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Agents & automation

Steps

Steps do the work of an automation. Learn the step types, the actions, and how texts use the record and the run.

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Step types

StepWhat it does
ActionDoes one thing, for example adds a tag or sends an email
If/elseChecks a condition. The run takes the Yes path or the No path.
WaitWaits for a time, for example 3 days
Wait untilWaits until a condition is true. After a time limit, the run takes the other path.
Split testSends a part of the runs on path A and the rest on path B
GoalEnds the wait when the goal is met. A run before the goal jumps to it.
Go toJumps to another step, also an earlier step
EndEnds the run

A run can take up to 1,000 steps. This stops a loop that does not end.

Add a step

Choose + where the step goes. The list shows the steps that fit what the automation works on. The start triggers decide this. Read Triggers.

Actions

ActionWorks on
Set a fieldContacts, deals
Add or remove a tagContacts. In a deal automation, the primary contact.
Assign an ownerContacts, deals
Move to a stageDeals. In a contact automation, their most recent deal.
Mark won or lostDeals. In a contact automation, their most recent deal.
Create a dealContacts
Create a taskAll
Add a noteContacts, deals
Add to or remove from a listContacts
Send an emailContacts. In a deal automation, the primary contact.
Prepare a saved responseContacts. Makes an Inbox draft for the agent to edit and approve.
Notify the teamAll. The email goes to your team, never to the contact.
Send a webhookAll
Start or stop an automationContacts, deals
Run a connected appAll
Ask the AssistantAll. Read Assistant steps.

Steps on the other record

A deal automation can work on the deal's primary contact. The picker shows these steps with "(primary contact)".

A contact automation can work on the contact's most recent open deal. The picker shows these steps with "(their most recent deal)". A contact with no open deal skips the step. The run goes on.

Some steps fit both records, for example Set a field, Create a task and Add a note. Open the step and choose the record under Runs on.

When the start triggers change

A new start trigger can change what the automation works on. For example, you add a deal trigger to an automation with contact steps. The steps stay. The steps that do not fit show Needs a fix and go on the list Before you publish. Change them or delete them.

Texts that use the record

A task title, a note or an email to the team can use values from the record and the run. Type the value in double braces:

  • {{contact.first_name}} for the first name of the contact.
  • {{deal.title}} for the title of the deal.
  • {{agent.name}} for the owner of the record.
  • {{trigger.answers.message}} for an answer from a form.
  • {{steps.summary_step.summary}} for the result of an Assistant step.

Add a value to use when the field is empty: {{contact.first_name|there}}.

An email step sends a published email template. It goes only to people who may get email from the list you choose. A person who unsubscribes from all email can leave the run. You choose this in the automation settings.

Prepare a saved response creates a personal email draft from the subject and message you write. It fills in contact and property fields. The contact's agent can edit it in the Inbox. Every draft needs approval before it sends. Rejection or seven days without a decision skips the email. Contact email restrictions still apply when the agent approves it.

Updated October 6, 2026

Steps · Berchtold Help