# Getting Started **Category:** IVR Designer **URL:** https://www.simtex.com.au/support/kb/ivr-designer/getting-started **Published:** 2025-03-05 ![Getting Started](https://www.simtex.com.au/uploads/cover_Screenshot_2025_02_27_105857_4ca5c6afd6.png) # 1. Introduction **Welcome **to IVR-Designer—the ultimate drag-and-drop tool for building automated call flows (a.k.a. IVRs). Picture it like you’re wiring a series of rooms in a house: each *room *is a **node **with a specific function (like playing a menu prompt or switching based on time), and the **wires** between them represent the path calls take. In this guide, we’ll walk you through: - **Basic concepts:** The canvas, nodes, wires. - **Usage overview:** How to add nodes, connect them, and configure settings. - **Node types:** A deep dive into each node, from your **Call Start** node to advanced ones like **Date/Time **and **What-If** nodes. We’ll keep it friendly, but let’s not forget we’re here to get serious work done, too! --- # 2. Getting Started > **Note:** > **Note****You are free to work and edit your IVR *before* changing the [CallDirector Routing;](https://zettagrid.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/VKB/pages/2376532008/Getting+Started#2.4-CallDirector-Routing) without IVR-Designer** selected, calls will not be impacted. ### 2.1 Launching the IVR-Designer **IVR Designer** can be used with any **CallDirector** account / subscription. 1. **Open the IVR-Designer** in your web browser, navigate to [http://account.mycloudvoip.com.au](http://account.mycloudvoip.com.au) 2. Find the **CallDirector **or Primary Inbound account you which to work with. 3. Click **IVR Designer** on the left**![image-20250227-031133.png](https://www.simtex.com.au/uploads/image_20250227_031133_8157a1c583.png) 4. You’ll be greeted by a canvas**—a large, open area where you’ll assemble your call flow using nodes and wires. ### 2.2 The Canvas - **Drag-and-Drop**: On the left or top (depending on your design), you’ll see a palette of **node types**. Click or drag one onto the main canvas. - **Wires**: Each node has one or more connectors on its sides (often on the right). These connectors, or **handles**, let you **wire** one node to another. - **Zoom**: Use your mouse scroll wheel or pinch gestures to zoom in/out. (Because, let’s face it, sometimes you need a close look at your brilliant call flow.) - **Panning**: Click and drag on empty canvas space to pan around—like moving a camera in your call flow world. ### 2.3 Basic Flow Example 1. **Place a “Call Start” node** on the canvas. This is where calls enter your flow. 2. **Place a “Menu” node** to let callers press digits for different options. 3. **Wire** the “Call Start” node to the “Menu” node. 4. Double-click or otherwise **open** the node to configure its settings (like the audio prompt). 5. Continue adding new nodes (e.g., “Ring Group,” “DateTime Switch”) and wiring them together until your flow is complete. ### 2.4 CallDirector Routing Your **CallDirector** subscription can be setup in three different ways: 1. **Legacy Ring Groups** (default) 2. **Custom Script** (only if we have custom-coded an IVR for you) 3. **IVR Designer** To adjust the route your inbound calls take: 1. Tap **CallDirector Routing** on the left 2. Tap **IVR Designer** ![image-20250227-031458.png](https://www.simtex.com.au/uploads/image_20250227_031458_b8b85d32a6.png) **Note: Changes take place immediately** **That’s it**—you’ve built a simple IVR flow. Next, we’ll explore the specific nodes in detail. --- # 3. Overview of Nodes and Wires ### 3.1 What is a Node? ![image-20250305-045840.png](https://www.simtex.com.au/uploads/image_20250305_045840_3ec3131b0a.png) A **node** is a building block in your call flow. Examples: - **Menu** (caller selects 1 for Sales, 2 for Support, etc.) - **Date & Time Switch** (decide call routing based on time of day or holidays) - **Ring Group** (ring multiple extensions simultaneously or in sequence) - **Queue** (place callers in line for the next available agent) - …and more. ### 3.2 Wiring Nodes ![image-20250305-050221.png](https://www.simtex.com.au/uploads/image_20250305_050221_ea62c08313.png) Each node can have one or more **outgoing** wires. When you **drag** a wire from a node’s connector (handle) and **drop** it onto another node, you’re defining the **path** the call will take. For instance: - If a **Menu** node times out (no selection made), you might wire that outcome to “Voicemail.” - If a **Date & Time Switch** detects it’s “after hours,” you might wire that to “Voicemail” or “Closed Greeting.” > **Tip:** > **Tip** > > If your wires look messy, feel free to rearrange nodes around the canvas. Wires will stay connected. ### 3.3 Node Configuration Each node on the canvas, has its own configuration screen - this is where you will adjust parameters, twiddle knobs and push levers. ![image-20250227-034146.png](https://www.simtex.com.au/uploads/image_20250227_034146_8312684b39.png) #### Opening the Configuration Form 1. **Click** on a node on the canvas. 2. An **Edit Node** screen appears. #### Common Fields & Parameters Many node types share similar field properties: 1. **Label**: A short description you can customise to help you understand the node’s purpose - example “After-hours support menu”, or “Reception Voicemail”. 2. **Tooltip**: Additional help text is available - just tap the question mark:![image-20250227-033806.png](https://www.simtex.com.au/uploads/image_20250227_033806_d4b05e9676.png) #### Validation & Required Fields - Certain fields *must *be filled in - If a field is invalid, you’ll see a **red border** or an **error message** below the field. Fix these errors before saving. ![image-20250227-034346.png](https://www.simtex.com.au/uploads/image_20250227_034346_19bc0d2d11.png) #### Saving Configuration Changes - Click **Save Changes: ** ![image-20250227-033912.png](https://www.simtex.com.au/uploads/image_20250227_033912_d27011aad3.png) - If you wish to revert or cancel any changes made within the node, just close the node window. ### 3.4 Deleting Nodes - **Select** the node (click on it), then press `Delete` or use the on-screen ❌ icon. - You will lose all connections to and from that node. ## Related - Article: https://www.simtex.com.au/support/kb/ivr-designer/getting-started - Category: https://www.simtex.com.au/support/kb/ivr-designer - Knowledge Base: https://www.simtex.com.au/support/kb - Full AI reference: https://www.simtex.com.au/llms-full.txt