How to Set Up a Trigger on Your AI Agent (Macha)
A [trigger](/blog/what-is-a-trigger-on-macha) makes an agent run on its own when an event happens. Setting one up takes about a minute, and the only step people skip — testing that it actually fires — is the one that matters most. Here's the whole flow.
Watch it
Add the trigger
On the agent's configuration screen, find the Triggers section and click Add Triggers. You'll see the events available from your connected apps — pick the one that should start this agent.
For example, choose Ticket Status Changed on Zendesk: now, whenever a ticket's status changes, the agent runs. (Other common picks: Ticket Created, Comment Added, Priority Changed. Which one to use is its own decision — see choosing the right trigger.)
Test that it fires
Don't assume — verify. The easiest way to confirm a trigger works:
- Fire the event. For a Ticket Status Changed trigger, go to Zendesk and solve a ticket (that changes its status).
- Check the agent's History. Back in Macha, open the agent and go to History. If the trigger worked, you'll see a run logged for that event.
That's the confirmation — the status change fired the agent, and you can click in to see exactly what it did.
A good habit when you add a trigger
Adding a trigger makes the agent autonomous, so pair it with a moment of caution:
- Start safe. If the agent takes write actions, keep them on internal notes or confirmation for the first runs, then widen once you trust it.
- Watch the first real runs in History (and Agent Analytics) to make sure it's behaving.
- Pick the most specific trigger for your workflow so it doesn't fire more than it should (more in trigger best practices).
Frequently asked questions
Where do I add a trigger? On the agent's configuration screen, in the Triggers section — click Add Triggers and pick an event.
How do I know the trigger is working? Fire the event (e.g., change a ticket's status) and check the agent's History for a logged run.
Can an agent have multiple triggers? Yes — you can send several events to the same agent.
Will the agent act automatically once a trigger is set? Yes — on a trigger it runs autonomously, so test it first and start write actions safely.
The bottom line
Open the agent's config, add the trigger event under Triggers, then fire that event and check History to confirm. That's all it takes to make an agent run itself — just test it before you rely on it.
Set your first trigger: add a "Ticket Created" trigger and watch your agent run on the next ticket. 7-day free trial, no credit card required. Start free.
