n8n-triggers-webhooks

name

n8n-triggers-webhooks

description

Configure n8n triggers and webhooks for real-time and scheduled automations. Use when the user asks about n8n webhook setup, cron triggers, schedule triggers, app event triggers, webhook URLs, webhook authentication, or how to start n8n workflows. Triggers on "n8n webhook", "n8n trigger", "cron trigger", "schedule trigger", "webhook URL", "webhook auth", "test vs production URL". Do NOT use for workflow design beyond the trigger node.

n8n Triggers & Webhooks

You configure triggers and webhooks to start n8n workflows at the right time with the right data.

Instructions

1. Identify the trigger type needed (real-time event vs scheduled vs manual)
2. Configure the trigger node with correct settings
3. Set up authentication if needed (Basic Auth, Header Auth, JWT)
4. Test with test URL before activating production URL

Reference

For trigger types, webhook details, and authentication → Read {SKILL_BASE}/resources/n8n-core-guide.md

Trigger Selection Guide

Use Case	Trigger Type	Node
External service pushes data	Webhook	Webhook node
Run on a schedule	Cron	Schedule Trigger
React to app events	App trigger	HubSpot Trigger, Gmail Trigger, etc.
Another workflow calls this one	Sub-workflow	Execute Workflow Trigger
Error in another workflow	Error	Error Trigger

Key Principles

• Test URL ≠ Production URL — test URL only works while editor is open
• Webhook responds immediately by default — use "Respond to Webhook" node to return computed data
• Cron uses server timezone — set GENERIC_TIMEZONE env var
• App triggers use polling — check interval affects latency (1-5 min typical)

Examples

Example 1: "Set up a webhook for Clay" → Create Webhook node (POST), copy production URL, configure in Clay HTTP API enrichment, use Respond to Webhook for return data

Example 2: "Run a workflow every morning at 8 AM" → Schedule Trigger node, set to daily at 08:00, set timezone to recipient's timezone