Creating a Basic Trigger-Action Workflow

To create your first automated process in n8n, you need to build a workflow that starts with a trigger and then performs an action. Begin by opening the n8n editor and clicking the "+" button to add a new node. In the node selection dialog, type Webhook or Schedule to find trigger nodes. Select your preferred trigger to add it to the canvas.

Once the trigger node is on the canvas, configure its properties. For a Webhook trigger, n8n provides a unique URL that listens for incoming HTTP requests. You can copy this URL and use it to trigger your workflow from external apps. If you select a Schedule trigger, you can set it to run at specific times, such as every hour or once a day.

Below is a screenshot showing how to add and configure a trigger node:

After configuring your trigger, you are ready to connect it to an action node.

Now, add an action node to perform a task when your trigger fires. Click the "+" button again, then search for an action node such as Send Email or Post Message. For example, you might choose the Email node to send an email when the trigger is activated.

In a real-world scenario, imagine you want to receive an email every time someone submits a contact form on your website. You would use a Webhook trigger to listen for form submissions, then connect it to an Email node that sends you the message details.

Connect the trigger node to your action node by dragging from the trigger's output to the action's input. Configure the action node with the necessary details, such as the recipient's email address and the message content.

Your basic trigger-action workflow is now set up.