# Coda Automations Basics

> Learn the basics of Coda automations including row changes, time-based triggers, form submissions, and webhooks to eliminate errors and boost efficiency.

Author: Scott Weir  
Published: 2023-07-20  
Last updated: 2026-02-24  
Tags: Coda 101 Basics Series  

Automation is the technique by which something becomes automatic - an item, a process, or a system. By setting up automations for predictable and repeatable tasks, you eliminate human errors and improve speed and consistency.

## How to access Coda automations panel?

Access the Automations sidebar by clicking the small gear symbol in the upper right-hand menu, then select *Automations*.

## Parts of the Automation

The Coda automation formula consists of three parts:

1. **When** - "When something happens in my table..." - This tells Coda what to watch for (row changes, calendar events, form submissions, webhooks).

1. **If (optional)** - "But only if..." or "And also if..." - Conditions placed on the first part to get granular with requests.

1. **Then** - "Do this thing" - What you want Coda to do (press buttons, notify users, send emails, add/delete rows).

Template command: *"Hey Coda, when a row is changed in the _____ table in _____ column, but only if it's _____, then you can _____."*

Example: *"Hey Coda, when a row is changed in the Tasks table in Complete column, but only if it's checked, then you can notify a user."*

## Coda Automations' Limits

Automation commands take time to execute as they travel to Coda's servers and back. They may take 3 seconds to several minutes. Free and Pro plans have monthly automation run limits; Team plans and above have unlimited instances.

## Types of Coda Automations

Four pre-configured automation types exist:

- Row changed
- Time-based
- Form submitted
- Webhook invoked

### Row Changed

Useful for sending notifications, archiving/deleting rows, or creating modification logs. Example: notify users when tasks are marked complete.

### Time-Based

Triggered by cadence (hourly, daily, weekly). Great for recurring tasks and reminders. These can filter information using formulas without requiring conditions.

### Form Submitted

Triggered each time a form is submitted from your doc or published link. Useful for data population, auto thank-you emails, or notifications.

### Webhook Invoked

Triggered by incoming webhooks (connections between applications). Great for notifications, digital product delivery, real-time delivery notifications, and archive systems.

## Video tutorial step by step

For webhook setup details, see the YouTube video *"Coda VS Zapier: Coda's automations may put Zapier out of business"* at the 13:45 timestamp.


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Source: https://simpladocs.com/blog/coda-automations-basics