> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.notionapps.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.notionapps.com/release-notes/12-jul-2026-release.md). # 12 Jul 2026 Release **Release focus:** Automation turns NotionApps from data screens into operational systems — with Workflow, Messaging, Approval Management, native automation screens, Live Demos, and automation-ready templates. Automation is available as **Automation (Beta Testing)** and is entitlement-gated by plan, account, and application. Start with the [Automation](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation) docs hub, then follow the guided path below. *** ### What’s new at a glance | Capability | What you can do | Learn more | | ----------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Automation** | Describe a business outcome and let NotionApps assemble the process | [Automation Overview](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/automation-overview) | | **Workflow** | Run multi-step processes after forms, buttons, and app events | [Workflow How-To](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/notionapps-workflow-how-to-guide) | | **Messaging** | Conversations, announcements, routed notifications, webhook events | [Messaging and Notifications](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/messaging-and-notifications) | | **Approval Management** | Approval inboxes, decisions, work queues, guided approval setup | [Approval Workflows](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/approval-workflows) | | **Native screens** | Show runtime work inside the app (queues, decisions, status, more) | [Native Automation Screens](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/native-automation-screens) | | **Live Demos** | Try real approval and operations demos with personas | [Live Demo Examples](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/live-demo-examples) | | **Templates** | Start from automation-ready app templates | [How do I know a demo or template is safe?](https://docs.notionapps.com/frequently-asked-questions/automation-how-do-i-know-a-demo-or-template-is-safe-for-customers) | *** ### 1. Automation — outcome-first business processes Automation is the builder home for business process setup. Instead of choosing low-level objects first, you start with what the business should do. #### Highlights * Open **Automation** from the app builder (when entitled) * Describe the result in plain language with **Outcome Builder** * Answer numbered questions for trigger, destination, audience, and data * Review what NotionApps will build before publishing * Generate Workflow and/or Messaging objects from a recipe * Use repair-first diagnostics when setup is incomplete * Prove the flow with guided testing and Activity #### Example outcomes | Outcome | What NotionApps assembles | | ---------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | | Notify the right person when work is submitted | Workflow with notification and recipient | | Route a request for approval | Approval workflow, approval pages, validation | | Broadcast a service announcement | Announcement route for app users | | Start a work conversation | Contextual conversation tied to the event | | Connect an external system | Webhook intake or webhook delivery | | Create a follow-up record | Create-record step with optional owner notification | | Escalate when nobody responds | Notify → Wait → Escalate → End | #### Docs * [Automation](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation) * [Automation Overview](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/automation-overview) * [Automation Glossary](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/automation-glossary) * [Start From a Wizard](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/start-from-a-wizard) * [Builder Controls Visual Guide](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/builder-controls-visual-guide) * [Automation How-To Guide](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/notionapps-automation-how-to-guide) * FAQ: [What should I use automation for?](https://docs.notionapps.com/frequently-asked-questions/automation-what-should-i-use-automation-for) * FAQ: [Can I start from a wizard instead of building from scratch?](https://docs.notionapps.com/frequently-asked-questions/automation-can-i-start-from-a-wizard-instead-of-building-from-scratch) *** ### 2. Workflow — the process engine Workflow runs ordered steps after a form submission, button click, screen action, record event, webhook, or other app event. #### Highlights * Create and update Notion records * Send notifications * Wait, branch, and escalate * Pause for human decisions * Keep run history for inspection and support * Connect Workflow to Messaging with steps such as: * **Publish message** * **Send message request** * **Send message reply** * **Wait for message** #### Docs * [Workflow How-To Guide](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/notionapps-workflow-how-to-guide) * [Worked Examples](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/worked-examples) * [Webhooks and Integrations](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/webhooks-and-integrations) * FAQ: [Why is my submit button not starting a workflow?](https://docs.notionapps.com/frequently-asked-questions/automation-why-is-my-submit-button-not-starting-a-workflow) * FAQ: [What happens when a workflow fails?](https://docs.notionapps.com/frequently-asked-questions/automation-what-happens-when-a-workflow-fails) *** ### 3. Messaging and notifications Messaging is the communication and routing layer for app events, people, workflows, announcements, linked apps, and external systems. #### Highlights * Guided Messaging setup from business language * App-wide **announcements** * Direct and contextual **conversations** * Routed notifications with delivery visibility * Channels, contracts, publishers, and subscribers for advanced makers * Activity tools for dry-run and test publish #### End-user experiences * Private conversations between authenticated users * Record-aware threads started by workflows * Group conversations for teams or roles * Persistent notices in Notification Center #### Docs * [Messaging and Notifications](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/messaging-and-notifications) * [Messaging How-To Guide](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/notionapps-messaging-how-to-guide) * [Conversations and Messages](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/native-automation-screens/conversations-and-messages) * [Notification Center](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/native-automation-screens/notification-center) * FAQ: [How does messaging work with workflows?](https://docs.notionapps.com/frequently-asked-questions/automation-how-does-messaging-work-with-workflows) *** ### 4. Approval Management Approval Management unlocks approval-specific setup and runtime surfaces. Use it when people need to claim work, review requests, approve or reject items, and keep requesters informed. #### Highlights * Guided approval setup: when this happens → create request → route approver → verify in Approval Inbox * Validate and repair setup before publishing * Create a test request to prove the inbox path * Decision screens and work queues for human checkpoints #### Docs * [Approval Workflows](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/approval-workflows) * [Create your first approval workflow](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/create-your-first-approval-workflow) * [Decision and approval work queues](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/native-automation-screens/decision-and-approval-work-queues) * [Work