How to Create Notifications in Coda
Learn how to set up automated and manual notifications in Coda using the Automation pane, Notify actions, and @mentions.
Quick answer
To create notifications in Coda, open the Automation pane, add a new rule, choose a trigger like a row condition or button click, then select the Notify action and choose users or roles to alert. You can also notify people instantly by @-mentioning them in a comment or table cell.
Steps at a glance
- Open the Automation pane from the doc's top-right menu.
- Click "Add rule" to start a new automation.
- Choose a trigger, such as row changes or button clicks.
- Select "Notify" as the action and pick recipients.
- Customize the notification message and save the rule.
- Alternatively, @mention a person in a comment for instant alerts.
- Test the notification by triggering the rule manually.
Summary
Notifications in Coda alert teammates when something important happens in a doc, like a status change, a new row, or a task assignment. They keep collaborators informed without requiring everyone to manually check the doc for updates.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Open the Automation pane
Click the lightning bolt icon in the top-right corner of your doc to open the Automation pane. This is the same panel used for other workflow rules, so if you've already explored /guides/coda/set-up-automation you'll recognize the layout.
Step 2
Add a new automation rule
Click "Add rule" inside the Automation pane to start building a new notification workflow. Give the rule a clear name, like "Notify on overdue task," so you can find it later.
Step 3
Choose a trigger
Select what should kick off the notification: a row being added, a specific column value changing, a button click, or a scheduled time. For example, choose a trigger that fires when a Status column changes to "Blocked" or when a due date passes.
Step 4
Add the Notify action
Under the action section, select "Notify" from the list of available actions. Choose whether the alert should go to a specific person, a people column value, or everyone with access to the doc.
Step 5
Customize the notification message
Write a short, clear message that explains what happened and what the recipient should do next. You can reference column values dynamically so the notification includes details like the task name or assignee, similar to how you'd reference data when you /guides/coda/assign-tasks.
Step 6
Save and turn on the rule
Toggle the rule to active and save your changes. The automation will now run automatically whenever the trigger condition is met, sending notifications without any manual steps.
Step 7
Use @mentions for instant alerts
For one-off notifications outside of automation rules, type "@" followed by a teammate's name inside a comment or table cell. This immediately notifies that person, which pairs well with the workflow described in /guides/coda/add-comments when you need quick feedback.
Why this matters
You're running a project tracker and need teammates to know immediately when a task status flips to "Blocked" or a deadline arrives. Setting up notifications means people get alerted the moment it matters, instead of missing updates buried in a growing doc.
Frequently asked questions
Can I send notifications by email instead of in-app alerts?
Yes. When configuring the Notify action, you can choose whether recipients get an in-app alert, an email, or both, depending on their personal Coda notification preferences.
Is creating notifications available on Coda's free plan?
Yes, basic automation rules including the Notify action are available on the free plan, though automation run limits may apply as your doc scales.
Can I notify someone who doesn't have access to the doc?
No, recipients need at least viewer access to the doc to receive notifications. Invite them first through doc sharing settings before setting up the alert.
Related guides
Continue with more step-by-step guides for getting work done.
How to Set Up Automation in CodaLearn how to set up automation in Coda with triggers, conditions, and actions to streamline repetitive tasks and keep your docs updated automatically.
How to Assign Tasks in CodaLearn how to assign tasks in Coda using Person-type columns, filters, and sharing settings so every team member sees exactly what they own.
How to Add Comments in CodaLearn how to highlight content, leave comments, and @mention teammates in Coda to collaborate and keep feedback organized in your doc.
Create interactive demos like this one — free, no coding required.
Start for free →