# How to Generate Custom Code with AI in Workflows > Learn how to use Build with AI in workflow Custom code actions to generate JavaScript, add input properties, test output, and save automation code. - Source: https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/workflows/workflow-actions/how-to-generate-custom-code-with-ai-in-workflows - Section: Workflows / Workflow Actions - Reading time: 10 min - Images: 10, each explained below --- Build with AI helps you generate JavaScript for the **Custom code** workflow action by describing what you need in plain language. Instead of writing every snippet from scratch, you can add input properties, explain the desired logic, review the generated code, test the output, and save the action inside your workflow. This article explains how to use **Build with AI** safely and how to test generated custom code before publishing your workflow. --- **TABLE OF CONTENTS** - [What is Build with AI for Workflow Custom Code?](#what-is-build-with-ai-for-workflow-custom-code) - [Key Benefits of Generating Custom Code with AI](#key-benefits-of-generating-custom-code-with-ai) - [Before You Begin](#before-you-begin) - [Build with AI vs. Workflow AI Builder](#build-with-ai-vs-workflow-ai-builder) - [Input Properties in Custom Code](#input-properties-in-custom-code) - [Custom Code Output and Reference Output](#custom-code-output-and-reference-output) - [How To Generate Custom Code with AI in Workflows](#how-to-generate-custom-code-with-ai-in-workflows) - [Prompt Examples for Build with AI](#prompt-examples-for-build-with-ai) - [Reviewing AI-Generated Code Before Publishing](#reviewing-ai-generated-code-before-publishing) - [Testing and Troubleshooting Generated Code](#testing-and-troubleshooting-generated-code) - [Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions) - [Related Articles](#related-articles) --- --- # **What is Build with AI for Workflow Custom Code?** Build with AI is an AI-assisted code generation option inside the **Custom code** workflow action. It helps generate JavaScript based on your prompt, input properties, and expected output. Build with AI is useful when you need to transform data, format values, calculate results, prepare API requests, or create custom logic for one workflow step. It does not generate a complete workflow. Use **Workflow AI Builder** when you want AI to help create or edit an entire workflow. --- ## **Key Benefits of Generating Custom Code with AI** Build with AI helps users create custom workflow logic faster while still keeping control over what gets saved and published. Generated code should always be reviewed and tested before the workflow is used live. - **Faster code creation:** Generate JavaScript from a plain-language description. - **Workflow data support:** Use input properties from the workflow inside generated code. - **Flexible logic:** Format data, calculate values, build conditions, or prepare API requests. - **Review before saving:** Inspect generated code before using it in the action. - **Built-in testing:** Test the code and confirm output before saving the workflow action. - **Reusable output:** Return fields that later workflow actions can reference. --- ## **Before You Begin** Custom code can affect how data moves through your workflow, so it is important to prepare the action carefully before generating or saving code. A clear prompt, correct input properties, and a successful test help prevent unexpected workflow behavior. Before using Build with AI, confirm the following: - You can create or edit the workflow. - You are using the **Custom code** workflow action. - You understand what data the code should use. - You know the expected output fields needed by later workflow actions. - You will review and test the generated code before publishing the workflow. - The **Custom code** action is a premium workflow action. --- ## **Build with AI vs. Workflow AI Builder** GHL Customer Care includes multiple AI tools for workflows. Choosing the right one depends on whether you need help with the entire automation or only one custom code step. Use **Workflow AI Builder** when you want AI to help create or edit a full workflow, including triggers, actions, and overall automation structure. Use **Build with AI** inside the **Custom code** action when you only need JavaScript for one workflow step. For example, use Workflow AI Builder to create a lead follow-up workflow. Use Build with AI when one step in that workflow needs to format a phone number, calculate a value, extract part of an email address, or prepare data for another system. --- ## **Input Properties in Custom Code** Input properties allow the Custom code action to use values from the workflow. These properties define the data your JavaScript can reference while running. Each input property includes a key and a value. The key is the name your code uses, and the value is the workflow data assigned to that key. In the code editor, input properties can be referenced using either format: ```javascript inputData.keyName ``` or ```javascript inputData['keyName'] ``` For example, if you add an input property with the key `email`, the code can reference it as: ```javascript inputData.email ``` Add the needed input properties before testing your code. If generated code does not use the right fields, review the property keys and make sure your prompt clearly describes which values should be used. **Screenshot: Property to include in code area showing inputData guidance and Add property fields.