> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.couchdrop.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.couchdrop.io/automations/actions.md).

# Actions

Learn about supported Actions with Transfer Automations in Couchdrop

### What are Actions?

Actions define what Couchdrop does during an Automation.

An action can perform a task such as moving a file, retrieving data, encrypting or decrypting a file, transforming file contents, extracting a variable, sending an email, or connecting to an external API.

### Why use Actions?

Actions are the building blocks of an Automation.

They let you define what should happen after an Automation is triggered, and combine multiple tasks into a single workflow.

For example, an Automation could rename a file, move it to another location, and then send an email after the transfer completes.

### How Actions work

In the Automation Builder, click the **+** icon and select **Actions** to add an action to the workflow.

Actions can be nested in Automations, which means one action depends on the success and output of the previous action. This allows for very complex scenarios in a single flow.

If an action fails, Couchdrop will not continue processing its child actions.

For more information, see [Automation Builder](app://-/~/changes/210/automations/overview.md).

### Action Categories

<table data-search="false"><thead><tr><th>Category</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>External API Connection</strong></td><td>Connect to an external API configured in <a href="/integrations/custom-api-connector.md">API Connections</a>.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Transfer</strong></td><td>Move, copy, rename, or delete files.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Retrieve Data</strong></td><td>Retrieve data for use elsewhere in the workflow.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Operations</strong></td><td>Perform file operations such as compression.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Encryption</strong></td><td>Encrypt or decrypt files.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Transform</strong></td><td>Change the contents of a file.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Extract Variables</strong></td><td>Extract values for use by other actions.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Email</strong></td><td>Perform actions related to email.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Other</strong></td><td>General workflow actions.</td></tr></tbody></table>

Each category is covered in more detail on its own documentation page.

### Requesting a New Action

If the action you need is not available, select **Request New Action or Condition** in the Automation Builder or submit a request through our [contact methods](broken://pages/8w72LN9IbLUy6081CIId).