Manual Trigger
Start your workflow manually by clicking a button. Perfect for testing workflows and on-demand automations.
Overview
The Manual Trigger is the simplest way to start a workflow. When you click the play button, your workflow begins executing. Every new workflow starts with a Manual Trigger by default.
- Testing new workflows before going live
- Running workflows on-demand (e.g., generating reports)
- Workflows that don't need automatic triggering
- Learning and experimenting with Buzz8n
How It Works
The Manual Trigger node is automatically added when you create a new workflow. Here's how to use it:
- Automatic placement: The Manual Trigger is always the first node in your workflow
- No configuration needed: This node works out of the box - no setup required!
- Click to run: Select the Manual Trigger node and click the play button that appears
- Watch execution: Your workflow will run and you can see the results in real-time
Configuration
The Manual Trigger has no configuration options. It's ready to use as soon as you create a workflow.
Node Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Trigger |
| Category | Triggers |
| Credentials Required | None |
| Configuration | None required |
| Output | Empty object {} |
Using Manual Trigger
Running Your Workflow
- Open your workflow in the editor
- Click on the Manual Trigger node to select it
- A play button (▶️) will appear on the left side of the node
- Click the play button to start the execution
Output Data
The Manual Trigger node doesn't pass any data to the next nodes. It returns an empty object:
{}If you need to pass initial data to your workflow, you'll need to configure it in the nodes that follow the trigger.
Example Workflows
Example 1: Simple Notification
Send yourself a Telegram message when you click a button:
Example 2: Daily Report Generator
Manually trigger a workflow that generates and emails a report:
Limitations
- Manual only: This trigger requires a human to click the button - it can't run automatically
- No input data: You can't pass custom data through the Manual Trigger
- Not for production automation: For automatic workflows, use Webhook or other automated triggers
Best Practices
- Use for testing: Always test new workflows with Manual Trigger before switching to automatic triggers
- Name your workflow clearly: Use descriptive names so you remember what the workflow does
- Check execution logs: After running, review the logs to ensure everything worked correctly
- Keep it simple at first: Start with Manual Trigger, test thoroughly, then switch to automated triggers if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove the Manual Trigger node?
Yes, you can delete it and replace it with another trigger like Webhook. Every workflow needs at least one trigger node, but it doesn't have to be a Manual Trigger.
Can I have multiple Manual Triggers in one workflow?
Technically yes, but it's not recommended. Workflows typically have one trigger node. If you need multiple entry points, consider creating separate workflows.
How do I upgrade from Manual Trigger to automatic execution?
Replace the Manual Trigger with a Webhook trigger or other automated trigger:
- Delete the Manual Trigger node
- Add a new trigger node (e.g., Webhook)
- Connect it to your workflow
- Configure the new trigger