---
title: Actions in OpenObserve
description: Learn how to create and manage Actions in OpenObserve—custom Python scripts for real-time or scheduled automation tied to logs and alerts.
---

This guide explains what Actions are, their types, and use cases.

:::info[Availability]
This feature is available in Enterprise Edition. Not available in Open Source and Cloud.
:::
    
## What are Actions  
Actions in OpenObserve are user-defined Python scripts that support custom automation workflows. They can be applied to log data directly from the Logs UI or used as alert destinations. 

- Previously, OpenObserve supported log transformations only through VRL (Vector Remap Language). Python scripts written for Actions expand the capabilities of log transformations in OpenObserve.  
- Additionally, earlier, when an alert gets triggered, users used to get notified via email or webhook. But, with Actions as alert destinations, users can take an immediate action by adding an automation workflow using Actions. 

## How to access Actions in OpenObserve
To access the Actions page in OpenObserve:

1. Sign in to your OpenObserve account.
2. Select the desired organization from the top navigation bar (if applicable).
3. In the left navigation menu, click Actions.
![Access Actions in OpenObserve](../../../images/actions-go-to-actions-menu.png)

## Types of Actions  
OpenObserve supports two types of Actions:

- Real-time Actions  
- Scheduled Actions

## Real-time Actions  
Real-time Actions are executed immediately when applied.   
They support two usage scenarios:

- Manual execution during log exploration (via the Logs UI).  
- Automatic execution when an alert is triggered.

These actions are suitable for tasks that require immediate execution based on system activity or user interaction.

## Scheduled Actions  
Scheduled Actions run automatically based on a user-defined time interval or cron expression.  
These are ideal for recurring tasks such as:

- Periodic log analysis or cleanup  
- Scheduled integrations or reporting

## Next Steps

- [Create and Use Real-time Actions](./create-and-use-real-time-actions.md) 
- [Create and Use Scheduled Actions](./create-and-use-scheduled-actions.md)   

## Related Links

- [Declare Python Dependencies in Actions](./declare-python-dependencies-in-O2-actions.md)
- [Environment Variables in Actions](./environment-variables-in-actions.md)