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The Start node is the simplest way to run a workflow - you click a button and it starts. You can also type in some starting information if needed. This is great for testing, one-off tasks, or workflows you want to run whenever you need them.

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When to Use

  • Run it yourself - When you want to click a button to make it go
  • Testing - Try out your workflow with test data
  • One-off tasks - When you want to run it occasionally, not automatically
  • Getting started - The easiest way to begin building a workflow

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Example: Document Processor

A workflow that processes different documents based on user input:
1

Add a Start node

Create a new workflow and add a Start node as the entry point.
2

Configure the workflow

Connect the Start node to an Ask AI node that processes the input:
Summarize the following document:
{{on_start_1.startingInputData}}
3

Run with input

Trigger the workflow and paste any document text as the starting input. Ask AI processes whatever text you provide.

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Input Example

When triggering the workflow, you might provide: 
{
  "title": "Q4 Sales Report",
  "content": "Revenue increased 15% compared to Q3...",
  "format": "summary"
}
Then access specific fields: 
Document: {{on_start_1.startingInputData.title}}
Content: {{on_start_1.startingInputData.content}}
Requested format: {{on_start_1.startingInputData.format}}

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Example: Customer Lookup

A support workflow that looks up customer information: 
Workflow: Customer Lookup
├── Start (receives customer email)
├── External API (query CRM for customer data)
├── Ask AI (summarize customer history)
└── Update Variable (store summary for reference)
Input when triggering: 
{
  "customerEmail": "jane@example.com",
  "reason": "billing inquiry"
}

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Tips

Use structured JSON objects as input rather than plain strings. This makes it easier to access specific fields and extends the workflow’s flexibility.
The Start node is perfect for development. Build your workflow with a Start trigger, then add other event types (webhook, schedule) once the logic is working.

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Settings

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name
string
default:"On Start"
What to call this node (shown on the canvas).
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key
string
default:"on_start_1"
A short code to reference this node’s data.
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description
string
Optional notes about this workflow.

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Outputs

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startingInputData
any
Whatever you type in when you start the workflow.
Use it in later nodes like this: 
{{on_start_1.startingInputData}}

Webhook

Trigger from external HTTP requests instead of manual execution.

Update Variable

Store the input data for use throughout the workflow.