TriggerGoogle DriveReal-timeUpdated May 2026
How do I trigger when a Google Drive file is updated?
Short answer: Drop the "Google Drive → File Updated" trigger on your workflow canvas, add filters if you want them, and publish. It fires within seconds of the event in Google Drive, not on a polling schedule.
Anatomy
What this trigger looks like in a workflow.
Drop it on the canvas. Configure a couple of fields. Publish.
In the builder
Trigger
File Updated
When the matching event happens
new file updatedwatch for file updatedon file updatedfile changedfile modifiedwhen a file is updated in google drivewhen file updated
What this trigger returns
for the curiousYou don’t need to read this. Tiny Command auto-maps every field into the visual picker so downstream nodes can pull values by clicking. We show it here for power users who want to know what’s on the wire.
{"id": "file_123","name": "Report.pdf","mime_type": "application/pdf"}
Output shape
Fields available to downstream nodes.
Every field below can be referenced by name in any action or filter that comes after this trigger.
| Field | Type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| id | string | "file_123" |
| name | string | "Report.pdf" |
| mime_type | string | "application/pdf" |
Pairs with
Drop these actions after File Updated.
FAQ
Questions about File Updated.
How does the File Updated trigger work in Google Drive?
Fires when a file in Google Drive is updated (content edited, renamed, moved, or re-shared). Used to re-index search, re-sync into your KB, or notify watchers.
Is the File Updated trigger real-time?
Yes. File Updated uses webhooks or push subscriptions, not polling. Your workflow fires within seconds of the event happening in Google Drive.
What data does File Updated return?
The full event payload from Google Drive. The output shape table on this page lists every field, its type, and an example value so you can map fields into downstream nodes.
Can I filter File Updated so only some events start a workflow?
Yes. Add a Filter node right after the trigger and match on any field, whether that's subject, sender, status, or anything else in the payload. Workflows only continue when the filter passes.
Do I need Google Drive admin permissions to use File Updated?
For most Google Drive accounts a standard user can authorize the trigger. Some Google Drive plans require an admin to enable third-party webhooks. Check Google Drive's docs if the trigger fails to register.
More triggers
Other Google Drive triggers.
Trigger
New File
Fires when a new file is created in Google Drive (optionally scoped to a specific folder). Common use: ingest new docs into your CMS, OCR receipts, or alert the team when a contract drops.
TriggerNew Folder
Fires when a new folder is created in Google Drive (optionally scoped to a parent). Use for templated folder provisioning or governance audit logs.
Build a workflow on this trigger.
One trigger. 8+ downstream actions. Zero glue.
