> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.n8n.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.n8n.io/build/understand-workflows/create-and-run-workflows.md).
# Create and run workflows
A workflow[^1] is a collection of nodes connected together to automate a process. You build workflows on the [workflow canvas](#user-content-fn-2)[^2].
## Create a workflow
1. Select the 
**button** in the upper-left corner of the side menu. Select workflow.
2. If your n8n instance supports projects, you'll also need to choose whether to create the workflow inside your **personal space** or a specific **project** you have access to. If you're using the community version, you'll always create workflows inside your personal space.
3. Get started by adding a trigger node: select **Add first step...**
Or:
1. Select the **create** button in the upper-right corner from either the **Overview** page or a specific **project**. Select workflow.
2. If you're doing this from the **Overview** page, you'll create the workflow inside your personal space. If you're doing this from inside a project, you'll create the workflow inside that specific project.
3. Get started by adding a trigger node: select **Add first step...**
If it's your first time building a workflow, you may want to use the [quickstart guides](https://github.com/n8n-io/n8n-docs/blob/main/try-it-out/index.md) to quickly try out n8n features.
## Run workflows manually
You may need to run your workflow manually when building and testing, or if your workflow doesn't have a trigger node.
To run manually, select **Execute Workflow**.
## Run workflows automatically
All new workflows are unpublished by default. See [Publishing and saving workflows](/build/understand-workflows/save-and-publish-workflows.md).
You need to publish workflows that start with a trigger node or Webhook node so that they can run automatically. When a workflow is inactive, you must run it manually.
To publish your workflow, open your workflow and click **Publish**. The option to unpublish is in the workflow settings menu.
Published workflows run whenever its trigger conditions are met.
[^1]: An n8n workflow is a collection of nodes that automate a process. Workflows begin execution when a trigger condition occurs and execute sequentially to achieve complex tasks.
[^2]: The canvas is the main interface for building workflows in n8n's editor UI. You use the canvas to add and connect nodes to compose workflows.
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