# Automations

Automations connects events to actions in a visual workflow. Use it to respond to incoming messages, send reminders, update contacts, or follow up when an expected event has not arrived.

> Automations is in Early access. Your workspace permissions determine which actions you can perform.

A workflow starts with a **trigger**, follows connected **nodes** that perform tasks or make decisions, and produces a **run** each time it starts. You edit a draft, preview it with sample data, and publish a version for live use.

Your organization includes [1,000 runs per UTC calendar month](/docs/guides/automations/runs#early-access-run-allowance), shared across its workspaces.

## Start building

- [Preview your first automation](/docs/get-started/automations).
- [Understand flows and connections](/docs/guides/automations/flows).
- [Build and edit a flow](/docs/guides/automations/editor).
- [Choose and customize a template](/docs/guides/automations/templates).
- [Explore the available nodes](/docs/guides/automations/nodes).

## Configure your workflow

- [Choose a trigger](/docs/guides/automations/triggers).
- [Use data from earlier steps](/docs/guides/automations/data).
- [Schedule runs and delay steps](/docs/guides/automations/schedules-and-delays).
- [Send messages](/docs/guides/automations/messages).
- [Work with contacts and audiences](/docs/guides/automations/contacts-and-audiences).
- [Use preferences and lookups](/docs/guides/automations/preferences-and-lookups).
- [Wait for an event](/docs/guides/automations/waits).
- [Control overlapping runs and cancellation](/docs/guides/automations/run-settings).

## Next steps

- [Preview and check a workflow](/docs/guides/automations/preview).
- [Publish and manage automations](/docs/guides/automations/publishing).
- [Inspect runs](/docs/guides/automations/runs) and [read metrics](/docs/guides/automations/metrics).
- [Troubleshoot an automation](/docs/guides/automations/troubleshooting).