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Automating events on a timeline with the Scheduler node

The Scheduler node is a timeline-based trigger system that fires named events at specific timestamps. Use it to automate parameter changes, switch prompts, or sequence any trigger-compatible node on a timeline, all without writing code.

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What it does

You define a set of named triggers at specific times (in seconds). When playback reaches a trigger’s timestamp, it fires an output signal on that port. Other nodes (like Prompt List or Control) can listen for those signals and respond automatically. The Scheduler runs entirely in the browser with high-frequency updates, so timing is precise enough for most creative workflows.

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Adding a Scheduler node

1

Open the node picker

In Workflow Builder, click the [+] button on the canvas.
2

Search for Scheduler

Type Scheduler in the search field and click it to place it on the canvas.

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Node anatomy

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Controls

ControlDescription
Play / StopStart or stop playback
ResetJump back to time 0
Loop checkboxLoop playback when it reaches the end
DurationTotal length of the sequence in seconds

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Input handles

HandleTypeDescription
starttriggerToggle play/pause from an external node (e.g. another Scheduler or a Control)
resettriggerReset to time 0 from an external node
You can drive the start and reset inputs from another Scheduler to chain sequences together for more complex automations.

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Output handles

HandleTypeDescription
elapsednumberCurrent playback position in seconds
is_playingbooleanWhether the scheduler is currently running
ticktriggerFires on every trigger event
(custom)triggerOne handle per named trigger you define
The elapsed output updates approximately every 50 ms. This keeps performance smooth while still providing responsive timing for downstream nodes.

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Defining triggers

1

Open the Triggers section

In the Scheduler node, find the Triggers section and click + Add to create a new trigger entry.
2

Set the name

Give the trigger a name. This becomes the output handle name (e.g. switch_prompt).
3

Set the time

Enter the timestamp in seconds when this trigger should fire.
4

Repeat for additional triggers

Add as many timestamp entries as you need.
5

Connect the output

Connect the named output handle to the target node’s trigger input.
When the playback position passes a trigger’s timestamp, the handle flashes orange and sends a signal downstream.
Trigger names must be unique within a Scheduler node. If you use the same name twice, both entries will share the same output handle.
Edge cables flash white briefly when a trigger fires. This is useful for visual debugging to confirm your triggers are firing when expected.

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Example: Auto-advance a Prompt List

1

Add the nodes

Place a Scheduler node and a Prompt List node on the canvas.
2

Define the triggers

In the Scheduler, add triggers named next at 0, 5, 10, and 15 seconds.
3

Connect them

Connect Scheduler > next to Prompt List > next.
4

Press Play

Hit Play on the Scheduler. The prompt advances every 5 seconds automatically.

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Example: Loop a sequence

1

Set the duration

Set Duration to 20 and enable the Loop checkbox.
2

Add your triggers

Add triggers for all the events in your 20-second cycle.
3

Press Play

When playback reaches 20 s it wraps back to 0 and re-fires all triggers in order.

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See also

Tempo Node

Sync to a live beat source instead of fixed timestamps

Workflow Builder

Learn the basics of composing node graphs