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'''Navigation:''' [[Main_Page]] > [[ActiveCampaign Release Notes]] > [[2024 Release Notes]] > Action Updates
'''Navigation:''' [[Main_Page]] > [[ActiveCampaign Release Notes]] > [[2024 Release Notes]] > Action Updates


= Action Updates: Split, Start/End, Add Note, and More =
= Action Updates: Sub/Unsub, Add/Remove Tag, Math =


== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==
As of August 2024, ActiveCampaign has released significant updates to commonly used automation actions, enhancing the usability and overall efficiency of the platform’s automation builder. Specifically, the updates apply to the following key automation actions:


As part of ActiveCampaign's continued improvements to the automation experience, the September 2024 release introduces significant **Action Updates** to several widely used automation actions. These enhancements bring visual and functional refinements to the **Split**, **Start/End Other Automation**, **Add Contact and Deal Note**, and **Site Message** actions.
* '''Subscribe & Unsubscribe from List'''
* '''Add & Remove Tag'''
* '''Perform Math'''


By focusing on UI clarity, personalization accessibility, and advanced segmentation, these updates streamline how users create and manage dynamic, targeted automations. With these changes, marketers and businesses can build automations faster, test variations with greater control, and deliver personalized communication more reliably.
These improvements introduce redesigned interfaces, streamlined workflows, and increased clarity when setting up automation steps, enabling marketers to build faster, more intuitive, and scalable automations. With these enhancements, managing contact list memberships, engagement tags, and performing field-based arithmetic becomes more direct and error-resilient.


This article provides a detailed overview of the updated actions, explains how to access them, and offers best practices for using each within your automation workflows.
This feature update applies to all plan types: Starter, Plus, Professional, and Enterprise.


== How to Access Updated Actions ==
== How to Access This Feature ==
The updated automation actions are accessible through the [Automations] section of your ActiveCampaign account. To use the new interface enhancements for Sub/Unsub actions, Tag actions, or Math actions:


The enhanced automation actions are available across all ActiveCampaign plan types, including **Starter**, **Plus**, **Professional**, and **Enterprise**. These updates are integrated into the **Automations** workspace and affect how you configure certain actions when building or editing an automation.
# Navigate to the '''Automations''' page from your dashboard.
# Click on '''Create an automation''' or open an existing one.
# In the '''Automation Canvas''', click the '''+''' icon to add a new action.
# From the list of available actions, select:
## '''Contacts > Subscribe to List''' or '''Unsubscribe from List'''
## '''Contacts > Add Tag''' or '''Remove Tag'''
## '''Contacts > Perform Math'''


To access the updated action interfaces:
Each of these action types now includes layout, search, and field selection enhancements as of this release.


# Log in to your ActiveCampaign account.
== Step-by-Step Instructions ==
# Go to the top navigation panel and click on **Automations**.
The following sections describe the detailed steps to use each upgraded automation action.
# Create a new automation or open an existing one.
# Within the workflow builder, click the **+** icon to add a new action.
# Select one of the updated actions: **Split**, **Start Other Automation**, **End Other Automation**, **Add Contact Note**, **Add Deal Note**, or **Site Message**.


== Step-by-Step Instructions for Each Updated Action ==
=== Subscribe & Unsubscribe from List ===


=== Split Action ===
# In your automation, click the '''+''' to add an action.
# Choose '''Contacts''' > '''Subscribe to List''' or '''Unsubscribe from List'''.
# A new configuration panel opens:
### All your available lists are displayed in a single organized menu (no more drop-down scrolls).
# Select the list(s) you want the contact to be subscribed or unsubscribed to.
# Click '''Save''' when finished.


The **Split** action now has a dedicated section in the automation builder, distinct from **Even Split**, allowing enhanced targeting through segmentation criteria.
**Key Improvements:**
* Lists are now displayed in a clear, visual selector.
* No need to scroll through long drop-down menus.


