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Is there a way to create a workflow step that can be easily added to multiple Zaps?


I've got a number of Zaps that require the same “Update Google Sheets Row” or “Create Shipstation Order” type of actions.

 

Does Zapier have a way for me to create these steps, add them to something like a “My Steps” internal library where they can be “dropped into” Zaps easily?

 

It might seem like a small thing but some of these steps are a bit tedious and having to program them over and over and over is cumbersome.  It would be so great if I could copy/paste action steps from other Zaps into new Zaps.

 

Is this possible?  Thanks in advance!

Best answer by Danvers

Just to summarize some of the replies here…

You can use sub-zaps to create steps that are used in multiple Zaps BUT they will be the same for each Zap - if you make a change to a sub Zap, it will affect any Zaps that are connected to it. 

Webhooks are another way that you can create Zaps that send information to another Zap (similar to sub Zaps). 

It sounds like neither will be useful in this instance, but I do know that being able to copy Zap steps is an existing feature request and I’ve passed your comments on to the team so they understand this particular use case. Thanks!

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7 replies

LauraP
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  • Zapier Staff
  • 16 replies
  • July 22, 2022

Hey @TonyRush!

Have a look at Sub-Zaps, as this is exactly what this app does: https://zapier.com/help/create/other-functions/build-reusable-sub-zaps

It allows you to build a reusable Zap that can be called from another Zap!

Just have in mind that this is a beta feature, and feel free to submit any feedback when you use it. It helps Zapier improve on it. :D 


Troy Tessalone
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Hi @TonyRush 

Good question.

Depending on your data flow, another approach is to chain Zaps together using Webhooks: https://zapier.com/apps/webhook/help

That way you can achieve a Many:1 or 1:Many connection between Zaps.


  • Author
  • Beginner
  • 2 replies
  • July 22, 2022
LauraP wrote:

Hey @TonyRush!

Have a look at Sub-Zaps, as this is exactly what this app does: https://zapier.com/help/create/other-functions/build-reusable-sub-zaps

It allows you to build a reusable Zap that can be called from another Zap!

Just have in mind that this is a beta feature, and feel free to submit any feedback when you use it. It helps Zapier improve on it. :D 

Laura, this sounds like what I want.

One more clarifying question:  once I bring the sub-Zap into my main Zap...is that instance of the Sub-Zap editable without affecting the “master template” (for lack of a better term)?


Troy Tessalone
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@TonyRush

Think of Sub-Zaps are shared Zaps.

If you edit a Sub-Zap it will impact all other Zaps that use that Sub-Zap.


  • Author
  • Beginner
  • 2 replies
  • July 22, 2022

Thank you Troy.  Based on that, sub-Zaps won’t be of help to me in my current project.  There are two fields that differ from one Zap to another...so I’d need the ability edit the SubZap (within the main Zap).

That’s a shame because it’s only one tiny difference.  

Thank you all for your help. I’m sure I can find a use for subZaps in other projects.


christina.d
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  • Zapier Staff
  • 2653 replies
  • July 28, 2022

Thanks for letting us know and that’s great feedback!

I wonder if Troy’s tips could help in this particular case then.

Depending on your data flow, another approach is to chain Zaps together using Webhookshttps://zapier.com/apps/webhook/help

That way you can achieve a Many:1 or 1:Many connection between Zaps.

Either way, keep us posted on your end solution! Curious to see how you choose to solve this. 🤗


Danvers
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  • Zapier Staff
  • 3731 replies
  • Answer
  • August 17, 2022

Just to summarize some of the replies here…

You can use sub-zaps to create steps that are used in multiple Zaps BUT they will be the same for each Zap - if you make a change to a sub Zap, it will affect any Zaps that are connected to it. 

Webhooks are another way that you can create Zaps that send information to another Zap (similar to sub Zaps). 

It sounds like neither will be useful in this instance, but I do know that being able to copy Zap steps is an existing feature request and I’ve passed your comments on to the team so they understand this particular use case. Thanks!