GitHub Actions Reusable Workflow "invalid value workflow reference"

A job that calls a reusable workflow has a malformed uses: reference, is missing a required input, or does not pass the secrets the called workflow needs.

What this error means

The caller workflow fails to compile or the called workflow errors at runtime, complaining about the workflow reference format, a missing required input, or an undefined secret.

Actions annotation

Invalid workflow file: .github/workflows/release.yml
invalid value workflow reference: no version specified
# reusable workflow uses must be owner/repo/.github/workflows/x.yml@ref

Common causes

Wrong uses: reference format

A reusable workflow call needs the full path owner/repo/.github/workflows/file.yml@ref. Omitting the @ref or the .github/workflows path is invalid.

Missing required input

If the called workflow declares an input as required: true, the caller must supply it under with, or the run fails.

Secrets not forwarded

Reusable workflows do not automatically see the caller secrets. They must be passed explicitly or via secrets: inherit.

How to fix it

Use the full reference and pass inputs

.github/workflows/release.yml

jobs:
  call:
    uses: my-org/ci/.github/workflows/build.yml@v1
    with:
      environment: staging
    secrets: inherit

Declare inputs and secrets in the called workflow

The reusable workflow must define on: workflow_call with its inputs and secrets so callers know the contract.

build.yml (called)

on:
  workflow_call:
    inputs:
      environment:
        required: true
        type: string
    secrets:
      DEPLOY_TOKEN:
        required: true

How to prevent it

Pin reusable workflows to a tag or SHA and use the full owner/repo path.
Document required inputs and secrets in the workflow_call block.
Use secrets: inherit only when the caller is trusted to expose all its secrets.