** --- ## **Custom Code Output and Reference Output** The Custom code action should return a JavaScript object or an array of objects. These returned values become the output that later workflow actions can reference. For example: ```javascript return { emailDomain: domain, formattedPhone: formattedPhone }; ``` After testing the code successfully, use **Reference output** to review the available output fields. Later workflow actions can use these fields only when the code returns the expected structure. Important output notes: - Return a JavaScript object or array of objects. - Test the code so output fields can be referenced later. - Keep the total response size under **2MB**. - Review **Reference output** after testing to confirm the output structure. --- ## **How To Generate Custom Code with AI in Workflows** Build with AI is available inside the **Custom code** action in the workflow builder. Use it to describe the JavaScript you need, review the generated code, test the output, and save the action. ### **Go to Automation > Workflows** Open **Automation**, then select **Workflows**. This is where you can create, edit, test, and publish workflow automations. ### ![Go to Automation > Workflows (image 1 of 10)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155076684064/original/b9n4lFFREE6NiJ7McJ4wf4b1dUX739BGKA.png) **Go to Automation > Workflows (image 1 of 10)** This screenshot appears in the "Go to Automation > Workflows" section of "How to Generate Custom Code with AI in Workflows". The text alongside this image reads: Open Automation, then select Workflows. This is where you can create, edit, test, and publish workflow automations. Immediately after, the guide continues: Create a new workflow or open an existing workflow draft. Use a test or draft workflow when experimenting with generated code so you can validate the behavior before using it live. - Where to go: Open Automation, then select Workflows. This is where you can create, edit, test, and publish workflow automations. - Next: Create a new workflow or open an existing workflow draft. Use a test or draft workflow when experimenting with generated code so you can validate the behavior before using it live. ### **Create or open a workflow** Create a new workflow or open an existing workflow draft. Use a test or draft workflow when experimenting with generated code so you can validate the behavior before using it live. ![Create or open a workflow (image 2 of 10)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155076684439/original/9GBvDPKkml420_z8-vg_pETwd4gVKjBNBg.png) **Create or open a workflow (image 2 of 10)** This screenshot appears in the "Create or open a workflow" section of "How to Generate Custom Code with AI in Workflows". The text alongside this image reads: Create a new workflow or open an existing workflow draft. Use a test or draft workflow when experimenting with generated code so you can validate the behavior before using it live. Immediately after, the guide continues: Under builder tab, hover over Add first step and click Add Action at the correct point in the workflow. Choose the step location based on where the custom logic should run. - What this covers: Create a new workflow or open an existing workflow draft. Use a test or draft workflow when experimenting with generated code so you can validate the behavior before using it live. - Next: Under builder tab, hover over Add first step and click Add Action at the correct point in the workflow. Choose the step location based on where the custom logic should run. ### **Add a workflow action** Under builder tab, hover over **Add first step** and click **Add Action** at the correct point in the workflow. Choose the step location based on where the custom logic should run. ![Add a workflow action (image 3 of 10)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155076685097/original/gu2leJCbj2bg6KoCN6Cew80kO19y07iSbg.png) **Add a workflow action (image 3 of 10)** This screenshot appears in the "Add a workflow action" section of "How to Generate Custom Code with AI in Workflows". The text alongside this image reads: Under builder tab, hover over Add first step and click Add Action at the correct point in the workflow. Choose the step location based on where the custom logic should run. Immediately after, the guide continues: In the Actions panel, search for or select Custom code. The action opens in the right-side configuration panel. - What to choose: Under builder tab, hover over Add first step and click Add Action at the correct point in the workflow. Choose the step location based on where the custom logic should run. - Controls: Add first step, Add Action - Next: In the Actions panel, search for or select Custom code. The action opens in the right-side configuration panel. ### **Select Custom code** In the Actions panel, search for or select **Custom code**. The action opens in the right-side configuration panel. ![Select Custom code (image 4 of 10)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155076685404/original/-GPCtesMu1EcGU0sTCzNn0qp4mnsCnJcFg.png) **Select Custom code (image 4 of 10)** This screenshot appears in the "Select Custom code" section of "How to Generate Custom Code with AI in Workflows". The text alongside this image reads: In the Actions panel, search for or select Custom code. The action opens