How Can I Use Nylas to Automate Email Workflows Step by Step?

General Discussion
1

Hello

I have been learning how to use the Nylas APIs, and while sending and syncing emails works fine, I want to know how to make more advanced workflows. :slightly_smiling_face: For example, if I get an email with a certain subject, I’d like it to be tagged, important details saved, and then maybe shared automatically to Slack or another app.:innocent: Right now, I do this by hand, but I’d like to make it automatic.

The part I’m not sure about is where to set up this logic. Should I build it all myself in my backend using the API, or is there an easier way to connect Nylas with other tools? :thinking:

I want something simple that doesn’t take too much extra setup. Checked Automate time-consuming scheduling workflows | Nylas guide for reference. :slightly_smiling_face:

So my question is: has anyone here created multi-step automations with Nylas?:thinking: I was reading about what is Microsoft Power Automate, and it gave me the idea that something similar might be possible with Nylas.

Any advice, tips, or examples would really help me and others who are just starting out.

Thank you !!:slightly_smiling_face:

2

Hi @hedij,

Short answer: Yes — you can build multi-step automations with Nylas. The simplest pattern is: Nylas webhooks → your backend or a low-code router → actions (tag, save, post to Slack, etc.).

Two easy paths -

Option A: Backend

  • Subscribe to webhooks for message.created and message.updated and treat them as upserts (some providers emit “updated” on first delivery; this avoids misses).

  • In your webhook handler, check your rule (e.g., subject contains “Updates”).

  • Apply a tag (Gmail → labels; Outlook → categories/folders), save any details you need (sender, subject, links), and fan out to Slack or another app via their API.

  • Add simple idempotency so the same message isn’t processed twice.

Option B: Low-code tools

  • Point Nylas webhooks to Zapier Webhooks, Pipedream, etc.

  • Use their visual steps to branch on conditions, update the message via Nylas, and send to Slack/Notion/Sheets, etc.

  • Good fit if you want results fast without managing infrastructure.

Why webhooks?

  • They trigger the moment an email arrives, so your logic can branch immediately (e.g., “if subject contains X → add label Y → post to Slack channel Z”).

Best practices:

  • Use both message.created and message.updated (treat as upserts) to avoid provider quirks.

  • Ensure the grant has the read + modify scopes you need for tagging/moving.

  • Return 200 quickly on webhook receipt; run heavier work async to avoid retries.

  • Verify webhook signatures and lock down the endpoint.

  • Remember that “tagging” maps to labels (Gmail) vs categories/folders (Outlook).

tl;dr
Start with webhooks and one simple rule (match on subject). From there, it’s easy to add steps: tag the email, store key fields, and post to Slack — either with a backend or a low-code router.

3

Hi @hedij

We actually are in the middle of building a workflow API which can help orchestrate your email workflows. Can I grab 30 mins with you? I can also bring in my Product counterpart and we can help you with exactly what you want.

Not braggign but I have built workflows for this exact usecase in the past :slight_smile:

Thanks

Chitresh