> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.helmut.de/helmut4-releases/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.helmut.de/helmut4-releases/helmut4-components/streamdesigner/nodes/actions/misc-21/fail-action.md).

# Fail Action

The **Fail Action** node intentionally fails a stream. It can be used to stop processing immediately when a specific condition is met, or to mark a workflow as failed on purpose.

In **FX triggers**, failing a stream also affects the trigger chain: any subsequent streams assigned to the same FX trigger will be skipped.\
Example: If an FX trigger has four streams and the second stream ends with a Fail Action, streams three and four will not run.

{% hint style="warning" %}

#### Use Case Scope

This node is applicable only to **FX streams**.

For **IO, CO, and HK** workflows, use the **Job Status Update Action** as the equivalent mechanism to influence job/state handling.
{% endhint %}

#### Input Parameters

**Message (optional)**\
Optional error message returned with the failure. This can be used to document why the stream was intentionally stopped.

<figure><img src="/files/hfyWjwK62ZsYHhIj4c6q" alt="" width="350"><figcaption><p>Fail Action</p></figcaption></figure>

#### Behavior

* Always fails when executed
* Immediately marks the stream as failed
* In FX triggers, prevents any subsequent streams in that trigger chain from running
* Allows connecting additional nodes after it, but only the **fail output** can be used

#### Typical Use Cases

* enforcing validation rules (e.g., required metadata missing)
* hard-stopping an FX workflow when a prerequisite is not met
* preventing follow-up streams from running if a critical condition occurs
* returning a clear error message to operators or logs

#### Important Note

Use this node only when failing is the desired outcome.\
If the goal is to continue the workflow but handle an error gracefully, use conditional logic or a Success Action (for non-critical failures) instead.