⏰ n8n Schedule Builder

Free n8n Cron Builder - Schedule Workflows Visually

Convert plain English to cron expressions. Preview execution times instantly.

Visual Builder

Plain English Input

Execution Preview

Try Free Cron Builder

What Is a Cron Expression?

Cron expressions define when scheduled tasks run. They use a specific syntax with 5-6 fields representing minute, hour, day of month, month, day of week, and optionally seconds. For example, '0 9 * * 1' means 'every Monday at 9:00 AM'. n8n's Schedule Trigger node uses cron expressions to determine when your workflow executes automatically.

Why Cron Syntax Is Confusing

Cron syntax is powerful but cryptic. Does '*/15 * * * *' run every 15 minutes or 15 times per hour? What's the difference between '0 9 * * 1-5' and '0 9 * * MON-FRI'? One wrong character can cause your workflow to run at the wrong time—or not at all. This tool translates human-readable schedules to correct cron syntax and shows you exactly when it will execute.

n8n Scheduling Best Practices

Always test scheduled workflows manually before relying on cron triggers
Consider timezone differences—n8n uses the server's timezone by default
Avoid scheduling multiple heavy workflows at the exact same time
Use specific times (0 9 * * *) rather than patterns (*/5 * * * *) when possible
Add buffer time between dependent scheduled workflows
Monitor scheduled executions to catch silent failures

Frequently Asked Questions

What cron format does n8n use?

n8n uses standard 5-field cron expressions: minute (0-59), hour (0-23), day of month (1-31), month (1-12), day of week (0-7, where 0 and 7 are Sunday). Some n8n versions also support a 6-field format with seconds. This tool generates compatible expressions for both formats.

How do I schedule something for business hours only?

Combine day-of-week and hour restrictions. For example, 'every 30 minutes from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday' becomes '*/30 9-17 * * 1-5'. This tool handles these complex schedules—just describe what you want in plain English.

What timezone does n8n use for scheduled triggers?

n8n uses the timezone configured on the server (for self-hosted) or your account settings (for n8n Cloud). This tool lets you select a timezone to preview accurate execution times. Make sure your n8n instance timezone matches your expectations.

Can I schedule workflows to run every few seconds?

n8n's Schedule Trigger supports seconds in some versions. However, running workflows every few seconds is resource-intensive and usually indicates a design issue. Consider whether a webhook-based trigger or a different approach might be more appropriate.

Is this tool free?

Yes, completely free with no signup required. Cron syntax shouldn't be a barrier to automation. For help with workflow scheduling, optimization, or development, we offer professional n8n services.

Ready to Automate Your Business?

Tell us what you need automated. We'll build it, test it, and deploy it—fast.

Request More Information

✓ 48-72 Hour Turnaround

✓ Production Ready

✓ Free Consultation