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The Trigger Node is the fundamental starting point of every workflow in Orka. It defines how and when a workflow is initiated, serving as the entry point that determines the execution context and scheduling behavior.

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What is a Trigger Node?

A Trigger Node is a special workflow component that:
  • Always appears first in workflow definitions
  • Defines the execution method (manual, form-based, or scheduled)

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Trigger Types

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1. Manual Trigger

The simplest trigger type that allows workflows to be executed on-demand.

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2. Form Trigger

Executes workflows when a form is submitted, with form data automatically available as workflow variables. Form triggers connect your workflows directly to form submissions, enabling automated processing of user-submitted data. When a user submits a form, the workflow is triggered automatically and all form fields become available as variables in your workflow. Key features:
  • Each form field is accessible as a variable using the field’s ID
  • File uploads are handled as file references
  • Form metadata (submission time, user info) is included
  • Multiple workflows can be triggered by the same form
For more information on creating and managing forms, see the Forms documentation.

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3. Scheduled Trigger

Advanced trigger type that enables automated, time-based workflow execution.

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Schedule Types

  1. Interval Schedule: Executes workflows at regular time intervals. Supported Units: seconds - Execute every X seconds minutes - Execute every X minutes hours - Execute every X hours days - Execute every X days
  2. Weekly Schedule: Executes workflows on specific days of the week at a designated time. Example: Weekly every Monday at 9 AM.
  3. One-Time Schedule: Executes a workflow once at a specific date and time. Example: Once on 30th of August 2025 at 08:52 PM.
  4. Cron Schedule: Executes workflows using standard cron expressions for complex scheduling patterns. Example: 0 0 1 * * : First day of each month