Capture: Throwing a ball at, or just pressing the button in the middle against, a Pokémon. This causes the pokéball to shoot a beam of light at the Pokémon, transforming them into more light before recalling the beam back inside of the pokéball and closing. Pokémon can struggle to break free before the capture is permanent, which causes the pokéball to wiggle side to side a few times before an iconic sound, the button turning green, and/or a little firework shooting up signal success.

Sending Out: Often involves the Trainer (or anyone holding the ball) throwing it into the air or at the ground to cause the ball to open up, spewing forth a beam of light that quickly shapes into the silhouette of the Pokémon that was inside of it before they properly materialize. Pokémon have shown that they can send themselves out from inside of the ball voluntarily, even without the consent of the Trainer, though this is usually just for comedic effect and a rare trait.

Returning: The Trainer holding the ball and pointing the button in the direction of the Pokémon belonging to it. The ball does not open, but a (typically) red beam shoots out in a straight line at the Pokémon. If it hits, the Pokémon is transformed into red light and then the beam retracts into the button. Pokémon have shown the ability to either deflect the beam, or just dodging it.

Releasing: When the ball is activated, either thrown or just used without a physical action, a blue light shoots out that quickly silhouettes into the Pokémon that was inside, converting the light back into the Pokémon but with the notable function of undoing the capture, meaning they can no longer be recalled by it and are once again considered wild.