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Filter Action Block

Route contacts using rules based on contact data.

What's in this article

 

Summary

The Filter block checks rules and sends the contact down the Match, Not Match, or Always path.

 

 

When to use

  • Send different messages to members vs guests
  • Skip people who already redeemed an offer
  • Only message contacts with valid email/SMS subscription

 

 

How it works

  • You define rules using fields, tags, and event data.
  • Contacts who meet the rules go to Match. Others go to Not Match.
  • Always runs no matter what (good for logging).

 

 

Best practices

  • Keep filters simple (1–3 rules).
  • Use clear tag names so non-marketers can understand them.
  • Always add a safe fallback path (log, or send to staff).

 

 

Tabs in this block

Editor

This is where you configure the block. After you change settings, save the block so the automation uses the updated configuration.

Stats

Stats populate after the block runs for at least one contact. For most blocks, Stats are mainly for quick troubleshooting (example: times triggered and last completed).

Task Log

The Task Log is the best place to troubleshoot a specific run. Each row is one task (usually one contact) that passed through this block.

  • Time: when the task ran
  • Run Duration: how long it took
  • Contact: click the person icon to open the contact profile
  • View Payload: click VIEW PAYLOAD to see all data passed through the automation for that task
  • Task ID: helpful for internal debugging and support

Warnings & Errors

  • Errors must be fixed before the automation can be enabled.
  • Warnings do not always block enabling, but they usually mean something is missing or risky.
  • If you see an error or warning banner, fix it in the Editor, then re-open the block to confirm it is cleared.

 

 

Using Segments with the Filter block

Segments are saved filters you can reuse anywhere you need consistent targeting. In the Filter block, segments help you apply the same “who should qualify?” rules across multiple automations—without rebuilding conditions every time.

What happens when you select a Segment

When you click Select Segment, Patch uses that saved segment as your filter logic. The segment is evaluated using the contact’s current data at the moment the automation runs, so it stays up to date as contact fields change.

Segment vs “Add Conditions” (inside Filter)

You can build your Filter logic two ways:

  • Select Segment: Best for rules you want to reuse (opt-in eligible, active customers, at-risk, VIP, etc.).

  • Add Conditions: Best for rules that are unique to this one automation.

If you use both, treat it like: Segment rules + additional conditions (you’re narrowing further).

When to use “Save as Segment”

If you find yourself building the same conditions more than once, click Save as Segment so you can reuse it later. Common reusable segments include:

  • “SMS eligible” (has phone + opted in + not opted out)

  • “Email eligible” (has email + subscribed)

  • “Do not contact” (staff/test contacts, blocked tags, compliance exclusions)

  • “At-risk” (hasn’t returned in X days)

Quick testing tip

Use Limit to Specific Contacts to test your Filter before you enable the automation:

  1. Pick a contact you expect to match

  2. Pick a contact you expect to not match

  3. Confirm they route correctly, then remove the limit

Segments Best practice

Keep segments “clean and reusable” (broad audience rules), then use Add Conditions for campaign-specific details. This keeps your automations easier to maintain and reduces mistakes.