Start an agent from a Zap

This article explains how to use Zapier Agents with a Zap. You can add an action step in a Zap to start an agent. When the agent step runs in your Zap, the agent will carry out your instructions.

Steps

To create a Zap that triggers an agent, you must:

1. Create an agent.
2. Use the Trigger via Zap trigger.
3. Create a Zap using any Zap trigger.
4. Add an action step to your Zap using Zapier Agents.

What is a Zap?

A Zap is a workflow that connects your apps to automate repetitive tasks. It consists of a trigger (the event that starts the Zap), and one or more actions (the events that the Zap performs after it’s triggered). Learn more about Zaps in the quick start guide.

Create an agent and a Zap that work together

To use an agent and a Zap together, you'll need:

• An agent using the Trigger via Zap trigger.
• A Zap with a Run Agent action.

1. Create an agent

To create a new agent:

• Visit agents.zapier.com.
• Click + New agent.
• Enter instructions for your agent to follow.
• Click Start building. 

2. Add the trigger to your agent

Zapier Copilot will help you write the instructions for your agent. After creating your agent:

• If the trigger is not already selected, in the Trigger section, click + Add trigger.
• Select Trigger via Zap.
• Click Agent preview.
  • The agent will carry out your instructions, allowing you to verify if it's achieving the correct result.
• Click Publish to activate the agent. Learn more about publishing and managing agent versions.

3. Create a Zap trigger

You can select any app as a trigger for your Zap. This app will send information to your agent. Learn how to set up a Zap trigger.

4. Create an Agents Zap action

Once the trigger is ready, you must add a Zap action step for Zapier Agents. This action will start the agent you created. To set up the action:

1. Click the action step or click the plus + icon to add an action to your Zap.
2. Search for and select Zapier Agents.
3. Click the Event dropdown menu and select Run Agent.
4. In the Configure tab, complete these fields:
5. Agent: Click and select an agent. Only agents using the Trigger via Zap trigger will appear on the list.
6. Agent Input Message: Map fields with information that should be sent to the agent.
7. (Optional) Pause Zap Run Until the Agent Replies?: select “Yes” to have the Zap wait for the agent's reply and “No” to let the Zap steps continue without the agent’s reply.
8. (Optional) Agent Output Fields: Enter a name and a description for the fields you want the agent to return. You can then map these fields in subsequent Zap steps.
9. Click Continue. The Test tab will open.
10. The step will provide you with sample data. Click Publish (if you have no other steps after this one) or Continue.
    • To perform a live test, click 'Test with real data' to send the sample data to your agent. Your step may take a moment or two to complete. You can continue editing other parts of your Zap and return later to check if the test was successful.

Using optional fields

• Pause Zap Run Until the Agent Replies?: If you pick “Yes” in this field, the Zap will appear as “Waiting / delayed” until the agent finishes carrying out your instructions. Once it finishes, the Zap will run any other action steps.
• Agent Output Fields: You can add custom fields that your agent will create and make available in later steps of your Zap:
  • Enter field names on the left (such as 'meeting_summary')
  • Enter descriptions on the right (such as 'Summary of the meeting notes').

Note

Optional fields can only be used in subsequent steps after you test your Agents step.

Limitations

• Agents have an activity limit that depends on your Zapier Agents plan.
• Zaps have step and rate limits. 

Task and activity usage

When you trigger an agent via a Zap, activities are only used during a live run. This means that:

• Testing your Zap will not use any agent activities.
• Agent actions do not use any Zap tasks. 

Find which Zap triggered your agent

Multiple Zaps can trigger the same agent. To find out which Zap triggered a specific agent run:

1. From the Zapier Agents home left sidebar, click the name of your agent.
   • You can also start from a pod's home page.
2. Click Activity at the top of the screen.
3. Click an agent run. A sidebar will open.
4. At the top of the sidebar, click the trigger for that run. This will display the content received from the Zap.
5. Click the View Zap run link. 

Provide feedback and get help

Submit a feature request, provide feedback on existing features, or get help from the Zapier Agents team. You can also discuss Agents with other users on Zapier's Early Access Program Slack.