Schedule a specific workflow to run only for few times, and then turn it off to avoid further executions
A daily schedule counts each run with FlowMattic’s Counter. Once the count passes 4, on the fifth run, a Filter lets the run through to a Tools step that turns off the workflow whose ID you enter.
Schedule
Counter
Filter
Tools4 steps Setup ~8 min Used on 1.1k sites Free to import
What this workflow does
Some scheduled jobs should only happen a handful of times: a five-day reminder series, a short trial campaign, or a check you only need during a launch week. Leaving them on means someone has to remember to switch them off. This workflow builds the off switch into the schedule itself.
The Schedule trigger starts a run every day; you set the time after import. The Counter step then runs Incremental Counter, set to start at 0 and add 1 each time. The number is stored for this workflow, so the first run returns 1, the second 2, and so on, as final_value.
Next, a Filter continues only when final_value is greater than 4. Runs one to four stop there. On the fifth run the count is 5, so the run reaches the last step, the Tools action Turn Off Workflow, which switches off a workflow by its ID. The template leaves that ID empty, and without it the step returns a "Workflow ID is required" message, so enter the ID of this workflow, or of another one, before you turn it on.
As imported the workflow only counts and switches off. Add the steps you want to repeat between the Schedule trigger and the Counter step, so they run on all five days. Change the Filter's 4 to set a different number of runs.
Five-day reminder series
A course creator adds a daily email step and lets the workflow send it on five mornings, then switch itself off without anyone watching the calendar.
Short daily report during a launch
A shop owner posts a daily sales summary to Slack only for launch week, with the run limit set so the report stops on its own.
Switching off another workflow after a trial
An admin enters the ID of a promotion workflow in the Turn Off step, so that workflow is switched off after the daily count reaches the limit.
How this workflow runs
What happens at each step once the workflow is on, and what you need before you import it.
Schedule Every DayStarts a run once a day. Choose the time of day after import; every run moves the count forward by one.
- Counter Incremental Counter
Adds 1 to a number stored for this workflow, starting from 0, and returns the new total as final_value. The first run returns 1 and the fifth returns 5.
- Filter Continue If Condition Meet
Continues only when the counter's final_value is greater than 4. Runs one to four stop here, so only the fifth run reaches the Turn Off step.
- Tools Turn Off Workflow
Turns off the workflow whose ID you enter. The ID ships empty, and the step reports that a workflow ID is required until you add one, such as this workflow's own ID.
What you need
- FlowMatticCore
After importing, map your own data. To keep the template universal, not every step is pre-filled. Open each step in the builder and connect your accounts and fields (channels, lists, sheets, recipients) before you switch the workflow on.
Make it yours
Changes worth making after you import it.
- Change the value 4 in the Filter to set how many runs happen. The workflow is switched off on the first run where the count is greater than that number.
- Put the actions you want to repeat between the Schedule trigger and the Counter step. Anything placed after the Filter runs only on the final run.
- Have the ID of the workflow to switch off ready before you set up the Turn Off step. Test runs can also add to the stored count and use up part of the run limit.
Questions about this workflow
How many times does this scheduled workflow run before it turns off?
Five. The Counter returns 1 on the first run, and the Filter lets a run through only when the count is greater than 4, so the fifth run reaches Turn Off Workflow.
What happens if I turn the workflow back on later?
The Counter keeps its stored number, so the next run returns 6, passes the Filter and switches the workflow off again. Use the Counter's reset setting or start a new copy if you want a fresh count.
Can the Turn Off Workflow step switch off a different workflow?
Yes. It turns off whichever workflow ID you enter. The count still comes from this workflow's own daily runs, not from runs of the other workflow.
Does the template do anything besides counting and switching off?
No. Add your own steps, such as an email or a Google Sheets row, between the Schedule trigger and the Counter step so they run every day until the limit.
More Developer Tools workflows
Other ready-to-import templates from the same category.
Import this workflow into your WordPress site
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