Manual Trigger

Run your workflow on demand from the n8n editor or via the API. No schedule, no external events.

Written By pvdyck

Last updated 17 minutes ago

Manual Trigger

The Manual Trigger starts your workflow when you click "Execute" in the editor or call the execution API directly.

What It Does

Provides an on-demand starting point for your workflow. When triggered, it emits an empty JSON object ({}), allowing downstream nodes to proceed. Unlike the Schedule or Webhook triggers, this node requires deliberate user action.

Configuration

This node has no configurable parameters. Add it as the first node and connect it to the next step.

  • Limit: Only one Manual Trigger is allowed per workflow.
  • Output: An empty JSON object ({}). Downstream nodes must fetch or generate their own data.

When to Use

  • Testing and debugging workflows during development
  • One-off tasks like data processing, migrations, or cleanup jobs
  • API-triggered execution via the indie.money execution API
  • Prototyping before switching to a Schedule or Webhook trigger

Tips

  • Start with a Manual Trigger while developing, then swap it for a Schedule or Webhook Trigger when going live.
  • Pair with a Set node to provide sample test data during development.

Limitations

  • One per workflow. Attempting to add a second results in an error.
  • Does not produce input data by itself.

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