To configure the new **Split** action:
=== Add & Remove Tag ===


# In the automation builder, click on the **+** icon.
# Inside your automation, click the '''+''' icon to add a new action.
# Choose **Conditions and Workflow** > **Split**.
# Choose '''Contacts > Add Tag''' or '''Remove Tag'''.
# Select either **Even Split** or **Conditional Split**.
# Begin typing in the tag input box.
# For **Conditional Split**, set criteria using the new **Segmentation Builder**, which now supports:
### Enhanced search now auto-suggests matching tag names as you type.
  - **Campaign Event Time Windows**
# Select an existing tag or create a new one directly.
  - **Custom Objects**
# Click '''Save''' to apply your changes.
  - **1:1 Emails**


This enhanced segmentation provides greater flexibility for targeting specific audiences within an automation path.
**Key Improvements:**
* Faster tag search and selection.
* Reduction of redundant tag entries.


=== Start/End Other Automation Actions ===
=== Perform Math ===


Previously, selecting automations involved scrolling through long dropdown menus. The updated interface presents a clean, visual list including previews, names, and labels for both **active** and **inactive** automations.
# On the canvas, click the '''+''' icon and choose '''Contacts > Perform Math'''.
# In the new math interface:
### Select a '''Contact Field''' or '''Deal Field''' you want to modify.
### Choose a mathematical operation: **Add**, **Subtract**, **Multiply**, or **Divide**.
### Enter the numeric value to apply.
# Click '''Save'''.


To configure:
**Key Improvements:**
* Standardized operation panel across contact and deal fields.
* Simple and consistent configuration format for numeric automation logic.


# In the automation builder, click the **+** icon.
== Configuration Options and Settings ==
# Choose **Conditions and Workflow** > **Start Another Automation** or **End Another Automation**.
# Use the streamlined interface to select from a list of automations.
# Click to preview or confirm by selecting the automation.


This new visual selection improves navigation and ensures production automations can be triggered or exited with fewer errors and greater intent.
Each of the updated action types includes specific configurable fields that benefit from the enhanced design:


=== Add Contact and Deal Note Actions ===
=== For '''Subscribe/Unsubscribe from List''' ===
* **List Selector**: Displays all lists in a flat, scroll-free interface for quick selection.
* **Multiple List Selection**: Add or remove a contact from multiple lists at once.


The **Add Note** actions now support easier access to personalization. You can include dynamic content using a wide variety of tags.
=== For '''Add/Remove Tag''' ===
* **Tag Input Field**: Allows input of existing tags or creation of new tags.
* **Smart Suggestions**: Real-time predictive tag suggestions as you type.


To configure a note action:
=== For '''Perform Math''' ===
* **Field Picker**: Choose a target field from available Contact or Deal fields.
* **Math Operation Dropdown**: Select from **Add**, **Subtract**, **Multiply**, **Divide**.
* **Value Input Field**: Specify a numeric value to apply to the chosen field.


# Click on the **+** icon in the automation workflow.
== Best Practices and Tips ==
# Go to **CRM** > **Add Contact Note** or **Add Deal Note**.
# In the note editor, use the **Personalization Tag** selector to insert customized values.
# Available tags now include:
  - **Contact Fields**
  - **Deal Fields**
  - **Account Fields**
  - **Custom Object Fields**


This update lets your internal notes be more descriptive and actionable, adapting based on the contact’s individual details.
* Use the enhanced '''Subscribe/Unsubscribe from List''' UI to streamline contact list management and minimize errors caused by wrong list selections.
* Create a tagging taxonomy and naming structure before using '''Add/Remove Tag''' to avoid clutter and duplication.
* Combine the '''Perform Math''' action with conditional triggers to create dynamic scoring mechanisms (e.g., engagement, lead readiness).
* Test new automation flows using internal test contacts before deploying them live.
* Document custom math logic within team collaboration tools to ensure usage clarity.


