflow
Press Stop when the work is finished or paused.
ZenFlow closes what it opened with a soft close request, so you stay in control if something has unsaved work or needs your attention.
Keep it light
The best workflow is not the biggest one.
It is the one that makes returning to work feel easier.
Add more later if you keep reaching for the same thing. Leave things out if they make the workflow feel heavy.