Access Automation Dashboard
Learn how to access Trello's automation dashboard and Butler interface from your board to set up automated workflows and rules.
This guide explains how to access Trello's automation dashboard and Butler interface from your board. Trello's automation features, powered by Butler, help you streamline repetitive tasks by automatically moving cards, creating rules, and managing board activities based on triggers you define.
When to Use Automation
Automation is valuable when you want to reduce manual work and ensure consistent processes across your boards. Common use cases include automatically moving cards between lists based on due dates, assigning team members when cards are created, or creating recurring tasks on a schedule.
Key Benefits of Trello Automation
- Reduce repetitive manual tasks and save time
- Ensure consistent workflow processes across team members
- Automatically track progress and update card statuses
- Create scheduled recurring tasks and reminders
Navigation to Automation
To access automation features, you'll need to be on a Trello board where you have appropriate permissions. The automation interface is accessed through the board's main menu system.
From your Trello board, locate and click the three-dot menu icon (overflow menu) in the top-right area of your board. This menu provides access to board settings, power-ups, and automation features.
From the board menu that appears, click on Automation. This option is typically located in the main section of the menu and will open the Butler automation dashboard for your board.
The automation dashboard opens, displaying various automation options and categories. You'll see sections for Rules, Card Buttons, Board Buttons, and Calendar commands, along with templates and examples to help you get started.
Understanding Automation Types
Once you access the automation dashboard, you'll find several types of automation tools:
- Rules: Automatically execute actions when specific triggers occur (e.g., move card when due date approaches)
- Card Buttons: Add custom buttons to cards for quick actions
- Board Buttons: Create buttons that affect multiple cards or the entire board
- Calendar Commands: Schedule recurring tasks and time-based automations
Start with simple rules like automatically moving completed cards to a 'Done' list before creating more complex automations. This helps you understand how Butler works and prevents overwhelming your workflow.
Automation Permissions and Requirements
To access and create automation rules, you need:
- Board member status with editing permissions
- Trello plan that includes automation features (Butler is available on most paid plans)
- Workspace admin privileges may be required for advanced automation management
Automation rules affect all board members. Test your rules carefully and communicate changes to your team to avoid disrupting established workflows.
Next Steps
After accessing the automation dashboard, you can begin creating rules and automations tailored to your workflow needs. Consider starting with template rules provided by Trello, then customize them as you become more familiar with the automation syntax and capabilities.
The automation interface provides examples and guided setup for common scenarios, making it easier to implement your first automated workflows without extensive technical knowledge.
Workflows & Automation
This module covers automating workflows in Trello using Butler. Users will learn how to access the automation dashboard, create custom rules, schedule automated tasks, set due date rules, and create card- or board-level automation buttons to streamline repetitive work.
Create Automated Due Date Rules
Learn how to create custom automation rules in Trello using Butler to automate repetitive tasks and streamline your workflow with triggers and actions.