GitHub Actions "Unexpected value" at a specific workflow line
The YAML parsed but does not match the workflow schema. Actions found a value where it expected a known key or mapping.
What this error means
A validation annotation reads "The workflow is not valid. .github/workflows/x.yml (Line: N): Unexpected value <name>". The file is valid YAML but invalid as a workflow.
github-actions
The workflow is not valid. .github/workflows/ci.yml (Line: 9): Unexpected value 'step'Common causes
Misspelled schema key
Keys like steps, runs-on, and needs are exact. A typo such as step or run-on is not recognized.
A key at the wrong nesting level
Placing a step-level key under a job, or a job-level key under steps, produces an unexpected value.
How to fix it
Match keys to the workflow schema
- Compare each key against the documented workflow syntax.
- Fix spelling and nesting depth at the named line.
- Run actionlint to get the intended key suggestion.
Terminal
actionlint .github/workflows/ci.ymlHow to prevent it
- Copy structure from a known-good workflow rather than from memory.
- Enable the Actions schema in your editor.
Frequently asked questions
What causes ""Unexpected value""?
Keys like steps, runs-on, and needs are exact. A typo such as step or run-on is not recognized.
How do I fix "Unexpected value"?
Match keys to the workflow schema
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