> 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

Category	Description
External API Connection	Connect to an external API configured in API Connections.
Transfer	Move, copy, rename, or delete files.
Retrieve Data	Retrieve data for use elsewhere in the workflow.
Operations	Perform file operations such as compression.
Encryption	Encrypt or decrypt files.
Transform	Change the contents of a file.
Extract Variables	Extract values for use by other actions.
Email	Perform actions related to email.
Other	General workflow actions.

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). --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://docs.couchdrop.io/automations/actions.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.