in the right-side configuration panel. Immediately after, the guide continues: The Custom code panel includes the action name, language selection, input properties, code editor, Build with AI button, testing tools, reference output, and save button. The panel also shows that Custom code is a premium action. - What to choose: In the Actions panel, search for or select Custom code. The action opens in the right-side configuration panel. - Controls: Custom code - Next: The Custom code panel includes the action name, language selection, input properties, code editor, Build with AI button, testing tools, reference output, and save button. The panel also shows that Custom code is a premium action. ### **Review the Custom code action panel** The Custom code panel includes the action name, language selection, input properties, code editor, Build with AI button, testing tools, reference output, and save button. The panel also shows that Custom code is a premium action. ### **Name the action** Enter an action name that clearly describes what the code does. A descriptive name makes the workflow easier to review later, especially when there are multiple custom code steps. Example names: - Format Phone Number - Extract Email Domain - Calculate Discount - Prepare API Payload ![Name the action (image 5 of 10)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155076685630/original/Y-mghWWUZRWR7Ff11dcgogBrvBWx_LuSHw.png) **Name the action (image 5 of 10)** This screenshot appears in the "Name the action" section of "How to Generate Custom Code with AI in Workflows". The text alongside this image reads: Format Phone Number Extract Email Domain Calculate Discount Prepare API Payload. This part of the guide covers 4 fields, listed below. Immediately after, the guide continues: Review the Language dropdown and confirm it is set to Javascript. The Custom code action uses JavaScript for the generated code. - What this covers: Format Phone Number Extract Email Domain Calculate Discount Prepare API Payload - Fields: Format Phone Number, Extract Email Domain, Calculate Discount, Prepare API Payload - Next: Review the Language dropdown and confirm it is set to Javascript. The Custom code action uses JavaScript for the generated code. Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot): - Format Phone Number: +1 312 847 1928 Full procedure: 1. Format Phone Number 2. Extract Email Domain 3. Calculate Discount 4. Prepare API Payload ### **Confirm the language is set to Javascript** Review the **Language** dropdown and confirm it is set to **Javascript**. The Custom code action uses JavaScript for the generated code. ![Confirm the language is set to Javascript (image 6 of 10)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155076685706/original/q2lMDzpudTrlWOc70YN-vfaBf2Th_mSanA.png) **Confirm the language is set to Javascript (image 6 of 10)** This screenshot appears in the "Confirm the language is set to Javascript" section of "How to Generate Custom Code with AI in Workflows". The text alongside this image reads: Review the Language dropdown and confirm it is set to Javascript. The Custom code action uses JavaScript for the generated code. Immediately after, the guide continues: Use Property to include in code to add the data your JavaScript should use. Add a clear key name and assign the correct workflow value. - What to choose: Review the Language dropdown and confirm it is set to Javascript. The Custom code action uses JavaScript for the generated code. - Controls: Language, Javascript - Next: Use Property to include in code to add the data your JavaScript should use. Add a clear key name and assign the correct workflow value. ### **Add properties to include in code** Use **Property to include in code** to add the data your JavaScript should use. Add a clear key name and assign the correct workflow value. For example, you might add: - `email` - `` `phone` `` - ```` ``` `` `amount` `` ``` ```` - `````` ````` ```` ``` `` `fullName` `` ``` ```` ````` `````` - `````` ````` ```` ``` `` `opportunityValue` `` ``` ```` ````` `````` Your code can then reference those values using `inputData.email`, `inputData.phone`, or the matching key name. ![Add properties to include in code (image 7 of 10)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155076685816/original/xWXMKgef7keSDGmD8qhoRuWwcMQArWVbPg.png) **Add properties to include in code (image 7 of 10)** This screenshot appears in the "Add properties to include in code" section of "How to Generate Custom Code with AI in Workflows". The text alongside this image reads: Your code can then reference those values using inputData.email, inputData.phone, or the matching key name. This part of the guide covers 4 fields, listed below. Immediately after, the guide continues: In the Code section, click Build with AI. This opens the AI prompt experience for generating JavaScript. - What this covers: Your code can then reference those values using inputData.email, inputData.phone, or the matching key name. - Fields: email, phone, amount, fullName - Controls: Property to include in code - Next: In the Code section, click Build with AI. This opens the AI prompt experience for generating JavaScript. Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot): - email: priya.raman@northgatedental.com - phone: +1 312 847 1928 ### **Click Build with AI** In the **Code** section, click **Build with AI**. This opens the AI prompt experience for generating JavaScript. ![Click Build with AI (image 8 of 10)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155076686281/original/PpHk7NY7wypLnzWpWnxoo6BOmISD9FXk7w.gif) **Click Build with AI (image 8 of 10)** This animation appears in the "Click Build with AI" section of "How to Generate Custom Code with AI in Workflows". The text alongside this image reads: In the Code section, click Build with AI. This opens the AI prompt experience for generating JavaScript. Immediately after, the guide continues: Enter a clear prompt that explains what the code should do, which input properties to use, and what output fields should be returned. - What to click: In the Code section, click Build with AI. This opens the AI prompt experience for generating JavaScript. - Controls: Code, Build with AI - Next: Enter a clear prompt that explains what the code should do, which input properties to use, and what output fields should be returned. ### **Describe the code you need** Enter a clear prompt that explains what the code should do, which input properties to use, and what output fields should be returned. A strong prompt should include: - The goal of the code - Input property names - Expected output field names - Formatting rules - Fallback behavior for missing values - API endpoint, method, headers, or payload details, if using an API - Example input and expected output, when helpful Example prompt: Use `inputData.email` to extract the email domain. Return the result as `emailDomain`. If the email is missing or invalid, return an empty string. ### **Review the generated JavaScript** Review the code before using it. Confirm that the logic matches your request, the input property keys are correct, and the output fields match what later workflow actions need. Check for: - Correct input property names - Expected output field names - Accurate calculations or formatting - Safe handling of missing values - Correct API endpoint, headers, and payload if making an API request. ### **Format the code, if needed** Use **Format code** to clean up the code layout. Formatting makes the code easier to read, review, and troubleshoot. ![Format the code, if needed (image 9 of 10)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155076686436/original/vIsyCgsgAecf58YePXnFBMDZpcRHajQXYg.png) **Format the code, if needed (image 9 of 10)** This screenshot appears in the "Format the code, if needed" section of "How to Generate Custom Code with AI in Workflows". The text alongside this image reads: Use Format code to clean up the code layout. Formatting makes the code easier to read, review, and troubleshoot. Immediately after, the guide continues: Click Test your code to confirm the code runs successfully. Testing helps verify that the action returns the expected output before the workflow is published. - What this covers: Use Format code to clean up the code layout. Formatting makes the code easier to read, review, and troubleshoot. - Controls: Format code - Next: Click Test your code to confirm the code runs successfully. Testing helps verify that the action returns the expected output before the workflow is published. ### **Test your code** Click **Test your code** to confirm the code runs successfully. Testing helps verify that the action returns the expected output before the workflow is published. The UI notes that custom values are not passed when testing code, so use appropriate sample values or workflow test data when validating behavior. ![Test your code (image 10 of 10)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155076686713/original/2Zn44Hgrq0HX8fwUTlTqQOFtIho_Jnrl1Q.gif) **Test your code (image 10 of 10)** This animation appears in the "Test your code" section of "How to Generate Custom Code with AI in Workflows". The text alongside this image reads: The UI notes that custom values are not passed when testing code, so use appropriate sample values or workflow test data when validating behavior. Immediately after, the guide continues: After testing, review the returned output and confirm it matches the expected structure. Use Reference output to confirm which fields can be used in later workflow actions. - What this covers: The UI notes that custom values are not passed when testing code, so use appropriate sample values or workflow test data when validating behavior. - Controls: Test your code - Next: After testing, review the returned output and confirm it matches the expected structure. Use Reference output to confirm which fields can be used in later workflow actions. ### **Review the output** After testing, review the returned output and confirm it matches the expected structure. Use **Reference output** to confirm which fields can be used in later workflow actions. ### **Save the action** Click **Save action** once the generated code is reviewed, tested, and returning the expected output. Unsaved changes may not be used in the workflow. ### **Test the full workflow** Run a full workflow test before publishing or enabling the workflow live. Confirm the Custom code action runs successfully and that later actions receive the expected output. Use **Execution logs** or workflow test results to troubleshoot errors, missing values, or unexpected behavior. --- ## **Prompt Examples for Build with AI** Clear prompts help Build with AI generate more useful JavaScript. Include the input property names and the exact output fields you want returned. ### **Extract