> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.flowforth.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Triggers

> The trigger decides who enters an automation and when. Choose from list activity, form submissions, a schedule, or manual runs.

Every automation starts with a **trigger** — the event that enrolls people into the flow. Click the **Trigger** at the top of the canvas (or in the builder sidebar) to open its settings, and pick one of the following:

| Trigger                                                                         | When it runs                                   | Best for                          |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------- |
| [**When a person is added to a list**](/automations/triggers/list-triggers)     | Someone is added to a Planning Center list     | Welcome series, onboarding        |
| [**When a person is removed from a list**](/automations/triggers/list-triggers) | Someone is removed from a Planning Center list | Win-back or off-boarding emails   |
| [**When a person submits a form**](/automations/triggers/form-submission)       | Someone submits a Planning Center form         | Signup follow-ups                 |
| [**At a specific time each week**](/automations/triggers/scheduled)             | Once per week, on a day and time you choose    | Weekly newsletters and reminders  |
| [**At a specific time each month**](/automations/triggers/scheduled)            | Once per month, on a schedule you choose       | Monthly recaps and giving updates |
| [**Run manually on demand**](/automations/triggers/manual)                      | Only when you start it yourself                | One-off campaigns                 |

***

## What Each Trigger Needs

Before an automation can be enabled, its trigger must be fully set up. What's required depends on the trigger you pick:

* **List-based and scheduled triggers** need a **Planning Center list** and an **email category**.
* **Form submission** needs a **Planning Center form** and an **email category**.
* **Manual** needs only an **email category** — you choose who to run it for at run time.

<Note>
  The **email category** you select is the category the automation's emails are sent under. It controls which of your recipients' subscription preferences apply, so choose the category that matches the kind of email you're sending.
</Note>

Pick the trigger that matches your goal, then dive into its dedicated guide for the details.