How do I create my first n8n automation?
Build a manual workflow that prepares a message and then sends it to a Discord webhook.
This guide was carried out on a temporary n8n instance in an ACLClouds test environment. It explains the three building blocks of a workflow: trigger, transformation and action.
Step-by-step procedure
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Create a workflow
In the n8n interface, click the “Build a workflow” button, then name the workflow “My first ACLClouds automation”.
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Add the Manual Trigger node
This node starts the workflow when you click the “Execute workflow” button. It is ideal for testing without an external trigger.
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Prepare the message
Add the Edit Fields node, create the message field and enter some test text.
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Add the HTTP Request node
Choose POST, paste your Discord webhook URL and send a JSON body containing {{$json.message}}.
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Test without publishing secrets
Run the workflow. If Discord responds with 204, the message was sent. If a webhook URL appears in a screenshot, regenerate it immediately.
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Replace the trigger
Once the test has passed, replace Manual Trigger with Schedule Trigger or Webhook depending on your use case, then publish the workflow.
Verified walkthrough
Creating the workflow and displaying it in the n8n editor were checked in a test environment.
Quick check
- Workflow named
- Test message defined
- Webhook kept secret
- Successful execution before publishing