an email domain** Use `inputData.email` to extract the domain from the email address. Return it as `emailDomain`. If the email is missing or invalid, return an empty string. ### **Format a phone number** Use `inputData.phone` to format the phone number into E.164 format for the United States. Return the result as `formattedPhone`. If the phone number is missing or invalid, return an empty string. ### **Calculate a discount** Use `inputData.amount` to calculate a 15% discount. Return `discountAmount` and `finalAmount`. If the amount is missing, return both values as 0. ### **Split a full name** Use `inputData.fullName` to split the name into `firstName` and `lastName`. If only one name is provided, return it as `firstName` and leave `lastName` blank. ### **Prepare an API request** Send a POST request to the provided API endpoint using `inputData.email`, `inputData.firstName`, and `inputData.lastName`. Return the response status and response ID as `status` and `externalId`. --- ## **Reviewing AI-Generated Code Before Publishing** AI-generated code can speed up workflow setup, but it should still be reviewed before being used in live automation. Review helps prevent incorrect data formatting, failed API calls, missing output fields, or unexpected workflow behavior. Before saving or publishing, check: - The code uses the correct input property keys. - The code handles missing or empty values safely. - Output field names are clear and consistent. - Calculations, date handling, and formatting rules are correct. - API endpoint, method, headers, authentication, and payload are correct. - Sensitive values are not hardcoded unless appropriate for your setup. - Later workflow actions reference the correct output fields. - The full workflow has been tested with sample records. --- ## **Testing and Troubleshooting Generated Code** Testing confirms that the Custom code action works before it affects live workflow records. Use the built-in code test first, then test the full workflow and review execution results. Recommended testing steps: - Add sample input properties or use appropriate workflow test data. - Click **Test your code**. - Confirm the returned output matches the expected structure. - Review **Reference output** after a successful test. - Save the action. - Test the full workflow. - Review **Execution logs** if the workflow does not behave as expected. --- ## **Frequently Asked Questions** **Q: What is Build with AI in the Custom code action?** Build with AI is an AI option inside the Custom code workflow action that helps generate JavaScript from a plain-language prompt. **Q: Where do I find Build with AI?** Go to **Automation > Workflows**, open or create a workflow, add a **Custom code** action, then click **Build with AI** in the Code section. **Q: Is Build with AI the same as Workflow AI Builder?** No. Workflow AI Builder helps create or edit entire workflows. Build with AI generates JavaScript for one Custom code workflow action. **Q: What language does the Custom code action use?** The current Custom code action uses **Javascript**. **Q: Can Build with AI use data from previous workflow steps?** Yes. Add the needed values as input properties, then reference them in code using `inputData.keyName` or `inputData['keyName']`. **Q: What should my code return?** The code should return a JavaScript object or an array of objects so later workflow actions can reference the output. **Q: Why is output not available in later workflow actions?** Confirm the code was tested successfully and that it returns the expected output fields. **Q: Can I use Build with AI for API requests?** Yes. Include the endpoint, method, headers, authentication details, payload requirements, and expected response fields in your prompt. **Q: Should I test AI-generated code before publishing?** Yes. Always test generated code and the full workflow before publishing or using the workflow live. **Q: What does the 2MB response limit mean?** The total response returned by the Custom code action must be under **2MB**. **Q: Are custom values passed when testing code?** The UI notes that custom values are not passed when testing code. Use appropriate sample values or workflow test data when validating the code. **Q: Is the Custom code action free to use?** The current UI identifies Custom code as a premium action. --- ### **Related Articles** - [Workflow Action - Custom Code](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/workflows/integrations-workflow-actions/workflow-action-custom-code)⁠ - [Workflow Action - Custom Code AI](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/workflows/workflow-builder/workflow-action-custom-code-ai)⁠ - [Workflow Builder Walkthrough](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/workflows/workflow-builder/workflow-builder-walkthrough)⁠ - [Getting Started with Workflows](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/workflows/workflow-builder/getting-started-with-workflows)⁠ - [Improved Workflow Execution Logs & Enrollment History](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/workflows/getting-started-w-workflows/workflows-improved-execution-logs-enrollment-history)⁠ - [Workflow AI Builder: Generate and Edit Workflows with AI](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/workflows/getting-started-w-workflows/workflow-ai-builder)⁠ --- Documentation for GHL Customer Care. Support: support@ghlcustomercare.com