<!-- BusyBot node reference — https://busybot.net/tools/manual-trigger/ -->

> Node: Manual Trigger (`manual_trigger`) · Manual trigger · v1
> Category: Core Nodes · Credentials: none
> Updated: 2026-08-16

# Manual Trigger

> Start workflow with a button click

## Overview

Starts a workflow execution when the user clicks the Execute button. This is the simplest trigger type — it requires no external events.

**Category:** Core Nodes  
**Tool Name:** `manual_trigger`  
**Version:** 1

**Appearance:** Icon: `manualTrigger` | Color: `#6366f1`

## Node Type

**Trigger** — manual (starts the workflow when you click Execute)

## Input / Output

| Direction | Port(s) |
|-----------|--------|
| Input | None (trigger node) |
| Output | `Output` |

## Credentials

This tool does not require any credentials.

### Parameters

This node has no parameters to configure.

## Output Data

Emits exactly one item so the nodes downstream have something to run on:

- `_trigger` — always `manual`
- `_timestamp` — ISO 8601 timestamp of when the run started

Reference it downstream by expression, e.g. `{{ $json._timestamp }}`.

## Usage Examples

- start the workflow manually
- run this workflow on demand
- execute when I click the button

## Example Configuration

Add the trigger and connect it to the first node of your workflow:

```json
{
  "type": "manual_trigger",
  "parameters": {}
}
```

### Trigger Behavior

- **Activation:** None required — the node runs whenever you execute the workflow yourself.
- **Payload:** Emits a single item so downstream nodes have something to process.
- **Use:** Building and testing a workflow before attaching a real trigger.

## Tips

Entry point that fires when the user clicks Execute. Produces a single item with a timestamp so downstream nodes have something to process.