The decision tree is straightforward: pick the builder that matches the use case. Most admin work fits one of the major builders cleanly.
- Building a Lightning page layout
Use Lightning App Builder. Setup, Lightning App Builder, New. Drop components, configure properties, save.
- Creating fields or relationships
Use Object Manager. Setup, Object Manager, pick the object, add the new field or relationship.
- Building automation
Use Flow Builder for everything new. Setup, Flow Builder, pick the trigger type, design the flow.
- Visualizing the data model
Use Schema Builder for graph-based visualization. Setup, Schema Builder.
- Avoid Process Builder for new work
Process Builder is on a deprecation path. Build new automation in Flow Builder.
- Search Setup if uncertain
Quick Find in Setup surfaces every configuration node. Type the feature name to find the right tool.
Gotchas
- Process Builder is on a deprecation path. New automation should use Flow Builder.
- Workflow Rules were retired in 2026. Any new declarative rule belongs in Flow Builder, not Workflow Rules.
- Object Manager and Schema Builder overlap. Object Manager is the authoritative source; Schema Builder is the visualization layer.
- The Lightning Platform Builder umbrella term is fading. Use specific builder names in current documentation.