How to use conditional logic automations on ConvertKit

intermediate 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18

Quick Answer

ConvertKit's conditional logic automations allow you to create personalized email paths based on subscriber data like tags, custom fields, or actions. You can set up conditions using the Visual Automation builder to send different content to different segments automatically.

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Prerequisites

Active ConvertKit account
Existing email sequence or automation
Custom fields or tags set up for subscribers
Basic understanding of ConvertKit automations

Step-by-Step Instructions

Access the Visual Automation Builder

Navigate to your ConvertKit dashboard and click Automations in the left sidebar. Click New automation or select an existing automation to edit. Choose Visual Automation to access the drag-and-drop builder where you can add conditional logic.

Start with a simple automation before adding complex conditional logic to avoid confusion.

Add a Condition Element

In the Visual Automation builder, click the + button where you want to add conditional logic. Select Condition from the available elements. This will create a decision point in your automation that splits subscribers into different paths based on specific criteria.

Configure Your Condition Rules

Click on the condition element to open the settings panel. Choose your condition type from options like Has tag, Custom field value, Purchased product, or Link clicked. Set up your specific criteria by selecting the appropriate tag, custom field, or value. You can add multiple conditions using AND or OR operators.

Use clear, descriptive names for your tags and custom fields to make condition setup easier.

Create Different Automation Paths

After setting up your condition, you'll see two branches: Yes (meets condition) and No (doesn't meet condition). Click the + button on each branch to add different actions like sending specific emails, adding tags, or triggering other automations. Build out each path according to your subscriber segmentation strategy.

Keep your automation paths simple and focused on one main goal per branch.

Add Email Actions to Each Branch

On each condition branch, click + and select Send email. Choose existing emails from your library or create new ones by clicking Create email. Customize the email content for each branch to match the specific condition criteria. Set appropriate delays between emails using the Wait element if needed.

Test Your Conditional Logic

Before activating your automation, use the Preview feature to visualize the subscriber journey. Add yourself as a test subscriber with the appropriate tags or custom field values. Run through each condition path to ensure emails are being sent correctly and subscribers are following the intended routes.

Create test tags specifically for testing automations to avoid affecting your real subscriber data.

Monitor and Optimize Performance

Once your automation is live, regularly check the Reports section to analyze performance metrics for each condition branch. Look at open rates, click rates, and conversion data for different paths. Use the Automation report to see how many subscribers are taking each branch and identify optimization opportunities.

Set up regular review periods to analyze your conditional automation performance and make data-driven improvements.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Subscribers not following the correct condition path

Check that your condition criteria are properly configured and that subscribers actually have the required tags or custom field values. Verify that tag applications and custom field updates are happening before the condition element in your automation sequence.

Condition element not appearing in automation builder

Ensure you're using the Visual Automation builder, not the legacy sequence builder. Conditional logic is only available in Visual Automations. If still not visible, refresh your browser and check that your ConvertKit plan supports conditional logic features.

Multiple conditions not working as expected

Review your AND vs OR logic settings. AND requires all conditions to be true, while OR requires only one condition to be true. Test each condition individually before combining them to isolate any configuration issues.

Automation branch showing zero subscribers

Check that your condition criteria aren't too restrictive and that subscribers actually match the requirements. Review your subscriber data to confirm tags and custom fields are populated correctly. Consider broadening your condition criteria or checking for spelling errors in tag names.

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