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Configure automation buttons on record details so users can run automations without leaving the record. This guide walks through adding a button to the layout, configuring the automation and optional inputs, and using the button as an end user.
You need to both add the button to the record details layout and configure it (automation, label, optional conditions, and required inputs). Layout configuration is done in the Layout Builder; button behavior is set in the button configuration.

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Prerequisites

Before setting up automation buttons, ensure you have:
  • App Admin access (or equivalent) to edit the app and its record details layout
  • An automation to run from the button (from this app or another aspect). See Automation System to create automations
  • Familiarity with the Layout Builder for placing the button on the layout

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Part 1: Add and Configure the Button (Admin)

1

Open the Record Details Layout

  1. Navigate to your app
  2. Open Configuration (or App settings)
  3. Open the Record Details Layout (or the layout where you want the button to appear)
2

Add an Automation Button to the Layout

  1. In the layout builder, go to the area where you can add buttons or components
  2. Add an Automation (or Run automation) button to the layout
  3. Place it in the section where you want it to appear for users
3

Set Button Label, Text, and Icon

  1. Open the button configuration
  2. Enter a Label (for your reference in the layout)
  3. Set the Button Text that users will see (e.g. “Send for approval”, “Generate report”)
  4. Optionally select an Icon for the button
4

Select the Automation

  1. In the button configuration, choose the Automation that runs when the button is pressed
  2. You can select an automation from the current aspect or from a different aspect (e.g. another app or element)
  3. The automation will run in the context of the record when the user clicks the button
5

Configure When the Button Is Available and Required Inputs

  1. If needed, configure when the button can be pressed (e.g. based on record data such as status)
  2. If the automation requires inputs, configure required inputs; a form will be shown to the user to collect these before the automation runs
  3. Save the button configuration
6

Save the Layout

Save the record details layout so the button appears for users.
Using an automation from a different aspect: You can select an automation that belongs to another app or element. Use this when the same action (e.g. “Notify team”) is reused across multiple record types. The automation still runs in the context of the current record.

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Part 2: Using the Button (End User)

1

Open the Record

Navigate to a record that has the automation button on its details page. The button appears where the admin placed it on the layout.
2

Click the Button

Click the automation button. If the automation has no required inputs, it starts running. If it has required inputs, a form is shown.
3

Complete the Input Form (If Shown)

If a form appears to gather required inputs:
  1. Fill in the required fields
  2. Submit the form
  3. The automation then starts running
4

Observe Running Status

While the automation runs, a running status is displayed. The button cannot be clicked again until the current run completes.
5

Review the Result

When the automation finishes:
  • Success - A success message is displayed
  • Failure - A failure message is displayed
You can trigger the automation again after it completes by clicking the button again.

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Troubleshooting

Possible causes:
  • The layout was not saved after adding the button. Save the record details layout and refresh.
  • Your role may not have access to the layout or the button. Check app and layout permissions.
Check:
  • The correct automation is selected in the button configuration
  • The automation is published (not in draft)
  • Your user has permission to run the automation
  • If a form was shown, all required inputs were provided and submitted
Check:
  • The button configuration specifies which inputs are required for the automation
  • The automation trigger or steps expect the inputs you configured
  • If you need to change required inputs, edit the button configuration in the layout and update the automation if needed

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Next Steps

Automation Buttons Feature

Learn more about automation button capabilities and behavior

Layout Builder

Design record page layouts and place buttons

Automation System

Build and manage automations

Triggers Reference

Trigger types and configuration

Best Practices

General guidance for effective Elementum use