Start consultants

Q: What does the Start node do in n8n?

The Start node is the default trigger for manually executed n8n workflows. When you open a workflow in the n8n editor and click "Execute Workflow," the Start node fires first and passes control to the next connected node. It doesn't process data or accept configuration; it simply begins the workflow execution chain.

Q: When would you use the Start node instead of another trigger?

You use the Start node during workflow development and testing, when you need to run the workflow manually to check each step. It's also the right choice for workflows designed to be run on-demand by an operator, like a data migration script or an ad-hoc report generator that someone triggers when they need it rather than on a fixed schedule.

Q: Can the Start node pass data to the rest of the workflow?

The Start node itself doesn't generate or accept input data. If your workflow needs initial data, you typically place a Set (Edit Fields) node or a Function node immediately after the Start node to define the starting data. Alternatively, you can use the manual trigger with test data configured in subsequent nodes during development.

Q: How is the Start node different from the Manual Trigger node?

In recent versions of n8n, the Manual Trigger node has replaced the Start node as the default for new workflows. They serve the same purpose: triggering a workflow when you click "Execute." The Start node appears in older workflows or earlier n8n versions. Functionally, both do the same thing: initiate manual workflow execution.

Q: Can I have multiple trigger nodes in one n8n workflow?

Yes. An n8n workflow can contain multiple trigger nodes (for example, a Webhook trigger and a Cron trigger), and each one acts as an independent entry point. However, only one trigger fires per execution. The Start node can coexist with other triggers, allowing you to test the workflow manually while it also runs on a schedule or webhook in production.

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About Start

The Start node is the default entry point for manually triggered n8n workflows. Every n8n workflow needs a trigger to begin execution, and the Start node serves that role when you want to run a workflow by hand rather than on a schedule or in response to an external event. You click “Execute Workflow” in the n8n editor, and the Start node fires, passing control to the next node in the chain.

While it might seem simple, the Start node plays an important role during workflow development and testing. When you’re building or debugging an automation, you run it manually dozens of times to check that each node behaves correctly. The Start node is what makes that possible. It’s also useful for workflows that are designed to be triggered on-demand by an operator, such as a monthly report generation workflow or a data cleanup script that a team member runs as needed.

In production workflows, the Start node is typically replaced by a more specific trigger: a Webhook node for event-driven automations, a Cron node for scheduled runs, or an application-specific trigger like “new row in Google Sheets.” But during the build-and-test phase of any business automation project, the Start node is the tool you use constantly.

At Osher, we use the Start node throughout the development process for every n8n project we build. If you’re exploring what n8n can automate in your business, get in touch and we’ll walk you through the platform.

Start FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about how Start consultants can help with integration and implementation

What does the Start node do in n8n?

When would you use the Start node instead of another trigger?

Can the Start node pass data to the rest of the workflow?

Does the Start node get used in production workflows?

Usually not. In production, workflows are triggered automatically by events (Webhook node), schedules (Cron or Schedule Trigger node), or application-specific triggers (like a new email arriving or a form being submitted). The Start node is primarily a development and testing tool. However, some on-demand workflows that an operator runs manually do keep the Start node as their production trigger.

How is the Start node different from the Manual Trigger node?

Can I have multiple trigger nodes in one n8n workflow?

How it works

We work hand-in-hand with you to implement Start

As Start consultants we work with you hand in hand build more efficient and effective operations. Here’s how we will work with you to automate your business and integrate Start with integrate and automate 800+ tools.

Step 1

Process Audit

We review your business processes to identify which tasks are candidates for n8n automation. For workflows that will ultimately run on triggers like webhooks or schedules, we still start with the Start node during the initial scoping phase so we can test each step manually and confirm the logic works before adding production triggers.

Step 2

Identify Automation Opportunities

We determine which workflows should run automatically (scheduled or event-driven) and which should remain as on-demand, manually triggered processes. Some workflows, like data cleanup scripts or one-off migrations, genuinely work best with a manual Start node trigger because they only need to run when an operator decides to run them.

Step 3

Design Workflows

We design the workflow structure starting from the trigger node. During development, the Start node is the entry point. We plan what production trigger will replace it (Webhook, Cron, application trigger) and design the subsequent nodes accordingly. Data input requirements are defined so the workflow works correctly regardless of which trigger fires it.

Step 4

Implementation

We build the workflow in n8n, starting with the Start node for manual testing. Each downstream node is configured and tested by executing the workflow manually. Once all nodes work correctly, we add the production trigger (webhook, schedule, or app trigger) and verify the workflow runs correctly from both entry points.

Step 5

Quality Assurance Review

We run the workflow multiple times using the Start node to test with different data scenarios, edge cases, and error conditions. This manual testing phase catches issues before the workflow goes into production with an automated trigger. We verify data output, error handling, and downstream system updates.

Step 6

Support and Maintenance

After deployment, the Start node remains available for manual testing and debugging. When a production workflow needs updates or troubleshooting, we use the Start node to run test executions without waiting for the production trigger to fire. This speeds up the maintenance and optimisation cycle.

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