Intermediate
How to add a trigger module on Make
Quick Answer
Adding a trigger module in Make starts your scenario by detecting app events or schedules; use instant triggers for real-time or polling for intervals like every 15 minutes. Only one trigger per scenario as the first module with a clock icon; test with Run Once to verify before activating. Common issues like empty bundles are fixed by checking logs and ensuring proper scheduling.
Prerequisites
- Active Make.com account with sufficient operations quota
- Connected app/service accounts (e.g., Google, Slack) via Make's connections
- Scenario turned ON and properly scheduled if using polling triggers
- Basic understanding of instant vs. polling trigger types
- Test authentication in module settings first
1
Plan your scenario
Determine the event that should start your automation, such as a new email in Gmail or a record update in monday.com. Identify the app/service and specific trigger event like
Watch Records or New Submission to ensure the trigger detects relevant changes.2
Prepare your apps
Ensure you have active accounts for the services to connect, with authentication tested. Create connections in Make by providing credentials and API tokens for apps like Google or Slack before adding modules.
Tip
Test connections in module settings to avoid auth errors later.
3
Create a new scenario
Log into Make.com and start a new scenario. The canvas will show a large plus icon in the center, ready for the first module which must be a trigger.
4
Add the trigger module
Click the plus icon or right-click to
add a module. Select the app/service (e.g., Adobe Workfront, Gmail) and choose a trigger event like Watch Records or New Records Only. The module appears as the leftmost with a clock icon.Tip
Only one trigger per scenario; delete existing if needed.
5
Create the connection
Authenticate the app by entering credentials, API tokens, or authorizing via OAuth. Make will prompt for connection setup if not already linked; reuse existing connections where possible.
6
Configure trigger settings
Specify filters like board ID, column ID, folder, list, status, or maximum items (e.g., for monday.com). Select outputs such as
ID, Name, Project ID. Choose From now on or set starting point for polling.Tip
Tailor fields to the app; check app-specific docs for exact options.
7
Set scheduling options
Click the clock icon to open schedule settings. Choose instant trigger (lightning icon, real-time via webhook) or polling trigger (e.g., every 15 minutes, 1 hour, 6 hours). Instant auto-sets to 'immediately as data arrives'.
Tip
Polling checks periodically; instant needs webhook setup.
8
Turn scenario ON
Toggle the scenario to ON in the top-right. For polling, confirm schedule; for instant, ensure webhook is active and service notifies Make.
9
Test the trigger
Click
Run Once to execute manually and verify data bundles. Check execution logs for bundles, errors, or empty runs before full activation.Tip
Remap downstream modules if outputs change.
10
Save and monitor
Save the scenario and monitor the History tab for automatic runs. Adjust schedule or filters based on test results.
Tip
Watch for quota limits on free tier.
Troubleshooting
Empty check runs or no bundles in polling triggers
Verify schedule is ON and interval (e.g., 15 min); check History logs for data detection. Adjust 'Choose where to start' to
From now on or increase max items.Instant triggers not firing (no errors)
Confirm webhook creation and service connection; test with manual event. Reschedule if queued; contact support for backend issues.
Auto runs differ from manual Run Once
Check execution logs in History for bundle counts/errors. Ensure filters match real events; toggle OFF/ON to reset.
Cannot add second trigger
Triggers allowed only once as first module. Delete existing via right-click if needed, then add new one.
Auth or connection failures
Re-authenticate in module settings; test connection separately. Verify API tokens/permissions for the app.
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