Trigger (workflow trigger)
An event or condition that automatically starts a workflow or automation.
What is a trigger?
A trigger is an event or condition that automatically starts a workflow or automation. It is always the first step in any automated process - without a trigger, the workflow sits idle.
Types of triggers in n8n
- Schedule trigger: Workflow runs every day at a set time (cron)
- Webhook trigger: Workflow runs when an HTTP request arrives from another system
- Email trigger: Workflow runs when a new email arrives
- Form trigger: Workflow runs when a form is submitted
- Manual trigger: Workflow runs when manually clicked
Real-world examples
- Customer submits an inquiry form → trigger starts AI processing and sends a response
- Every night at 2:00 AM → trigger starts downloading and updating data in the RAG database