TriggerGoogle DriveReal-timeUpdated June 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.

Use this trigger All 3 Google Drive triggers

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 curious

You 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.

Add Labels to Message

Gmail · Email

Add Reaction

Slack · Communication

Add Sheet Tab

Google Sheets · Spreadsheets & Databases

Create Company

HubSpot · CRM & Sales

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.