> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.poptin.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# How Automation Triggers Work

A trigger is the starting point of every automation. It defines the condition which must be met for a contact to enter your automation flow. Once a contact meets the trigger criteria, they automatically begin their journey.

To set a trigger, click on the **Trigger** node at the top of your automation canvas and select from one of the five categories below.
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###### Trigger Categories

1. **Contacts Activity** - Fires based on actions or changes related to a contact's properties or subscription status, such as subscribing, unsubscribing, or a certain tag being added. [Learn more →](https://help.poptin.com/en/article/contacts-activity-trigger-1rcn27h)

2. **Web Activity** - Fires based on how a contact interacts with your website, such as their first visit or how many times they've visited. [Learn more →](https://help.poptin.com/en/article/web-activity-trigger-5sccrc)

3. **Campaign Activity** - Fires based on how a contact engages with your emails, such as opening or clicking an element campaign. [Learn more →](https://help.poptin.com/en/article/campaign-activity-trigger-1rommkq)

4. **Poptin Activity** - Fires when a contact converts on one of your Poptin popups or forms. [Learn more →](https://help.poptin.com/en/article/poptin-activity-trigger-3cb5ww)

5. **Date Property Trigger** - Fires on or around a specific date stored in the contact's profile, such as a birthday or anniversary. [Learn more →](https://help.poptin.com/en/article/date-property-trigger-1x5gs4h)


Not sure which trigger to use? Reach out to us on live chat and we'd be more than happy to help. :)