---
title: Automations
description: An Automation starts work when a chosen event happens.
updated: 2026-09-12
canonical: https://turnpanel.com/docs/automations
markdown: https://turnpanel.com/docs/automations.md
llms: https://turnpanel.com/llms.txt
---

# Automations

An Automation starts work when a chosen event happens.

## When to automate

Use an Automation for work that should run later, repeat, or react to an event. Use a background process for long-running work that starts now in the current Job.


## Events that can start an Automation

- A scheduled time or TurnPanel starting.
- A Job, process, or Script finishing.
- An action in an App or a change to shared data.


## Actions

An Automation can start or continue a Job, run a saved Script, or show a notification. Scheduled times work only while TurnPanel is running, and missed times may not run after the computer wakes or TurnPanel restarts.


### Manage an Automation and its runs

**Context:** Automations

The Automations panel shows the saved trigger, action, status, and run history.

- **Create or edit** [active]: Save trigger, action, and target
- **Paused** [waiting]: Record remains but cannot fire
- **Armed** [ready]: Eligible while TurnPanel is running
- **History** [ready]: No runs recorded yet or recorded outcome
> **Scheduling is authorization**
> When the trigger occurs, a scheduled Script starts without asking again. Test the Script and review what it can change before enabling the schedule.