Triggering flows from external events
1. Triggering flows from external events
Welcome back! In this video, we'll see how workflows can start automatically, not just when we trigger them manually.2. From manual triggers to webhooks
Many automations begin when something outside n8n sends data in; we call that triggering flows from external events. Manual and form triggers wait for human input. But in most real systems, workflows start when apps or services send data automatically; that's where webhooks come in.3. From manual triggers to webhooks
Webhooks let our workflow listen for events from other tools, such as "a new signup", "a completed order," or "a failed payment."4. Where external events come from
These events can come from anywhere: an app, a website, or an API.5. Where external events come from
For example, an online purchase, a new account signup, or an error log.6. Where external events come from
When those happen, the external system instantly notifies our workflow through a webhook. It's like giving n8n a doorbell; every time something happens outside, n8n knows immediately.7. Setting up a webhook trigger
The Webhook Trigger node is that doorbell in action. When we add it to a workflow, n8n gives us a unique URL. Any app that supports webhooks can send data to this URL.8. Setting up a webhook trigger
The moment a request hits it, our workflow starts automatically, with no buttons or manual steps. So instead of us pressing play manually, the external system does it for us.9. Webhook in practice
Let's see a quick example. Imagine we work at Acme E-Commerce. Every time a customer places an order,10. Webhook in practice
our e-commerce system sends order and payment data straight to our n8n webhook.11. Webhook in practice
That webhook starts the workflow automatically to process the order, update inventory, or alert our team on Slack.12. Filtering incoming events
Not every event should trigger a full process. Our system may send purchases, cancellations, and logins, but we may only want to act on purchases.13. Filtering incoming events
To control that, add an If node after the webhook. It checks the incoming data and only lets the relevant events move forward. Everything else stops there, clean and efficient.14. Listen, filter, act
In short, webhooks let our workflows listen for external events,15. Listen, filter, act
filters decide which ones to keep,16. Listen, filter, act
and our automation instantly acts on the right data. Together, they're the foundation of real-time workflows, fast, precise, and hands-off.17. Let's practice!
Now it's time to put this into practice.Create Your Free Account
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