---
title: "What triggers can start a playbook (Manual, Schedule, Webhook)?"
description: "TL;DR: Playbooks start via three trigger types: Manual (click Run), Schedule (cron-based recurring runs), and Webhook (external events via HTTP). Configure triggers in the playbook's Trigger panel. First-party integrations like Freshdesk can also trigger playbooks from external events."
canonical_url: "https://docs.ballet.dev/articles/what-triggers-can-start-a-playbook-manual-schedule-webhook-P4mdwPZDGg"
md_url: "https://docs.ballet.dev/articles/what-triggers-can-start-a-playbook-manual-schedule-webhook-P4mdwPZDGg.md"
---
# What triggers can start a playbook (Manual, Schedule, Webhook)?

**TL;DR:** Playbooks start via three trigger types: **Manual** (click Run), **Schedule** (cron-based recurring runs), and **Webhook** (external events via HTTP). Configure triggers in the playbook's Trigger panel. First-party integrations like Freshdesk can also trigger playbooks from external events.

## Who this is for

Builders configuring how and when playbooks run automatically.

## What is a Manual trigger?

The default. A user opens the playbook and clicks **Run**. Use Manual for on-demand workflows and testing.

## What is a Schedule trigger?

Runs the playbook on a recurring cron schedule — hourly, daily, weekly, or custom. Configure in the playbook's **Trigger** panel or manage all schedules from **Schedules** in the sidebar.

## What is a Webhook trigger?

Generates a unique HTTP endpoint. External systems POST to this URL to start a run — useful for integrating with services that support outbound webhooks. For provider-specific admin steps (Salesforce, Zendesk, ServiceNow, Genesys, HubSpot), see [How do I connect CRM and support tools?](/articles/how-do-i-connect-crm-and-support-tools-5h3LJzY5x8) and [How do I trigger and react to playbooks with webhooks?](/articles/how-do-i-trigger-and-react-to-playbooks-with-webhooks-DYv9XyeU51).

## Can integrations trigger playbooks?

Yes. First-party integrations like **Freshdesk** can trigger playbooks when tickets are created or updated. Configure provider-specific triggers in the playbook's Trigger panel.

## Which trigger should I use?

| Scenario | Trigger |
|---|---|
| Testing and ad-hoc runs | Manual |
| Daily reports, periodic syncs | Schedule |
| React to external events | Webhook or integration trigger |

## Related articles

- [How do I manage Schedules?](/articles/how-do-i-manage-schedules-NTU9cNrk8w)
- [How do I run a playbook?](/articles/how-do-i-run-a-playbook-dChtouCzok)
- [How do first-party integrations work?](/articles/how-do-first-party-integrations-cursor-freshdesk-work-ufEctQFe4A)
- [How do I connect CRM and support tools?](/articles/how-do-i-connect-crm-and-support-tools-5h3LJzY5x8)
- [How do I trigger and react to playbooks with webhooks?](/articles/how-do-i-trigger-and-react-to-playbooks-with-webhooks-DYv9XyeU51)