No-code actions

Create actions with webhooks and integrations - no coding required

No-code actions let you create operations directly from the Forest interface, without writing any code. Connect to external services like Make, n8n, or Zapier, or update field values with a click.

Perfect for non-technical teams and simple operations that don’t require custom business logic.

For advanced actions with custom code, dynamic forms, or complex logic, see Code-based actions.

Capabilities

No-code actions support two main behaviors.

Update record fields lets you directly change field values on records. Set a status to “approved”, mark items as archived, update timestamps, or toggle boolean flags with a single click.

Call external APIs triggers webhooks to external services. This enables integration with automation platforms like Make, n8n, or Zapier, your own API endpoints, or any third-party service that accepts HTTP requests.

Integration with automation tools

No-code actions work with popular automation platforms:

Make

1. Create a webhook in Make
2. Copy the webhook URL
3. In Forest, create an action with “Call an API”
4. Paste the webhook URL
5. Make receives the payload and continues your workflow

n8n

1. Create a webhook node in n8n
2. Copy the webhook URL
3. In Forest, create an action with “Call an API”
4. Paste the webhook URL
5. n8n processes the data through your workflow

Zapier

1. Create a “Webhooks by Zapier” trigger
2. Copy the webhook URL
3. In Forest, create an action with “Call an API”
4. Paste the webhook URL
5. Zapier triggers your Zap

Creating an action

To create an action from the UI:

1. Enable Layout Editor mode in your Forest interface
2. Access the collection settings (⚙️ gear icon)
3. Navigate to the Actions tab
4. Click Create Action

Action configuration

Basic settings

When creating an action, configure the following:

Name

The action name that will appear on the button. Choose a clear, action-oriented name (e.g., “Send Email”, “Mark as Shipped”, “Ban User”).

Scope

Choose the scope that matches your use case. See Action scopes for details.

Action behavior

Update record

This action type updates specific fields on a record.

Example: Ban a user by setting is_blocked to true

1. Select Update record as the action behavior
2. Choose the field to update (e.g., is_blocked)
3. Set the target value (e.g., true)
4. Click Save

Call an API

Trigger HTTP requests to your API or external services (Zapier, Make, n8n).

Webhook payload format:

Single action

{
  "action": {
    "name": "Send email",
    "scope": "single"
  },
  "record": {
    "id": 1
  }
}

Configuration:

1. Select Call an API as the action behavior
2. Enter your webhook URL
3. Choose HTTP method (usually POST)
4. Add headers if needed
5. The payload will be sent automatically

Need more flexibility?

No-code actions are perfect for simple operations, but if you need complex business logic, dynamic forms, or custom validation, you’ll want to use code-based actions instead.

Code-based actions

Build advanced actions with custom code for complex workflows, dynamic forms, and full control over execution and results