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

# Custom actions

> Define HTTP actions the agent can call when a built-in tool is not enough

Custom actions are special instructions that let your agent ask your own software to do something. You name the action, say when to use it, and give Botcadence the web address to call. Botcadence does not provide that outside service for you.

Create them under **Build → Actions** (page title **AI Actions**). Enable each named action on a workflow **Tools** tab under **Custom actions**. You do not need an Integrations connection unless your own API uses credentials you store on the action.

Use a custom action when you have a web address for a task such as looking up an order, saving a lead, or creating a booking, and a [built-in tool](https://docs.botcadence.com/docs/build/workflows/tools.md) does not cover it. If one outside service already offers many ready-made tools, use [MCP](https://docs.botcadence.com/docs/build/mcp-servers.md) instead.

## Create an action

**1. Open Actions**

In the project sidebar, under **Build**, select **Actions**.

**2. Create AI Action**

Select **Create AI Action**. Name the action, describe when the agent should use it, and configure how it calls your API.

**3. Save**

Save the action. It appears in the Actions list. It does not run on live conversations until you enable it on a node and publish.

## Enable on a workflow

**1. Open Tools**

Open the workflow, select an **Agent**, **Supervisor**, or **Task**, then open **Tools**.

**2. Turn the action on**

Under **Custom actions**, enable the action by the name you gave it.

**3. Publish**

Publish the workflow so channels and campaigns pick up the new tool.

> [!TIP]
>
> In a test conversation, ask for something that should fire the action. Confirm your API receives the call.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Zapier, HubSpot, and custom webhooks stay on [Integrations](https://docs.botcadence.com/docs/build/integrations.md). Those are not Tools-tab rows. Custom actions are for APIs you describe yourself so the **agent** can invoke them.


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