A trigger runs a workflow's automations automatically, so your data stays current without anyone running the workflow by hand. You can still run the workflow manually at any time.
Each workflow can have up to 10 triggers, in any mix of types. For setup instructions, see How to set up your workflow to run automatically.
Where to find triggers
In the Sheetgo web app, you can open trigger settings in any of these ways:
Open a workflow and select the Triggers icon in the workflow sidebar.
Open a workflow and select Triggers at the top of the Automations panel, next to Run all.
From the workspace, select the trigger summary on a workflow's card, such as "Weekdays at 10AM" or "Manual trigger". This opens the same settings in a dialog.
A workflow with one trigger opens directly into that trigger's settings. A workflow with multiple triggers opens a list. Each row shows the trigger's name, type, and a caption describing when it runs and what it runs. Each trigger also has its own switch and a ⋮ menu with Edit, Duplicate, and Delete.
Compare the five trigger options
New triggers default to Based on a schedule. You can choose a different type under TRIGGER OPTIONS.
Trigger option | When it runs | When to use it | Consumption estimate |
Based on a schedule | At a frequency from every 15 minutes to once a year, or once on a chosen date, within your chosen days, time range, and time zone. | Regular refreshes and end-of-period consolidations. See Run a workflow on a schedule. | Automation credits per month. |
On form submission | When a chosen form receives a response. Choose Any forms to respond to submissions from any form in the workflow. | Processing responses as they arrive. See Run a workflow when a form is submitted. | Automation credits per form submission. |
On workflow run | When another workflow you own finishes running. | Chaining workflows, such as loading data first and then running a report. See Run a workflow when another workflow finishes. | Automation credits per workflow run. |
On webhook event | When a webhook source in the workflow receives a request from an external system. | Connecting outside tools in real time. See Run a workflow when a webhook receives data. | Automation credits per webhook event. |
On file or folder change (PREVIEW) | When a Google Drive file or folder you choose changes. | Processing files as they arrive or refreshing data after a source spreadsheet edit. See Run a workflow when a file or folder changes. | Automation credits per file change. Total consumption depends on how often it changes. |
For spreadsheet edits specifically, see Run a workflow when a spreadsheet is edited.
The four event-based options are smart triggers: On form submission, On workflow run, On webhook event, and On file or folder change. They require a plan that includes smart triggers.
Some plans also limit how many triggers can be active at once. At that limit, Sheetgo shows "You've reached the active triggers limit on the {plan name} plan."
Add or edit a trigger
Use the + button (New trigger) at the top of the Triggers panel to add a trigger. In the trigger list, you can also select + New trigger at the bottom.
Each trigger has a NAME, an AUTOMATIONS selection, TRIGGER OPTIONS, settings for the chosen option, and a Consumption estimate. Default names are "Trigger 1", "Trigger 2", and so on. You can rename a trigger at any time.
The on/off switch reads Auto-Run or Run automatically, depending on where you open it. While the switch is off, you can't edit the fields. A trigger saved with the switch off stays dormant.
Save changes remains disabled until the trigger is complete. The bell icon at the top of the panel opens Failure notification settings for the workflow's automatic runs.
Who can change triggers?
People with Manager or Owner access to the workflow can change triggers, with two owner-only actions:
Only the workflow owner can switch off an active trigger.
Only the workflow owner can change an On workflow run trigger.
Collaborators can view the settings but can't change them. They see "You can only view this workflow schedule."
Use multiple triggers
You can combine up to 10 triggers in one workflow. See Use more than one trigger in a workflow.
If your process currently spans several workflows, see Combine a process split across several workflows into one workflow.
Workflows created before multiple triggers became available still have one trigger and work as before. The only new element is the + button.
If a workflow doesn't run automatically
In the trigger list, Paused means the trigger is off. Completed means a one-time trigger has already run.
Needs attention means a file or folder trigger isn't receiving changes. Open that trigger and save it again to reconnect.
For more help, see Why didn't my workflow run automatically?.