# Everything you need to know about Coda automations Coda is a versatile document editor that stands out by blending text, spreadsheets and databases into a single canvas. It’s like the dream combination of [Notion](/content/blog/notion-automations/index.html), Google Docs and [Google Sheets](/content/blog/google-sheets-automation/index.html), making it perfect for project management, note-taking, [databases](/content/blog/best-collaborative-database-tools-for-startups-2024/index.html) and more. But like with any tool—the more you use it, the more you find yourself performing repetitive tasks that can be automated to free up time for more meaningful work. Coda offers some great native automations. But you have to pay for “packs” to integrate with external tools, or upgrade to a higher tier plan. You can get around this—and achieve much more—by using third-party automation software like Relay.app to connect it with your wider tech stack. In this article we’ll cover how. ## An introduction to native Coda automations With Coda’s native automations you can streamline repetitive tasks like updating statuses, assigning tasks or sending reminders. They have an excellent video that breaks it down, which we’ll link below. Coda's automations operate with “if/then” logic (or in the case of Coda, “When/Then” logic). Every native Coda automation has between two and three parts: - A trigger (the “when”) + an action (the “then) - A trigger + a _condition_ + an action You can choose from two trigger types: time-based and when a row is changed, and there are a range of possible actions, from notifying your team, to adding, modifying or even deleting rows. ## How to set up native Coda automations How do you set a native Coda automation like this up? Glad you asked! Here’s how ⤵️ ### Step 1. Open your Coda document First, navigate to the document where you want to create the automation (we’re using the excellent Project Tracker Quick Start template). ### Step 2. Create a new automation Click the cogwheel icon on the top right of the page. Select _Automations_ from the dropdown menu. ### Step 3. Set up your “when” trigger Click _\+ Add rule_ to get started. This is where we set our “When” (The trigger) and our “Then” (the action). Every automation kicks off with a trigger—the event that sets your automation in motion. **Coda offers four possible triggers**: 1. Row changed 2. Time-based 3. Form submitted 4. Webhook invoked Select what action you would like to kick off your automation. In this example, we’re going to send a reminder to update the tracker every Monday at 10:00 AM. ### Step 4. Set up your “then” action After defining the trigger, naturally you need to configure the action that will occur when the trigger is activated. Actions can range from sending an email, creating or updating rows in a table, changing the status of a task, or using a Coda pack to integrate with third-party tools for a fee. ### Step 5. Send a test It’s important to test your automation before setting it live. Click _Test Rule._ All going well, the icons of each automation step will turn green and you’ll receive a pop-up saying your automation has been a success. ### Step 6. Name and save the automation Finally, give your automation a name and short description. Once you’ve written your title and description, switch the toggle to on and you’re done! Your automation will now run automatically until you switch it off. ## Connect to external tools with Coda Packs Coda Packs are integrations that add the ability to sync with tools beyond Coda. These one-off payments help supplement the generous free plan, but the costs still add up. Certain Packs are included in each paid plan, which is the most cost-effective way to get access. ## 10 Coda automations using Relay.app ### Connect your calendar With Relay.app you can turn any Coda tasks into events in Google Calendar—or even add Google Calendar event information to your Coda tables. ### Integrate with your chat tools With Relay.app you can send notifications on your chat tool of choice to cut down on the endless back-and-forth, and keep your team updated with less manual effort. ### Automate task assignments Relay.app allows you to streamline the flow of information across each app, keeping the dream of one central hub for your team alive and well. ### Add form submissions to Coda docs Using Coda as a CRM? Use online forms to collect leads and pipe the data into Coda to track interactions and set follow-ups. ### Append notes and meeting insights With Relay.app you can have Fireflies.ai transcribe meeting notes, and share them directly to your Coda docs to turn every meeting into a searchable, actionable resource. ## Start automating Coda today There you have it—a guide to Coda automations that has you covered whether you want to use the native options, purchase packs, or level-up your automation game with a third-party like Relay.app. ## Coda automation FAQS ### What is Coda automation? Coda automation refers to the capability within the Coda platform to create automated workflows that trigger specific actions based on predefined conditions. ### What are Coda automation rules? Coda automation rules are the specific conditions and actions defined within an automation. These rules determine when an automation should trigger and what actions it should perform. ### Is Coda AI free? Coda offers various pricing tiers, including a free plan which provides access to some AI features. ### Does Coda have an API? Yes, Coda provides an API that enables developers to programmatically interact with Coda docs.