=== Site Message Action ===
== Common Use Cases With Examples ==


The **Site Message** action has undergone a complete layout redesign for better usability and customization.
=== Last Chance Before Unsubscribe ===
Use the '''Unsubscribe from List''' action with a delay and engagement condition to create a final attempt at re-engagement before separating inactive contacts. 
**Example:** Automatically unsubscribe a contact from your newsletter list if they haven’t opened any emails in 60 days.


Steps to configure:
[https://www.activecampaign.com/marketplace/recipe/last-engaged-date-last-chance View Marketplace Example]


# Add the **Site Message** action within your automation.
=== Add an Engagement Tag ===
# Choose whether to create a new message or select an existing one.
Score or categorize contacts who click on campaign links by applying a tag using the '''Add Tag''' action.
# Specify message placement using the updated interface:
  - Determine where on the webpage it will appear (e.g., top, bottom, overlay)
  - Select visual effects (slide in, fade, etc.)
# Customize targeting criteria as needed (e.g., returning visitors or subscribers).


This improvement makes it easier to deliver contextually relevant site experiences without needing technical workarounds.
[https://www.activecampaign.com/marketplace/recipe/highly-engaged-tagging View Marketplace Example]


== Configuration Options and Settings ==
=== Track Ad Clicks With Math Update ===
Use '''Perform Math''' to increment a value in an engagement field every time a linked ad is clicked.


Each updated action includes unique configuration enhancements:
[https://www.activecampaign.com/marketplace/recipe/track-ad-clicks-from-social View Marketplace Example]


* '''Split Action''':
== Troubleshooting ==
  - '''Even Split''' or '''Conditional Split'''
  - '''Segmentation Builder''' (with new segment types)
* '''Start/End Automation''':
  - Visual selection interface with **automation previews**, organized by status
* '''Add Contact/Deal Note''':
  - Insert dynamic values using the expanded '''Personalization Tag Selector'''
  - Tags available for **Contacts**, **Deals**, **Accounts**, and **Custom Objects**
* '''Site Message''':
  - Select placement and visual effects
  - Choose from saved messages or create a new one
  - Define advanced display settings, such as timing or frequency
 
== Best Practices and Tips ==
 
To maximize the value of these updates:
 
* Use the '''Conditional Split''' with new segment types like **Campaign Event Time Window** to customize experiences based on campaign interactions.
* Label your automations clearly—this helps when browsing the new visual list under **Start/End Other Automation**.
* Take advantage of the expanded **personalization tags** to create detailed internal context for your contacts and deals.
* Keep message design concise in **Site Messages**, and utilize newly added placement options to minimize user disruption.
* Test automation branches regularly using the **Split Action** to optimize outcomes with data-backed decisions.
 
== Common Use Cases with Examples ==
 
* **A/B Testing Welcome Sequences**: Use the enhanced **Split Action** to test different email sequences depending on engagement behavior.
* **Re-Engagement Based on Campaign Activity**: Use **Conditional Split** to create re-engagement flows for contacts active within specific **Campaign Event Time Windows**.
* **Triggering Coordinated Campaigns**: Leverage **Start Other Automation** to initiate a follow-up series from a product availability trigger.
* **Internal CRM Coordination**: Use **Add Deal Note** to notify sales of contact activity with personalization like "Viewed Site Message on Product Page".
* **On-Site Promotions**: Deploy **Site Messages** that show discount codes only to returning visitors based on their automation path.


== Troubleshooting ==
=== Missing Lists or Tags Not Appearing ===
Ensure that your lists or tags have been previously created in the Lists or Contacts settings. If newly created items are not appearing:
* Refresh the automation builder.
* Clear browser cache.
* Confirm proper account permissions.


If you experience issues using the updated automation actions:
=== Math Action Not Performing as Expected ===
* Double-check that the selected field is a numeric type (non-numeric text fields are not compatible).
* Ensure that your input value is not blank and uses the correct decimal format.


