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Trigger nodes answer one question: “What should make this workflow start?” Maybe you want it to run when you get an email. Or every morning at 9 AM. Or when someone fills out a form on your website. Trigger nodes let you choose.
Every workflow needs at least one trigger node. It’s how the workflow knows when to spring into action.

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Available Trigger Nodes

Start

Run manually by clicking a button. Great for testing or one-off tasks.

Webhook

Run when another app or website sends you information (like form submissions).

Scheduled Trigger

Run on a schedule - every hour, every day at 9 AM, every Monday, etc.

AI Trigger

Run when AI decides your conditions are met. Describe what you’re looking for in plain English.

App Trigger

Run when something happens in Gmail, Slack, Google Sheets, or 600+ other apps.

On Variable Update

Run when a saved value in your workflow changes.

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Which Trigger Should I Use?

I want my workflow to run when…Use This
I click a button to start itStart
A form is submitted or another app sends dataWebhook
It’s a certain time (daily, hourly, etc.)Scheduled Trigger
Something complex happens that AI can understandAI Trigger
I get an email, Slack message, or something happens in an appApp Trigger
A value I’m tracking changesOn Variable Update

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What Information Do Triggers Provide?

Each trigger brings different information into your workflow:
TriggerWhat Information You Get
StartWhatever you type in when you run it
WebhookThe data that was sent (form fields, etc.)
Scheduled TriggerWhen it ran and how many times it’s run
AI TriggerThe content that matched your conditions
App TriggerDepends on the app - email details, message text, spreadsheet rows, etc.
On Variable UpdateThe old value, new value, and which value changed

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Can I Have Multiple Starting Points?

Yes! A workflow can have multiple trigger nodes. This means the same workflow can run:
  • When you click a button and on a schedule
  • When you get an email or a Slack message
  • From a form submission and from another app
If you use multiple triggers, make sure your workflow can handle the different information each one provides.

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What Happens When I Change Trigger Settings?

If your workflow is already running and you change the trigger settings, CogniAgent restarts it automatically so the changes take effect.

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Next Steps

Start Node

Begin with the simplest trigger

Webhook Node

Connect external systems