> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ctrlnode.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Triggers

> Schedule timer nodes, activate, and run now

## Schedule Timer node

Add a **Schedule Timer** node at the start of the graph. It stores:

* Cron expression (from presets or custom)
* Time zone
* **Schedule enabled** — when off, only manual starts apply

The designer shows whether a timer node exists (`hasTimerNode`). Saving with a timer updates definition schedule metadata.

## Starting a workflow

| Action           | When to use                                                                   |
| ---------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Activate**     | Promote `draft` → `active` and start orchestration (first run or new version) |
| **Run now**      | Start an execution from an active definition without waiting for cron         |
| **Routine link** | A Routine’s schedule can target this workflow definition                      |

## Manual vs scheduled

* **Manual** — user or API explicitly starts a run
* **Scheduler** — platform fires when `next_run_at` is due and schedule is enabled

<Tip>
  Routines are the recommended UX for “one task on a cron.” Use a workflow + Schedule Timer when the first step is only a trigger and later steps are separate tasks.
</Tip>

Next: [Steps & activation](/workflows/steps-and-activation)