Editing Automation builder (section)

== Step-by-Step Instructions ==
### Starting Your Automation
There are two main ways to start building your automation:
1. **Active Intelligence**: Use the Active Intelligence bar at the top of the page to input simple prompts and get suggestions for automation sequences.
2. **Start from Scratch**: Click on '''Start from Scratch''' to manually utilize various triggers, actions, and logic for your automation.

Additionally, you can select from a variety of automation workflow recipes provided by ActiveCampaign. By clicking on a recipe, you can see a preview and choose to get started if it fits your requirements.

### Adding Triggers
Automation '''triggers''' are conditions that, when met, initiate the automation. To add a trigger:
1. Assign a trigger immediately after naming your new automation.
2. If you’re uncertain, you can click the '''x''' to exit this step or choose '''Or don’t have a trigger for your automation.'''

Once in the workflow builder, click on '''Add start trigger''' or '''Add new start''' at the top to include a trigger later.

When selecting a trigger, you'll have options regarding the '''Runs''' setting:
- **Runs Once**: A contact can only enter the automation once, regardless of how many times they meet the triggering conditions.
- **Runs Multiple Times**: A contact can enter the automation repeatedly when the triggering conditions are met.

### Segmenting Contacts
You can segment contacts entering the automation for more targeted campaigning. This is done by creating a '''segment''' that only includes contacts matching specific criteria. For instance, if you’d like the automation to run solely for contacts who have not made a purchase yet, you can filter by tags like '''Interested''' or the absence of the '''customer''' tag.

### Adding Actions
To add actions to your automation:
1. Click the node (+) at the desired location in your automation timeline.
2. This opens the '''Add an action''' modal, where you can find and select your desired action.

### Removing Triggers and Actions
You can delete triggers and actions by hovering over them and clicking the delete icon in the upper right corner. If you remove an '''If/Else''' condition with subsequent actions, you will be prompted to decide how to handle those actions.

### Moving or Copying Actions
To move or copy actions within your automation:
- Drag and drop the specific action(s) onto the '''+''' symbol located where you wish to reposition them.

### Saving Your Automation
Your work is automatically saved as you build, ensuring that you don’t lose progress. Additionally, if you need to revert to a previous version, you can utilize the '''turn back time''' icon.

### Viewing Your Workflow
For larger automations, navigating through the entire workflow may require adjustments. ActiveCampaign offers methods to alleviate this, and it’s recommended to create smaller automations rather than one large one.

### Activating Your Automation
Keep your automation '''Inactive''' until it is fully configured. This prevents contacts from entering until you're prepared to launch it. Learn how to toggle to '''Active''' when ready.

### Naming and Labeling Your Automation
Choose descriptive names for your automations to avoid confusion later, especially if you manage several. You can label automations based on categories like pre-sales marketing or pipeline automation to stay organized.

### Editing Your Automation
Before making any changes to an active automation, switch it to '''Inactive''' temporarily. This ensures that contacts do not skip steps while you adjust your workflow. Once changes are made, you can reactivate the automation.