Auto-Pilot vs. Co-Pilot for Action Columns

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

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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