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

# Automatic discounts vs discount codes

> Choose whether an AIOD promotion should apply automatically or require the customer to enter a discount code.

AIOD can run an offer automatically or require a discount code. The best choice depends on how customers should discover and claim the promotion.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/aiod-4861190f/i-rrNz8paXSQjZm3/images/help/discount-template-gallery.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=i-rrNz8paXSQjZm3&q=85&s=eb8a91ea7d57022e9c6a6e18439807c5" alt="AIOD discount template gallery showing the Custom Rule Builder and Combined Multi Discounts" width="1536" height="1024" data-path="images/help/discount-template-gallery.png" />

## Automatic discounts

An automatic discount runs when the cart satisfies the rule's conditions. The customer does not enter a code.

Choose this method when:

* every eligible shopper should receive the offer;
* the promotion should feel effortless;
* a free gift should appear or become available as soon as the cart qualifies; or
* the campaign is always-on or broadly advertised.

Automatic discounts are convenient, but you should review Shopify's discount-combination settings if other promotions may be active at the same time.

## Discount codes

A code-based discount runs only after the customer enters the configured code. AIOD can also provide a shareable discount URL that applies a code when opened.

Choose this method when:

* the offer is intended for a particular campaign or audience;
* you want to distribute a memorable code through email, social media, or an influencer;
* customers should opt into the promotion; or
* campaign attribution depends on a specific code.

## Important setup detail

Choose the discount method while creating the rule. Once a saved rule has an ID, AIOD treats its discount method as fixed. If the wrong method was selected, create a new rule with the correct method instead of trying to convert the existing rule.

## Quick decision guide

| Goal                                             | Recommended method |
| ------------------------------------------------ | ------------------ |
| Apply the offer to everyone who qualifies        | Automatic          |
| Require a customer to claim a promotion          | Discount code      |
| Auto-add or reveal a gift at a threshold         | Automatic          |
| Share the promotion with a campaign link or code | Discount code      |

Always test the chosen flow in a private or incognito storefront window before sending traffic to the campaign.