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Automa Documentation

website·Indexed 32 days ago

https://automa.wiki

Documentation for Automa, a browser automation tool. It features a block-based workflow builder with capabilities for element interaction, data mapping, JavaScript execution, and loop management. Key modules include attribute retrieval, cookie management, Google Drive integration, and conditional logic builders.

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What's inside Automa

  1. Overview of Automa browser automation

    Automa is a low-code/no-code browser extension designed to automate browser operations. It replaces manual tasks such as data entry, clicking elements, and retrieving data from websites by automating these workflows.

  2. Use the Condition Builder to control workflow flow

    The Condition Builder allows you to construct conditional statements within a workflow, which can be used in conjunction with condition or loop blocks to control the execution flow. Conditions are added by clicking the 'Add Condition' button.

  3. Insert data into tables or variables using the Insert Data block

    The Insert Data block allows you to add additional data into Automa tables or variables within a workflow.

  4. Identify elements using CSS and XPath selectors

    Automa uses element selectors to identify specific page elements for interaction (e.g., filling forms) or data extraction. It supports standard CSS selectors and XPath expressions.
    /* Example CSS selector to target an input with class 'form-name' */
input.form-name

  5. Track Automa extension usage and performance via Analytics

    Extension developers can use the Analytics section to monitor the performance and reach of their published extensions. The available metrics include the total number of installations, the count of active users, and the frequency of workflow executions.

  6. Understand Automa workflow block categories

    Automa organizes its workflow blocks into six primary categories based on their function:

    • General: Performs common operations such as sending HTTP requests or triggering other workflows.
    • Browser: Controls browser-level functions.
    • Web Interaction: Interacts with the active tab. Note: You must use a 'New Tab' or 'Active Tab' block before using blocks in this category.
    • Control Flow: Adds logic and branching to the workflow.
    • Online Services: Integrates with external services supported by Automa.
    • Data: Modifies or manipulates workflow variables and tables.

  7. Execute custom JavaScript in Automa

    The JavaScript block allows you to execute custom JavaScript code on a website. By default, the execution timeout is 20,000 milliseconds (20 seconds). If the timeout is reached, the workflow will automatically proceed to the next block. You can use automaResetTimeout() to reset this timer during execution.

  8. Understand how Automa workflows execute

    An Automa workflow is a sequence of connected functional modules designed to perform automated operations. Execution always begins at the trigger block and proceeds sequentially through the connected modules until the final block is reached. Execution status and history can be monitored via the logs.

  9. Organize workflow blocks using Blocks Group

    The Blocks Group allows you to combine multiple blocks within a single container to make the workflow more organized. Blocks placed inside a group are executed sequentially based on their top-to-bottom order.

  10. Navigate and use the Automa Extension Builder dashboard

    The Extension Builder dashboard is the central hub for editing, customizing, and publishing extensions. It is accessed by clicking on a specific extension from the extensions page. The dashboard is divided into five primary sections:

    1. Workflows: Manage (add, update, and delete) the workflows associated with the extension.
    2. Details: Edit metadata including the extension name, description, and icon.
    3. Customize: Modify the extension's user interface or inject custom scripts into extension pages.
    4. Crash Logs: Review error logs generated when the extension executes workflows.
    5. Analytics: Monitor installation counts, active user numbers, and workflow execution statistics.

  11. Use variables to store and reuse data in Automa workflows

    Variables in Automa are used to store a value that can be accessed across the entire workflow. For example, text retrieved by a 'Get Text' block can be stored in a variable and then accessed by a different block later in the process.

  12. Create a standalone Chrome extension using Automa CEB

    The Automa Chrome Extension Builder (CEB) allows you to convert Automa workflows into a standalone Chrome extension. This extension can be shared with other users for manual installation or published to the Chrome Web Store. Note that this feature is currently in Beta.