The Email Trigger (IMAP) integration functions through a simple yet powerful process:

1. Connection: The integration establishes a secure connection to your email server using IMAP protocol
2. Monitoring: Once connected, it continuously polls your inbox for new messages
3. Filtering: You can set conditions to trigger workflows only for specific emails (by sender, subject, content)
4. Workflow Initiation: When matching emails arrive, n8n automatically executes your custom workflow
5. Data Extraction: The integration parses email content, attachments, and metadata for use in subsequent steps

Technical Benefits:

• Works with any IMAP-compatible email service (Gmail, Outlook, Exchange, etc.)
• Secure credential handling ensures email account protection
• Low-latency monitoring provides near real-time response to new messages
• Flexible filtering options prevent unnecessary workflow executions