Queues](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/native-automation-screens/work-queues) * FAQ: [How do I create an approval workflow?](https://docs.notionapps.com/frequently-asked-questions/automation-how-do-i-create-an-approval-workflow) * FAQ: [Where do approval requests appear?](https://docs.notionapps.com/frequently-asked-questions/automation-where-do-approval-requests-appear) *** ### 5. Native automation and operational screens Native screens show **NotionApps runtime work** inside the published app — not only Notion database rows. | Screen | Job | Docs | | ------------------------ | -------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Work Queue** | Claim, complete, release, or escalate work | [Work Queues](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/native-automation-screens/work-queues) | | **Decision** | Approve, reject, or request changes | [Decision and approval work queues](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/native-automation-screens/decision-and-approval-work-queues) | | **Conversation** | Contextual messages and replies | [Conversations and Messages](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/native-automation-screens/conversations-and-messages) | | **Exception Resolution** | Recover failed or blocked automation | [Exception Resolution](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/native-automation-screens/exception-resolution) | | **Notification Center** | Announcements, alerts, acknowledgements | [Notification Center](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/native-automation-screens/notification-center) | | **Workflow Status** | Runs, waits, retries, and progress | [Workflow Status](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/native-automation-screens/workflow-status) | | **Automation Launcher** | Let trusted users start approved automations | [Automation Launcher and Linked App Exchange](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/native-automation-screens/automation-launcher-and-linked-app-exchange) | | **Linked App Exchange** | Review app-to-app handoffs | [Automation Launcher and Linked App Exchange](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/native-automation-screens/automation-launcher-and-linked-app-exchange) | | **Operator Console** | Monitor queues, failures, and health | [Native Automation Screens](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/native-automation-screens) | Also see the screen type index: [Automation Screens](https://docs.notionapps.com/customize-app/types-of-screens/automation-screens). **Remember:** ``` Data screens show Notion records. Native automation screens show NotionApps runtime work. ``` *** ### 6. Live Demos Try complete business processes with managed demo personas and recommended paths. Example demos include: * Procurement Approval Desk * Customer Refund Approval * Employee Access Request * Content & Policy Review * Service Request / Work Order Management * Timecard Management #### Docs * [Live Demo Examples](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/live-demo-examples) * FAQ: [How do I know a demo or template is safe for customers?](https://docs.notionapps.com/frequently-asked-questions/automation-how-do-i-know-a-demo-or-template-is-safe-for-customers) *** ### 7. Automation-ready templates Templates can now start from real process patterns — approvals, queues, notifications, conversations, and operator recovery — not only blank data screens. #### Highlights * Automation-ready capability badges on templates * Clear messaging when a template needs advanced features before cloning * Entitlement-aware cloning for advanced templates * Managed provisioning with health checks and repair guidance #### Docs * FAQ: [How do I know a demo or template is safe for customers?](https://docs.notionapps.com/frequently-asked-questions/automation-how-do-i-know-a-demo-or-template-is-safe-for-customers) * [Create an app](https://docs.notionapps.com/basics/create-an-app) * [Security and Permissions](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/security-and-permissions) *** ### 8. Testing, publish readiness, and troubleshooting Before you rely on automation with real users: 1. Run validation and preflight checks 2. Create a test request or guided preview 3. Test as each role (requester, reviewer, admin) 4. Confirm the result appears on the expected screen 5. Publish only after the visible user journey works #### Docs * [Testing, Preflight, and Repair](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/testing-preflight-and-repair) * [Troubleshooting Automation](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/troubleshooting-automation) * FAQ: [How do I test automation before publishing?](https://docs.notionapps.com/frequently-asked-questions/automation-how-do-i-test-automation-before-publishing) * FAQ: [What does preflight check before publishing?](https://docs.notionapps.com/frequently-asked-questions/automation-what-does-preflight-check-before-publishing) *** ### 9. Website and product discovery updates * Homepage messaging focused on keeping Notion as the system of record while shipping software people outside Notion can use * New feature pages for Automation, Messaging, and Approval Management * Pricing table rows for Messaging, Approval Management, and Active Workflow Routes * New Automation FAQs * Live Demos navigation when demos are available Start here: [Welcome to NotionApps](https://docs.notionapps.com/) *** ### Recommended learning path 1. [Automation Overview](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/automation-overview) 2. [Automation Glossary](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/automation-glossary) 3. [Start From a Wizard](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/start-from-a-wizard) 4. [Create your first approval workflow](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/create-your-first-approval-workflow) 5. [Messaging and Notifications](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/messaging-and-notifications) 6. [Native Automation Screens](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/native-automation-screens) 7. [Testing, Preflight, and Repair](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/testing-preflight-and-repair) 8. [Troubleshooting Automation](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/troubleshooting-automation) For deeper reference: * [Automation How-To Guide](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/notionapps-automation-how-to-guide) * [Workflow How-To Guide](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/notionapps-workflow-how-to-guide) * [Messaging How-To Guide](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/notionapps-messaging-how-to-guide) * [Advanced Reference](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/advanced-reference) * [Worked Examples](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/worked-examples) *** ### Availability notes * Public product language: **Automation (Beta Testing)** * Workflow, Messaging, and Approval Management can be enabled separately by entitlement * Prefer [Start From a Wizard](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/start-from-a-wizard) for first setups * Keep operational screens limited to trusted roles; see [Security and Permissions](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/security-and-permissions) * For outbound notifications in this release, prefer **Email** or **Webhook** paths documented in [Messaging and Notifications](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/messaging-and-notifications) and [Webhooks and Integrations](https://docs.notionapps.com/automation/webhooks-and-integrations)