Google Sheets Trigger icon

Google Sheets Trigger

Trigger when new rows are detected in a Google Sheet

Overview

The Google Sheets Trigger node monitors a specified range in a Google Spreadsheet and triggers workflows when new rows are detected. This is particularly useful for automating processes based on data entry or updates in Google Sheets, such as:

  • Notifying team members when new form responses are added.
  • Syncing spreadsheet data with other systems (e.g., CRM, databases).
  • Automatically processing new orders, leads, or support tickets logged in a sheet.

Practical Example:
A sales team uses a Google Sheet to log incoming leads. The node can trigger an n8n workflow each time a new lead is added, automatically sending a welcome email or updating a CRM.

Properties

Name Type Meaning
Authentication options Selects the authentication method: Service Account or OAuth2. Determines how the node connects to Google Sheets.
Spreadsheet ID string The unique identifier of the Google Spreadsheet. Found in the URL: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/{ID}/. Required to specify which spreadsheet to monitor.
Range string The cell range to monitor (e.g., A:F or MySheet!A:F). Defines which part of the sheet is checked for new rows. See Google documentation for details.
RAW Data boolean If enabled, returns the raw array of values from the sheet. If disabled, parses the data into objects using the first row as headers.
Data Property string When RAW Data is enabled, specifies the property name under which the raw data array will be returned in the output.

Output

  • If "RAW Data" is false (default):

    • Returns an array of objects, where each object represents a new row.
    • Keys are derived from the header row (first row in the range).
    • Example:
      [
  {
    "Name": "Alice",
    "Email": "alice@example.com"
  }
]

  • If "RAW Data" is true:

    • Returns an array with a single object containing the raw values array under the property specified by "Data Property".
    • Example (if Data Property = "data"):
      [
  {
    "data": [
      ["Name", "Email"],
      ["Alice", "alice@example.com"]
    ]
  }
]

  • Binary Data:
    This node does not output binary data.

Dependencies

  • External Services: Requires access to the Google Sheets API.
  • Authentication: Needs either a Google Service Account credential or OAuth2 credentials configured in n8n.
  • Environment Variables: None required by default, but credentials may reference environment variables depending on your n8n setup.

Troubleshooting

  • Common Issues:

    • Invalid Spreadsheet ID: Ensure the Spreadsheet ID is correct and accessible by the authenticated account.
    • Insufficient Permissions: The connected Google account must have at least read access to the spreadsheet.
    • Incorrect Range Format: Use valid A1 notation (e.g., Sheet1!A:F). Invalid ranges may cause errors or empty results.
    • Authentication Errors:
      • "Could not generate a token from your private key." — Check your Service Account credentials.
      • "Private key validation failed: ..." — The private key is invalid or incorrectly formatted.

  • No Data Returned:
    If no new rows are detected, the node will not trigger. Ensure that new data is being added below the last processed row.

Links and References

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