---
ref: tool:clay/create-signal
name: Create a signal
company: company:clay
workflows: [workflow:job-posting-lead-lists]
access: [cli]
tags: [capability:track-intent, category:data-provider, has:cli]
docs: https://github.com/clay-run/agent-plugins/blob/main/clay/skills/signals/SKILL.md
updated: 2026-09-29
---

# Create a signal

Creates a signal that watches people or companies and records an event on a job change, promotion, new hire, job posting, funding news or topic intent.

Note: Custom and web intent signals can't be created here: they are set up in the Clay app. Run `clay signals create --help` for the supported types and each one's input shape.

## Set up

Use the first option your agent supports.

### CLI (official)

Install the command and sign in with it, then confirm it runs.

```sh
npm install --global @clay-run/cli
clay --version
```

Run `clay signals create`.

Before anything else, confirm access with the cheapest read-only call, like a list or a search. Never send or change anything to test access.

## Rules

- Ask the user before anything that sends messages, costs money, or changes data, and say how many records it touches. One approval covers a batch the user has seen.
- Never print API keys.