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Auto-Pilot vs. Co-Pilot for Action Columns

Understanding the difference between manual approval and automated modes for actions and export.

Joyce Frias avatar
Written by Joyce Frias
Updated over a week ago

Understanding Action Processing Modes

AI Studio gives you full control over how each step in your campaign runs. Every Action or Export column can be processed automatically (Auto-Pilot) or require your approval before running (Co-Pilot). These modes work alongside the dependency graph, which determines when actions run based on their inputs and outputs.

Auto-Pilot Mode: Automated Actions and Exports

Auto-Pilot runs actions automatically as soon as their required inputs are ready. When Auto-Run is enabled, the system looks at the dependency graph and triggers each downstream step in sequence.

  • Automatic execution: Actions such as insight generation, content creation, or email sends run as soon as upstream data is complete.

  • Chained processing: If one column depends on another, each will trigger the next automatically when finished. For example, generating insights can automatically start content creation, which can then trigger an email send.

  • Self-updating: If upstream data changes, downstream Auto-Run columns re-execute automatically so results stay accurate.

  • Hands-off workflow: Great for high-volume campaigns where content doesn’t need review before delivery.

Manual Review (Co-Pilot) Mode: Approval Required

Co-Pilot mode adds a manual checkpoint between steps. It’s useful when you want to approve generated content or verify exports before sending.

  • Manual approval: When content is ready, the cell shows a “Review + Send” state. You can open it, make edits, and manually trigger the next action.

  • Granular control: Keep Auto-Run off for critical actions while letting earlier steps (like insight generation) remain automated.

  • Click to run: Some cells will show “Click to Run” when waiting for manual confirmation.

How Auto-Run and Co-Pilot Work Together

The dependency graph ensures every action runs in the correct order.

  • Turning Auto-Run on means the column will trigger automatically when all its inputs are ready.

  • Turning Auto-Run off means the column will pause until you manually click Run.

  • If an upstream change affects a manual column, a yellow refresh icon appears, prompting you to re-run it.

When to Use Each

Mode

Best for

Behavior

Auto-Pilot

High-volume, repeatable outreach

Runs automatically through the full chain once inputs are ready

Co-Pilot

Personalized or sensitive outreach

Requires review and approval before running or exporting

Example

  1. Insights Column (Auto-Run ON): Generates insights automatically.

  2. Content Column (Auto-Run ON): Uses those insights to write an email.

  3. Send with Gmail Column (Auto-Run OFF): Waits for you to review before sending.

This setup ensures insights and content update automatically, while you retain control of final delivery.


Auto-Pilot and Co-Pilot modes work hand-in-hand with the dependency graph to balance automation and control—giving you flexibility to move fast while maintaining precision.

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