# Trigger a workflow with an inbound webhook

**Category:** [Orchestration](https://help.totalctrl.app/hc/totalctrl/totalctrl-help-center/en-US/categories/orchestration)
**Updated:** 2026-08-19

## When to use a webhook trigger

If an external service can send an HTTP request when something happens, you can start a workflow from it — even if that service isn't in the Marketplace. Choose the **Catch Webhook** trigger when building your workflow.
## Find your webhook URL

Open the workflow in the **Builder**. With a webhook trigger selected, the page shows a unique **Webhook URL** for this workflow. Click **Copy** and paste it into the external service's webhook settings.
## How it works

- The external service sends a `POST` request with a JSON body to your webhook URL.
- The workflow must be **Active** — requests to an inactive workflow are rejected.
- The incoming JSON is available to your actions as `{{trigger.body...}}`, and top-level fields are also exposed directly, for example `{{trigger.email}}`. Request headers and a timestamp are included too.

## Test it

Send a sample request from the external tool, then open the workflow's [History](view-workflow-run-history) to confirm a run was recorded and the data mapped correctly. You can also use **Test Run** in the Builder to dry-run the action steps with sample data before going live.

The webhook URL is unique and hard to guess; treat it like a secret and only share it with the service that needs it.

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## Related Articles

- [Orchestration Overview](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/orchestration-overview)
- [Connect an app](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/connect-an-app-1)
- [Build your first workflow](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/build-your-first-workflow)
- [Filters: stop a run when conditions aren't met](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/flow-control-filters)
- [Delays: pause a workflow for minutes, hours, or days](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/flow-control-delays)

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