> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.b3os.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Generate ID

Generate unique identifiers (UUID or short ID). UUID is standard 36-char format. Short ID is alphanumeric and email-safe. Ideal for: order IDs, reference codes, tracking numbers, unique keys, email-safe identifiers.

Catalog action Utility

Generate unique identifiers (UUID or short ID). UUID is standard 36-char format. Short ID is alphanumeric and email-safe. Ideal for: order IDs, reference codes, tracking numbers, unique keys, email-safe identifiers.


## At a Glance

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Action ID | `generate-id` |
| Category | Utility |
| Connector | Not required |
| Requires gas | No |
| Funds movement | None declared |
| Tags | `generator`, `random`, `string`, `email` |

## Payload Schema

| Field | Type | Required | Description |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `format` | `string` | No | ID format to generate. UUID is 36 chars, Short ID is customizable length. |
| `length` | `number` | No | Length for short ID \(default: 8\). Ignored for UUID format. |

## Result Schema

| Field | Type | Required | Description |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `id` | `string` | Yes | The generated unique identifier |
| `format` | `string` | Yes | The format used to generate the ID |

## Examples

**Workflow node**

```json
{
  "type": "generate-id",
  "payload": {
    "format": "uuid",
    "length": 8
  },
  "children": []
}
```
  **Test with API**

```bash
curl -X POST "https://api.b3os.org/v1/actions/generate-id/test" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
  "inputs": {
    "format": "uuid",
    "length": 8
  }
}'
```

**Use expressions for dynamic values**

Payload fields can use workflow expressions such as `{{$trigger.body.amount}}`, `{{$nodes.fetch.result.price}}`, and `{{$props.asset}}` when the value should come from a trigger, prior node, or reusable workflow prop.