* Make sure your automation is **active** or in **editing mode** to apply and test changes.
=== Action Not Triggering ===
* If an automation option doesn’t appear under **Start/End Automation**, verify that it exists in your account and hasn’t been deleted.
* Verify trigger conditions upstream in your automation flow.
* Site Messages may not appear on your site if the placement settings are not compatible with your site layout—check message type and visibility rules.
* Ensure contacts meet all prerequisite logic before this action executes.
* If personalization tags don’t populate, confirm that the appropriate field values exist for the contact or deal at runtime.


== Related Features ==
== Related Features ==
* [[Automation]] – These action updates are part of the broader automation system.
* [[2024 Release Notes]] – See other 2024 platform enhancements.
* [[ActiveCampaign Release Notes]] – For full release history and platform updates.
* See also related improvements like the [[SMS Automation Action Improvements]] and [[Automation Canvas Enhancements]].


For additional depth on related functionality, see:
== Frequently Asked Questions ==
 
* [[Automation]]
* [[ActiveCampaign Release Notes]]
* [[2024 Release Notes]]
* [[September 2024]]
 
Also see these dedicated guides:
 
* [https://help.activecampaign.com/hc/en-us/articles/115001957624-How-to-use-the-split-action-in-an-automation How to use Split Action]
* [https://help.activecampaign.com/hc/en-us/articles/218251828-Automation-actions-explained#h_01J4WED1YDFG2VQ4DZYPS4RVJJ Start/End Automation Explanation]
* [https://help.activecampaign.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000062250-Getting-started-with-Site-Messages Getting Started with Site Messages]
 
== Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ==
 
=== Are these action updates available to all users? ===
Yes. These enhancements are available to users on all plan types, including Starter, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise.


=== What’s the difference between the new Split options and the older version? ===
=== What are the main benefits of this update? ===
The new **Split Action** includes a dedicated area for **Even Split** and **Conditional Split**, with a more robust segmentation builder and access to new data dimensions like **Custom Objects** and **1:1 Emails**.
The updates simplify the setup of automations, making actions faster to configure, less prone to error, and easier to navigate.


=== Can I preview automations when selecting them using the Start/End Other Automation action? ===
=== Can I use multiple actions together? ===
Yes. The updated interface includes previews, showing names and labels to help you select the correct automation without scrolling blind through dropdowns.
Yes. For example, you can subscribe a user to a list and then immediately add an engagement tag or perform a math operation based on their behavior.


=== What types of personalization tags are supported in note actions? ===
=== Are these updates available in all plans? ===
Tags from **Contacts**, **Deals**, **Accounts**, and **Custom Objects** can now be added directly via the **Note Editor**, making note content adaptable to each recipient’s data.
Yes. These automation action updates are available in Starter, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise plans.


=== Will existing notes or automations break due to these updates? ===
=== Will I lose my existing configurations? ===
No. These are enhancements to the interface and flexibility of actions. Your existing automations will continue functioning as configured. You may, however, benefit from revisiting them to take advantage of the new features.
No. Existing automation actions remain untouched. These changes apply to newly added actions and updated UI flows.


=== Are Site Message fields different now? ===
=== Can I perform math on custom fields? ===
Yes. The new layout allows for visual customization of **location**, **display effects**, and better message management, all within a simplified setup flow.
Yes, as long as the custom field is numeric. You can apply arithmetic operations to both standard and custom numeric fields.


=== Where can I learn more about these features? ===
=== How do I find my tags or lists when creating an action? ===
Refer to the [[Automation]] guide, or visit the individual action documentation provided in the Resources section above. You can also explore platform updates on the [https://www.activecampaign.com/release-updates ActiveCampaign Release Updates] page.
The updated UI includes improved filtering and auto-suggestion features so you can easily find or create tags/lists.


----
=== Do I need to rebuild my automations to use these updates? ===
No. You only need to update individual actions within an automation if you want to use the improved layouts. Existing actions continue to function as before.


