> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://stage-precision.gitbook.io/grid/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://stage-precision.gitbook.io/grid/timeline/timeline-recording-and-export-guide/automating-recording-with-workflows.md).

# Automating Recording with Workflows

Automatically start and stop Timeline recordings at defined Timecodes by combining Timecode Events with the Timeline Start Record and Stop Record Workflow Actions.

Timeline recording does not have to be started and stopped manually.

Grid Studio Workflows can use **Timecode Events** together with the Timeline recording Actions to automatically start and stop a Take at predefined Timecode positions.

This is useful when the recording window is already known and recording should begin and end automatically at exact Timecode positions.

***

## Timecode Events

A **Timecode Event** listens to a selected Timecode Provider and fires when a configured Timecode is reached or matched.

For each Timecode Event, configure:

* the **Timecode Provider**
* the **Timecode** that should trigger the Event

The Event can then be connected to other Workflow Actions.

***

## Start Recording Automatically

<figure><img src="https://1761958297-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FDcGqBEYUYkl2mQzGbOue%2Fuploads%2FCvcuNTZim8dtTxX6Rg5H%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=e368cd8e-1dbc-47a2-b2dc-a98247258dfd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To automatically start a Timeline recording:

1. Add a **Timecode Event** to the Workflow.
2. Select the required **Timecode Provider**.
3. Enter the Timecode at which recording should begin.
4. Connect the Event to the Timeline's **Start Record** Action.

When the configured Timecode is reached, the Event fires and recording starts automatically.

For example:

`00:09:00.000 → Start Record`

***

## Stop Recording Automatically

<figure><img src="https://1761958297-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FDcGqBEYUYkl2mQzGbOue%2Fuploads%2F6zBsb2AsgW7o674L9DsP%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=4cc02916-6fde-45a5-8cda-150318927a60" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The same principle can be used to stop the recording.

1. Add another **Timecode Event**.
2. Select the required Timecode Provider.
3. Enter the desired recording end Timecode.
4. Connect the Event to the Timeline's **Stop Record** Action.

For example:

`00:20:00.000 → Stop Record`

The resulting Workflow can therefore define a complete automatic recording window:

`00:09:00.000 → Start Record`

`00:20:00.000 → Stop Record`

***

## Timeline Recording Actions

Timelines expose recording Actions that can be used directly from Workflows.

For automated recording, the relevant Actions are:

* **Start Record**
* **Stop Record**

The same Timeline Actions can also be combined with other Workflow logic when recording should depend on more than just Timecode.

For additional Timeline Actions and Events, see **Timeline Actions & Events**.

***

## Before Using Automated Recording

Automating the Start and Stop commands does not replace the normal recording preparation.

Before the Workflow is allowed to trigger the Take, make sure that:

* the correct Parameter Layer is selected as the recording target
* all required objects are armed
* the Project FPS is configured correctly
* the recording Timecode source is configured
* Timecode quality and synchronization have been verified
* dedicated Recording Objects are receiving the expected data
* the expected recording range has been prepared

{% hint style="info" %}
The Workflow automates **when** Start Record and Stop Record are triggered.

All other recording preparation remains the same as for a manually started Take.
{% endhint %}