Trigger Nodes
Trigger nodes are the entry points of every workflow. They define what event starts the workflow execution. Every workflow must have exactly one trigger node.
trigger.inbound_message
Entrypoint for inbound WhatsApp messages.
This is the primary trigger node used in production workflows. When a customer sends a WhatsApp message to your connected number, this node fires and passes the message data into the workflow.
Configuration
No configuration required. This node is auto-configured when placed on the canvas.
Outputs
The trigger node passes the following data to connected nodes:
| Output | Type | Description |
|---|
message.text | string | The text content of the inbound message |
message.type | string | Message type (text, image, document, etc.) |
contact | object | The sender’s contact record (name, phone, tags, custom fields) |
conversation | object | The active conversation context (ID, status, history) |
timestamp | string | ISO 8601 timestamp of the inbound message |
Connections
- Inputs: None (this is the entry point)
- Outputs: Single output handle connecting to the next node in the flow
Example Use Case
Every customer-facing workflow starts with this node. When a customer sends “Hi, I need help with my order,” the trigger captures the message and passes it to an AI Router or AI Respond node for processing.
trigger.manual_test
Builder preview testing trigger.
This node is used exclusively in the workflow builder for testing your workflow without sending real WhatsApp messages. It simulates an inbound message with test data you define.
Configuration
| Option | Type | Required | Description |
|---|
testMessage | string | Yes | The simulated message text to send through the workflow |
Outputs
Same output shape as trigger.inbound_message — your workflow logic works identically with both trigger types.
| Output | Type | Description |
|---|
message.text | string | The test message text you configured |
contact | object | A mock contact record |
conversation | object | A mock conversation context |
Connections
- Inputs: None (this is the entry point)
- Outputs: Single output handle connecting to the next node in the flow
Example Use Case
While building a customer support workflow, use this node to test how your AI Respond node handles different message types (questions, complaints, greetings) without needing to send real WhatsApp messages. Switch to trigger.inbound_message before publishing.
The trigger.manual_test node is for builder preview only. Published workflows always use trigger.inbound_message as their entry point.