These Action Updates are part of ActiveCampaign’s mission to streamline intelligent marketing automation. By using these redesigned tools, you can implement faster, more effective campaigns with fewer missteps, personalized outcomes, and higher engagement.
== Additional Resources ==
* [https://www.activecampaign.com/blog/2024-automation-enhancements Setting new standards for marketing automation in 2024]
* [https://help.activecampaign.com/hc/en-us/articles/12225946427420-How-to-manage-unsubscribes-and-list-associations-in-automations How to manage unsubscribes and list associations in automations]
* [https://www.activecampaign.com/marketplace/recipe/tag-ad-clicks Tag ad or site clicks using automation]
* [https://www.activecampaign.com/marketplace/recipe/track-ad-clicks-from-social Track ad clicks from social using math operations]

Latest revision as of 06:05, 2 November 2025

Navigation: Main_Page > ActiveCampaign Release Notes > 2024 Release Notes > Action Updates

Action Updates: Sub/Unsub, Add/Remove Tag, Math[edit | edit source]

Introduction[edit | edit source]

As of August 2024, ActiveCampaign has released significant updates to commonly used automation actions, enhancing the usability and overall efficiency of the platform’s automation builder. Specifically, the updates apply to the following key automation actions:

  • Subscribe & Unsubscribe from List
  • Add & Remove Tag
  • Perform Math

These improvements introduce redesigned interfaces, streamlined workflows, and increased clarity when setting up automation steps, enabling marketers to build faster, more intuitive, and scalable automations. With these enhancements, managing contact list memberships, engagement tags, and performing field-based arithmetic becomes more direct and error-resilient.

This feature update applies to all plan types: Starter, Plus, Professional, and Enterprise.

How to Access This Feature[edit | edit source]

The updated automation actions are accessible through the [Automations] section of your ActiveCampaign account. To use the new interface enhancements for Sub/Unsub actions, Tag actions, or Math actions:

  1. Navigate to the Automations page from your dashboard.
  2. Click on Create an automation or open an existing one.
  3. In the Automation Canvas, click the + icon to add a new action.
  4. From the list of available actions, select:
    1. Contacts > Subscribe to List or Unsubscribe from List
    2. Contacts > Add Tag or Remove Tag
    3. Contacts > Perform Math

Each of these action types now includes layout, search, and field selection enhancements as of this release.

Step-by-Step Instructions[edit | edit source]

The following sections describe the detailed steps to use each upgraded automation action.

Subscribe & Unsubscribe from List[edit | edit source]

  1. In your automation, click the + to add an action.
  2. Choose Contacts > Subscribe to List or Unsubscribe from List.
  3. A new configuration panel opens:
      1. All your available lists are displayed in a single organized menu (no more drop-down scrolls).
  4. Select the list(s) you want the contact to be subscribed or unsubscribed to.
  5. Click Save when finished.
    • Key Improvements:**
  • Lists are now displayed in a clear, visual selector.
  • No need to scroll through long drop-down menus.

Add & Remove Tag[edit | edit source]

  1. Inside your automation, click the + icon to add a new action.
  2. Choose Contacts > Add Tag or Remove Tag.
  3. Begin typing in the tag input box.
      1. Enhanced search now auto-suggests matching tag names as you type.
  4. Select an existing tag or create a new one directly.
  5. Click Save to apply your changes.
    • Key Improvements:**
  • Faster tag search and selection.
  • Reduction of redundant tag entries.

Perform Math[edit | edit source]

  1. On the canvas, click the + icon and choose Contacts > Perform Math.
  2. In the new math interface:
      1. Select a Contact Field or Deal Field you want to modify.
      2. Choose a mathematical operation: **Add**, **Subtract**, **Multiply**, or **Divide**.
      3. Enter the numeric value to apply.
  3. Click Save.
    • Key Improvements:**
  • Standardized operation panel across contact and deal fields.
  • Simple and consistent configuration format for numeric automation logic.

