# What is an automation rule in Trello?

> A Trello automation rule runs an action when something happens on a board, like marking a card complete in Done. How rules work, with a free example.

Source: https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/automation-rule · Updated 2026-10-24 · Free from Stepthrough (https://learn.ynteractive.com)

[Business](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary#topic-business) · [AI glossary](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary)

Quick answer

In Trello, an automation rule (once called Butler) says "when this happens on the board, do that": for example, when a card is added to the Done list by anyone, mark it complete. You build it from a trigger and one or more actions in the board's Automation panel, and Trello runs it for everyone.

Last updated October 24, 2026

[Take the free module →](https://learn.ynteractive.com/courses/trello-for-teams/2)Module 2 of the free [Trello for Teams: One Board for Client Work](https://learn.ynteractive.com/courses/trello-for-teams) course, about 7 minutes. No account needed.

Updated October 24, 2026 · By [Robert Breen](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/about)

## Why it matters for a small business

Boards drift out of date because of small tidy-up jobs people forget: ticking cards complete, moving them, adding the usual checklist. A rule does those jobs every time, so the board stays true without a weekly clean-up.

Rules are included on the free plan with a monthly allowance of runs, so a small team can automate the basics at no cost.

## In a real lesson: Trello: Mark Work Complete Automatically with a Free Rule

In the free [Trello automation lesson](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/trello-butler-done-rule) you open Automation, Rules, Create automation, pick the trigger "when a card is added to list Done by anyone" and the action "mark the card as complete", then save.

Dragging the Cobalt Legal card (made up) to Done ticks it complete within seconds, and its due date turns green.

[Try this lesson free](https://learn.ynteractive.com/modules/trello-butler-done-rule) or [read the step-by-step guide](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/trello-butler-done-rule).

## Common confusions

### Rule vs button

A rule runs by itself when its trigger happens. A card or board button runs only when someone clicks it.

### by me vs by anyone

A trigger set to "by me" fires only for your own actions. For team boards, pick "by anyone".

## Tips

- Start with one rule that fixes a real annoyance, then add more.
- Test every new rule on a practice card before the team relies on it.

## Related terms

[Trello](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/trello) · [Kanban board](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/kanban-board) · [Automation](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/automation)

## More Business terms

[Autoresponder](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/autoresponder) · [Background check (employment)](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/background-check) · Bad debt · Balance sheet

## Where you use it: free lessons

- [Trello: Mark Work Complete Automatically with a Free Rule](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/trello-butler-done-rule) (Trello, 7 min)

## Frequently asked questions

**Is Trello automation free?**

Yes, automation rules are on the free plan with a monthly allowance of runs; paid plans raise it. Check Trello's pricing page for current numbers.

**Where are automation rules in Trello?**

Open a board and click the lightning bolt (Automation) in the board header, then Rules and Create automation.

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