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When you create a new workflow, you choose a start node that decides whether the workflow waits for someone to run it or runs on its own.

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User Input

Use User Input when someone (or an API call) should kick off the workflow and supply information it needs. You define input fields for text, numbers, files, and other data, and downstream nodes reference those values. Only User Input workflows can be published as web apps, MCP servers, backend service APIs, or reused as tools in other Dify apps.
Chatflows always start with User Input. Only Workflows can use triggers.

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Trigger

Use a trigger when the workflow should run automatically, without anyone invoking it. Three types are available:
  • Schedule Trigger: runs at specified times or intervals.
  • Integration Trigger: runs when an event occurs in an external system, via a subscription through a trigger integration.
  • Webhook Trigger: runs when the workflow receives an HTTP request from an external system.

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Switch Between Start Nodes

User Input and triggers are mutually exclusive on a canvas. To switch, right-click the current start node and select Change Node, or delete it and add a new one.
Last modified on June 25, 2026