How Trails Works

Core architecture and design of the Trails transaction rails protocol

Trails offers developers a solution to enable 1-click crypto experiences via any wallet, token and chain. Trails aims to make EVM chains “work as one” by solving the widespread chain, token, and wallet fragmentation problems by providing a multichain transaction orchestration layer on top of wallets powered by intents that unifies all chains and automates token routing, all with a single end-user confirmation (1-click).

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 wallet 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.

Transaction flow

A Trails transaction moves through two phases: origin chain and destination chain. The user is only involved in the first.

Intent address generation. When a transaction is initiated, a unique intent contract address is computed from the full transaction orchestration across chains. This address encodes the details of both origin and destination transactions, making execution onchain-verifiable. The user’s wallet is the only party with control over this address.

Origin transfer. The user deposits tokens into the intent address on the origin chain. This is the only transaction the user signs. Everything from here — swaps, bridging, destination execution — is handled automatically.

Origin chain execution. The Relayer executes the encoded origin transaction by submitting a Merkle proof to the intent address. The Relayer cannot modify transaction contents; any party can safely trigger execution. Swaps or bridge operations required on the origin chain are handled at this stage.

Bridging. Funds move to the corresponding intent address on the destination chain via whatever bridge or liquidity route was selected at quote time.

Final settlement. The Relayer executes the destination transaction the same way — Merkle proof, no ability to deviate. Funds are sent to the recipient, contract calls are executed, and any specified actions (mint, deposit, etc.) complete atomically.

The reason users sign only once is that the intent address locks in the entire transaction graph upfront. The relayer executes what was cryptographically committed; it has no discretion to change it.

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 intents
• 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
• Intent Addresses: Built using account abstraction technology, creates a self-custodial & computationally verifiable address that can orchestrate any arbitrary action.

Integration with External Protocols & Liquidity Networks

Trails is a composable solution which is able to plug-in to virtually any existing cross or same-chain infrastructure to efficiently route transactions.

• Trails as an Orchestrator: 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.
• Liquidity Providers (LPs) & DEXs: Trails taps into AMMs, bridges, aggregators, 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 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.

Refunds

Trails has an automatic refund mechanism built in to protect your assets in the event of a transaction failure.

Failure Scenario	Refund Action
Failure on the Source Chain	If the transaction fails before your funds leave the initial blockchain, the user will receive a full refund (minus gas fees) on the source chain to the sender address.
Failure on the Destination Chain	If the funds successfully bridged but the final step fails on the destination chain, the assets are refunded to your sender address on the destination chain.

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.
• Non-Custodial by Design: Trails never takes custody; execution happens via the user’s wallet permissions, preserving full control and auditability.