Introduction: What Are Notifications in Frappe?
Notifications in Frappe Framework v15 allow you to automatically alert users when specific events occur in the system.
They help teams stay informed by sending emails, Desk alerts, or system notifications triggered by document actions, workflow states, or field changes.
Notifications are rule-based, configurable, and deeply integrated with ERPNext business processes.
What Is a Notification in Frappe?
A Notification is a rule-driven alert configuration defined using the Notification DocType.
Each notification specifies:
- A target DocType
- Trigger conditions
- Recipients
- Delivery channels (Email / Desk)
- Message content
Notifications eliminate manual follow-ups and improve operational awareness.
How Do Notifications Work in Frappe?
Frappe evaluates notification rules whenever a document is created, updated, or submitted.
Execution flow:
- Document event occurs
- Notification conditions are evaluated
- Recipients are resolved
- Alerts are dispatched (Email / Desk)
This process is automatic and permission-aware.
Notification Triggers Supported in Frappe v15
Frappe supports multiple event-based triggers.
Common triggers include:
- New document creation
- Document save
- Submit / Cancel
- Value change in a field
- Workflow state change
Triggers define when a notification should run.
How to Create a Notification in Frappe?
Notifications are created using the Notification DocType from the Desk.
Steps:
- Go to Notification
- Select the target DocType
- Choose an event trigger
- Define conditions (optional)
- Configure recipients
- Set message and subject
Once enabled, the notification becomes active immediately.
How Are Notification Conditions Defined?
Conditions control when a notification is fired.
You can define:
- Field-based conditions
- Expressions using document fields
- Workflow-based checks
Conditions ensure notifications are sent only when relevant.
Who Can Receive Notifications?
Frappe allows flexible recipient targeting.
Recipients can be:
- Specific users
- Document owners
- Users from a role
- Email fields from the document
This makes notifications context-aware and role-driven.
Notification Delivery Channels
Frappe v15 supports multiple notification channels.
Available options:
- Email notifications
- Desk (in-app) notifications
You can enable one or both depending on the use case.
Email Notifications in Frappe
Email notifications use Frappe’s Email Queue system.
Features:
- HTML or plain text content
- Dynamic placeholders
- Subject templates
- Automatic queuing and retries
Emails follow the system’s email account configuration.
Desk Notifications in Frappe
Desk notifications appear in the user interface notification bell.
They are:
- Real-time
- User-specific
- Permission-aware
Desk alerts are ideal for internal task updates and approvals.
Using Dynamic Content in Notifications
Frappe supports Jinja templating in notification messages.
You can dynamically include:
- Document fields
- User details
- Workflow states
This makes notifications personalized and informative.
Example Use Cases for Notifications
- Approval alerts
- Payment reminders
- Status change updates
- SLA breach warnings
- Workflow handovers
Notifications automate communication across departments.
Best Practices for Notifications
- Keep messages short and actionable
- Avoid excessive notifications
- Use conditions to reduce noise
- Prefer role-based recipients
- Test notifications before enabling
Well-designed notifications improve productivity.
Advanced Topic: Notifications with Workflows
Notifications integrate seamlessly with Frappe Workflows.
Typical patterns:
- Notify approver on workflow transition
- Inform submitter on approval or rejection
- Trigger alerts at final states
This ensures smooth process automation.
Troubleshooting Common Notification Issues
Notification not sent?
- Check if notification is enabled
- Verify conditions and triggers
- Confirm recipient resolution
Email not delivered?
- Check Email Queue
- Verify outgoing email settings
- Review email logs
Industry Relevance
Notifications are critical in:
- ERP systems
- Manufacturing operations
- Finance and accounting
- Sales and CRM workflows
- Support and ticketing
They enable proactive, real-time communication.
Target Audience
- ERPNext Users
- Frappe Developers
- Business Process Managers
- System Administrators
Technical Prerequisites
- Frappe Framework v15
- Desk module enabled
- Email account configured (for email alerts)
Official References (Verified)
Official Documentation:
https://docs.frappe.io/framework/notifications
Frappe GitHub (v15):
