# Three Ways To Create A Schedule

## Definition

ZenOps WFM offers three ways to start a schedule: build it manually, generate it from a completed forecast, or import an existing schedule file. Each path creates a draft that a planner can review and edit before publishing.

## Context

Open **Workforce Operations** → **Scheduling** and select **New Schedule** to see the three choices. Choose the path that matches the planning inputs you already have and how you want shifts to be created.

## Choose A Method

- **Build Schedule:** Start with a name, date range, and timezone, then place shifts and activities yourself. This path does not require a forecast. Follow [How To Build A Schedule (Manually From Scratch)](/help/articles/create-a-schedule/).
- **Generate Schedule:** Select a completed forecast so ZenOps can use its demand and staffing requirements to generate shifts under the applicable scheduling rules. Follow [How To Generate A Schedule (From A Forecast)](/help/articles/generate-a-schedule-from-a-forecast/).
- **Import Schedule:** Upload an XLSX or CSV schedule, review the interpreted people and labels, validate the preview, and create a draft. Follow [How To Import A Schedule (From A File)](/help/articles/import-a-schedule/).

After creating a draft, use the planner to check dates, shifts, activities, and coverage. See [How To Review An Existing Schedule](/help/articles/review-an-existing-schedule/) for the review controls.

> Canonical page: https://zenops.cx/help/articles/ways-to-create-a-schedule/
> Audience: For planners and managers
> Summary: Choose between building, generating, or importing a schedule.

## Notes on this article

### Note: Each path creates a draft

In context. Building, generating, and importing start in different ways. Review and save the resulting draft before publishing it for agents.

## Visual references

- New Schedule presents the three starting paths: Build Schedule, Generate Schedule, and Import Schedule.: [ZenOps WFM New Schedule screen with three cards: Build Schedule, Generate Schedule, and Import Schedule.](https://zenops.cx/help/assets/schedule-creation-options.png)