What is it?
Make (formerly Integromat) is a visual workflow automation tool. Instead of a list-based interface, it gives you a canvas where you can see your entire automation as a diagram — apps connected by lines, with data flowing between them. It's especially good for workflows that need filters, routers, or data transformation between steps.
Who is it for?
- Intermediate users who've outgrown simple two-step automations
- Freelancers and agencies who want strong automation without Zapier's pricing
- Anyone who thinks visually and finds flowcharts easier to reason about than lists
- Developers who want code-free automation with access to raw HTTP requests when needed
The magic moment
Build a scenario that receives a webhook, runs a condition check (only proceed if the value is above X), transforms the data with a formula, then sends it to two different places simultaneously. In Zapier, multi-path logic like this costs extra. In Make, it's built into the free tier — and you can see the whole thing on screen at once.
Step-by-step setup
- Go to make.com and create a free account
- Click "Create a new scenario"
- Click the "+" in the centre of the canvas to add your first module (trigger)
- Search for your app (e.g. Gmail) and choose a trigger event (e.g. "Watch Emails")
- Connect your account and configure the trigger settings
- Click the small circle on the right edge of your trigger module to add an action module
- Chain as many modules as you need — use Router to split into parallel paths
- Click "Run once" to test with real data
- Set a schedule and click "Activate" to go live
Budget around 30 minutes to get comfortable with the canvas.
Compare with similar tools
- Zapier — easier to start, but Make is better value and more flexible once you know the basics
- n8n — more powerful and free when self-hosted, but requires a server and technical comfort
- Pipedream — developer-focused alternative with code-first approach; Make wins for non-coders