> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.withessential.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.withessential.com/administration/settings/automate-task-statuses-with-task-automations.md).

# Automate task statuses with Task Automations

Task Automations, sometimes called task status automations, control how a task's status updates automatically when something happens in Essential. Use them to keep task folders clean after your team takes the expected next action.

For example, you can set a Recurring Services Approved task to move to a done status when someone uses Quick Action: Create Job / Visit, set a bounced quote task to move to done after Edit Contact and Resend, or set an overdue invoice task to move to done when the invoice is marked paid, void, or uncollectible.

The left side groups the triggers by source: Recurring Services (Approved, Declined, Ask Someone Else, Email Bounced, Unanswered, Custom), Quotes (Signed, Email Bounced, Unanswered), Jobs (various completion outcomes), Invoices (Email Bounced, Overdue, Payment Failed), and Deficiencies. Pick a source to see the triggers available for that folder.

For each trigger you choose, under "What should the status be set to?", the task status to apply when that event occurs. To clear a task from the active folder count, choose one of your business's done statuses, such as Completed. Choosing "Do not change status (automation off)" turns that trigger off. Each trigger maps to at most one rule, and your edits aren't saved until you use Save.

> **Where to find it:** Settings -> Task Statuses -> Task Status Automations tab

## Related guides

* [Add, rename, reorder, or remove task statuses](/administration/settings/add-rename-reorder-or-remove-task-statuses.md)
* [Task folder and subfolder meanings](/field-operations/tasks/task-folder-and-subfolder-meanings.md)
* [Quick Actions on a task: create a visit, invoice, or quote without leaving the task](/field-operations/tasks/quick-actions-on-a-task-create-a-visit-invoice-or-quote-without-leaving-the-task.md)
* [Working a task: changing its status and saving notes](/field-operations/tasks/working-a-task-changing-its-status-and-saving-notes.md)
* [The Tasks inbox: folders, status filters, and search](/field-operations/tasks/the-tasks-inbox-folders-status-filters-and-search.md)


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