Layer Maker Course: Automation Triggers

Every automation in Layer has two sides, the when and the what. This episode covers the when side: the six automation triggers that control exactly what causes your automation to run, and how to pick the right one. Learn when to use each of Layer's six automation triggers, what makes them distinct, and the field filter technique that keeps event-driven automations from firing on every minor edit. 🔗 LINKS Layer documentation → https://layer.team/docs Layer video library → https://layer.team/video Get started with Layer → https://app.layer.team/sign-up Changelog & updates → https://roadmap.layer.team/changelog 🔧 WHAT YOU'LL COVER Element is Created: fires the moment a new element lands in a category; ideal for initializing default values on new records Element Matches a Filter: fires when a record newly matches your criteria (non-retroactive by design) Element in Category is Updated: watches an entire category; use the field filter to control noise Element is Updated: same idea as above, scoped to one specific element Manual: the most intentional trigger; you decide exactly when it runs and on which records At a Scheduled Time: recurring or one-time; includes a preview of the next six scheduled runs before you save. This is part of the Layer Maker Course, a practical series for AEC teams building data and workflow systems in Layer. Next up: Automation Actions, the five action types that do the actual work once a trigger fires. Layer is a data and workflow platform built for architecture, engineering, and construction firms. Core use cases: Room Data Sheets, Building Survey, FF&E management, and Construction Administration.