Configuration Options and Settings[edit | edit source]

Each of the updated action types includes specific configurable fields that benefit from the enhanced design:

For Subscribe/Unsubscribe from List[edit | edit source]

  • **List Selector**: Displays all lists in a flat, scroll-free interface for quick selection.
  • **Multiple List Selection**: Add or remove a contact from multiple lists at once.

For Add/Remove Tag[edit | edit source]

  • **Tag Input Field**: Allows input of existing tags or creation of new tags.
  • **Smart Suggestions**: Real-time predictive tag suggestions as you type.

For Perform Math[edit | edit source]

  • **Field Picker**: Choose a target field from available Contact or Deal fields.
  • **Math Operation Dropdown**: Select from **Add**, **Subtract**, **Multiply**, **Divide**.
  • **Value Input Field**: Specify a numeric value to apply to the chosen field.

Best Practices and Tips[edit | edit source]

  • Use the enhanced Subscribe/Unsubscribe from List UI to streamline contact list management and minimize errors caused by wrong list selections.
  • Create a tagging taxonomy and naming structure before using Add/Remove Tag to avoid clutter and duplication.
  • Combine the Perform Math action with conditional triggers to create dynamic scoring mechanisms (e.g., engagement, lead readiness).
  • Test new automation flows using internal test contacts before deploying them live.
  • Document custom math logic within team collaboration tools to ensure usage clarity.

Common Use Cases With Examples[edit | edit source]

Last Chance Before Unsubscribe[edit | edit source]

Use the Unsubscribe from List action with a delay and engagement condition to create a final attempt at re-engagement before separating inactive contacts.

    • Example:** Automatically unsubscribe a contact from your newsletter list if they haven’t opened any emails in 60 days.

View Marketplace Example

Add an Engagement Tag[edit | edit source]

Score or categorize contacts who click on campaign links by applying a tag using the Add Tag action.

View Marketplace Example

Track Ad Clicks With Math Update[edit | edit source]

Use Perform Math to increment a value in an engagement field every time a linked ad is clicked.

View Marketplace Example

Troubleshooting[edit | edit source]

Missing Lists or Tags Not Appearing[edit | edit source]

Ensure that your lists or tags have been previously created in the Lists or Contacts settings. If newly created items are not appearing:

  • Refresh the automation builder.
  • Clear browser cache.
  • Confirm proper account permissions.

Math Action Not Performing as Expected[edit | edit source]

  • Double-check that the selected field is a numeric type (non-numeric text fields are not compatible).
  • Ensure that your input value is not blank and uses the correct decimal format.

Action Not Triggering[edit | edit source]

  • Verify trigger conditions upstream in your automation flow.
  • Ensure contacts meet all prerequisite logic before this action executes.

Related Features[edit | edit source]

Frequently Asked Questions[edit | edit source]

What are the main benefits of this update?[edit | edit source]

The updates simplify the setup of automations, making actions faster to configure, less prone to error, and easier to navigate.

Can I use multiple actions together?[edit | edit source]

Yes. For example, you can subscribe a user to a list and then immediately add an engagement tag or perform a math operation based on their behavior.

Are these updates available in all plans?[edit | edit source]

Yes. These automation action updates are available in Starter, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise plans.

Will I lose my existing configurations?[edit | edit source]

No. Existing automation actions remain untouched. These changes apply to newly added actions and updated UI flows.

Can I perform math on custom fields?[edit | edit source]

Yes, as long as the custom field is numeric. You can apply arithmetic operations to both standard and custom numeric fields.

How do I find my tags or lists when creating an action?[edit | edit source]

The updated UI includes improved filtering and auto-suggestion features so you can easily find or create tags/lists.

Do I need to rebuild my automations to use these updates?[edit | edit source]

No. You only need to update individual actions within an automation if you want to use the improved layouts. Existing actions continue to function as before.

Additional Resources[edit | edit source]

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