> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.nlx.ai/platform/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.nlx.ai/platform/nlx-platform-guide/applications/setup.md).

# Setup

## **Applications**

An application is the control center for the conversational AI application your users interact with.You might think of it as your “bot.” 

From the agentic CX desigenr application page, you can:

* Organize the flows the application can handle
* Define default behavior for entry, unknown, fallback, or escalation scenarios
* Attach guardrails to user inputs and application outputs
* Create builds for testing and deployment

***

### **Create an application**

To create an application:

<figure><img src="/files/zxKRUIjfhq2vC6JkkMGz" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. Select **Applications** from the workspace menu.
2. Select **New application**.
3. Enter a clear application name.
4. Select **Create**.

Use a name that helps teammates quickly understand the purpose of the application.

Examples:

* **Hotel Concierge**
* **Appointment Scheduler**
* **Retail Order Support**
* **Internet Troubleshooting Assistant**
* **Benefits Enrollment Support**

***

### **Configure application**

Once you've designed the workflows and necessary resources in your workspace, you can come back to the **Design** tab of your application and attach the flows your application should use, the default behavior, and any guardrails.

To start, **Flows** define what your application can do.

To add flows:

1. Open the application > Select the **Design** tab.
2. Choose one or more flows from the workspace to attach.
3. Save your changes.

***

### **Assign default behavior**

Default behavior determines which flow runs when the application needs a standard starting point, recovery path, or escalation path.

| Default behavior | What it does                                                                                                                                                                                                               |
| ---------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Welcome**      | Runs when a new conversation session starts. Use this flow to greet the user, set expectations, and begin the experience.                                                                                                  |
| **Unknown**      | Runs when the application cannot match the user’s message to a supported flow or choice AND no match pathways in your flow are not defined. Use this flow to recover, ask clarifying questions, or check a knowledge base. |
| **Fallback**     | Runs when the application needs to recover from issues such as repeated incomprehension, timeout, integration failure, or state-related errors.                                                                            |
| **Escalation**   | Runs when the application should move the user toward human support or another controlled escalation path.                                                                                                                 |

To configure default behavior:

1. Open the application > Select the **Design** tab.
2. Select **Default behavior** icon under Flows section OR select the three-dot menu beside each attached flow to manage defaults.
3. Assign the appropriate flow for each behavior.
4. Save your changes.

You may choose to assign the same flow to one or more defaults, depending on the user expedience.

***

### **Add guardrails**

Guardrails help control user inputs and application outputs during conversations.

Attach guardrails when the application needs safety, compliance, brand, privacy, or policy controls.

To add guardrails:

1. Open the application > Select the **Design** tab.
2. Select **Add guardrail**.
3. Choose one or more guardrails from the workspace.
4. Save your changes.

Be mindful that guardrails and the number of rules within each can add latency to your application.

***

Once you have attached and configured flow behavior and guardrails, you can move to the next phase of **creating a build** for your application.


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