> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://whitepaper.aitech.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://whitepaper.aitech.io/agentforge/blocks/starter.md).

# starter

The Starter block is the entry point for a workflow. Every workflow begins from a starter-style input, whether it is run manually, executed through chat, called through an API, or triggered by another deployment method.

{% hint style="info" %}
Use the Starter block to define how a workflow receives its initial input. Downstream blocks can reference that input as workflow data.
{% endhint %}

### Overview

The Starter block supports two primary modes:

* **Run manually** - Start the workflow from the editor or through deployed execution paths
* **Chat** - Use the workflow as a conversational flow where chat messages become workflow input

### Configuration Options

#### Start Workflow

Choose how the workflow should start:

* `manual` for manual runs and structured execution
* `chat` for chat-driven workflows

#### Input Format

When the Starter block is configured for manual execution, Workflow Mode can expose an advanced input format. This defines structured fields that callers can provide when running the workflow through an API or other execution method.

### How It Works

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Configure the Starter block with the execution style you want.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Pass user input, API payloads, or structured values into the workflow.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Reference the starter input from downstream blocks as the initial workflow data.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### Inputs and Outputs

#### Input

| Parameter | Type | Description                 |
| --------- | ---- | --------------------------- |
| `input`   | json | Initial workflow input data |

#### Output

The Starter block does not produce a normal downstream output object. It initiates workflow execution and makes the initial input available to connected blocks.

### Notes

* Category: `blocks`
* Type: `starter`