Overview
Trails automatically determines the optimal path for cross-chain transaction execution, whether it’s a simple single-chain transaction or a complex multi-step orchestration involving swaps, bridges, and executions across different blockchains. Trails is built on the Sequence v3 stack combining the powers of account abstraction, real-time indexing, and gasless transaction execution into an intent-powered chain abstraction solution. Trails is designed to work with any wallet, including a simple EOA wallet, a powerful smart wallet or an in-app embedded wallet (ie. MetaMask, Wallet Connect, Privy, Coinbase Smart Wallet, etc). For more details under-the-hood, please see the protocol architecture section. The protocol is designed to be extensible, with plans to support non-EVM chains in the future.Step-by-Step Flow
1
Define Intent
Create a payment transaction for any chain in any tokenUsers begin by defining their payment intent - whether it’s a mint, deposit, swap, or any other transaction type. This intent can be created for any supported blockchain using any supported token.
2
Trails Inspects
Determines if orchestration is neededTrails’s intelligent orchestration engine analyzes the defined intent to determine the optimal execution path:
- Pass Through: If the transaction can succeed without orchestration (same chain, sufficient balance, etc.), it passes through directly
- Continue Orchestrating: If cross-chain operations or token swaps are needed, the system continues to the orchestration process
This inspection happens in milliseconds and considers factors like:
- Available token balances
- Gas requirements
- Chain compatibility
- Protocol availability
3
Select Route
Trails suggests optimal routing optionsWhen orchestration is required, Trails analyzes available routes across chains and presents the optimal options:
- Automated Suggestions: The system suggests the most efficient token and chain combinations
- User Customization: Users can review and customize the suggested route
- Cost Analysis: Each route option includes gas costs, fees, and estimated execution time
Users maintain full control over the routing decision while benefiting from Trails’s optimization algorithms.
4
Orchestrate Payment
Intelligently combine operations for the selected routeOnce the route is confirmed, Trails orchestrates the necessary operations:
- Swap Operations: Convert tokens to the required format
- Bridge Transactions: Move assets between chains when needed
- Execution Preparation: Set up the final transaction parameters
5
Execute Transaction
User confirms and completes the end-to-end flowThe final step puts control back in the user’s hands:
- Wallet Confirmation: User reviews and confirms the transaction through their connected wallet
- End-to-End Execution: Trails executes the complete orchestrated flow
- Transaction Completion: The system handles all intermediate steps and delivers the final result
Users only need to sign once, but Trails may execute multiple transactions behind the scenes to complete the orchestrated payment.
Key Benefits
Simplified UX
Users interact with a simple interface while Trails handles complex cross-chain orchestration
Optimal Routing
Intelligent algorithms find the most efficient paths across chains and protocols
Cost Effective
Minimizes fees and gas costs through smart routing and batching
Secure
Non-custodial architecture ensures users maintain control of their assets
Technical Architecture
The Trails protocol leverages several key components:- Intent Recognition: Parses and understands user payment intentions
- Route Optimization: Calculates optimal paths across supported chains
- Protocol Integration: Interfaces with DEXs, bridges, and other protocols
- Transaction Orchestration: Coordinates complex multi-step operations
- Execution Engine: Handles the actual transaction execution and monitoring
Integration with External Protocols & Liquidity Networks
- Trails as Orchestrator (Glue Layer): Trails does not custody funds or act as a bridge/DEX itself. It orchestrates flows across existing liquidity networks and chains, acting as the glue that connects them so they work seamlessly as one.
- Relayers & Cross-Chain Routers: Trails composes best-in-class relayers and routers (e.g., Relay, LiFi, custom routers) to execute cross-chain legs when required.
- Liquidity Providers (LPs) & DEXs: Trails taps into AMMs, RFQ makers, and LPs to source liquidity and pricing, selecting the optimal venue per step of the route, providing the best price and gas efficiency possible for the end-user.
- Pluggable Architecture: New protocols, bridges, and networks can be added without changing integrator code. Trails evaluates options at runtime and selects the safest, most efficient path, giving the developer full control over the flow.
Trails is responsible for orchestrating the flow, not holding user assets. It coordinates protocols so users can transact with a single click (one transaction on the original chain), while assets move through underlying networks.
Security & Validation
- Built on Sequence v3: Trails is built on top of Sequence’s audited v3 wallet contracts, leveraging mature account abstraction and battle-tested controls.
- Intent-Scoped Authorization: Intent addresses are only used to trustlessly authorize the specific transaction calldata the user has explicitly permitted—nothing more.
- User “sudo” Control: The user always retains control over their account and funds. In emergencies, they can take direct action at any time.
- Validation & Refunds: Calls are simulated and expected to succeed. If a step cannot complete, Trails handles refunds and unwind flows automatically where applicable.
- Non-Custodial by Design: Trails never takes custody; execution happens via the user’s wallet permissions, preserving full control and auditability.