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

# Pipeline Stage Changed

> Start a workflow when a contact is added to, or moved within, a Pipeline.

## What is this?

**Pipeline Stage Changed** reacts when a contact is added to, or moved within, a [Pipeline](/workspace/contacts/pipelines) — optionally scoped to one stage. Contact data — name, phone, labels, custom fields, source — is already available as variables in the workflow, so you don't need to ask for it again.

<Note>
  Workflows can **react to** pipeline changes, but the builder has no step that creates or moves Pipeline cards. Contacts are moved on the Pipelines board.
</Note>

## How to use it

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create the pipeline first">
    Create the pipeline and its stages in [Pipelines](/workspace/contacts/pipelines). The trigger can only select pipelines and stages that already exist.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create the workflow">
    Go to **Automation → Create Automation**, choose the channel, and pick **Pipeline Stage Changed** as the **Trigger Type**. See [Create a Workflow](/workspace/automation/create-a-workflow).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose the pipeline and stage">
    Select the pipeline. To run only when contacts reach a particular stage, also select that stage — otherwise the workflow runs when a contact is added to or moved within any stage of the pipeline.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add the follow-up steps">
    Add what should happen next — for example send a message or template, assign a teammate with **Assign team member**, add a note with **Create Note/Reminder**, or update a field with **Update Field** or **Update Label**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test, then activate">
    Move a test contact to the chosen stage on the Pipelines board, then check the result in [Inbox](/workspace/inbox/overview) and in [Analytics](/workspace/analytics) under **Automations**. Only then activate the flow — see [Manage Live Flows](/workspace/automation/manage-live-flows).
  </Step>
</Steps>

| Goal                            | Setup                                                                                                      |
| ------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Congratulate a converted lead   | Trigger: pipeline *Leads*, stage *Converted*. Step: send a thank-you template.                             |
| Alert the team about a hot lead | Trigger: pipeline *Sales*, stage *Priority*. Steps: **Assign team member**, then **Create Note/Reminder**. |

### Tips

* **The pipeline must exist first.** The trigger can only select existing pipelines and stages; stage names must match exactly.
* **Scope to a stage when you can.** Leaving the stage unset fires on every move within the pipeline, not just the one you care about.

## Troubleshooting / Technical Notes

* **It doesn't start when a contact moves.** Is the workflow **Active**, and do the trigger's pipeline and stage match where the contact moved, on the same channel?
* **It fires for the wrong stage.** Confirm a specific stage is selected on the trigger, and that the stage name matches exactly.

## Related docs

* [Triggers](/workspace/automation/triggers/overview)
* [Pipelines](/workspace/contacts/pipelines)
* [Contact or Custom Field Changed](/workspace/automation/triggers/contact-or-field-changed)
* [Create a Workflow](/workspace/automation/create-a-workflow)
* [Manage Live Flows](/workspace/automation/manage-live-flows)