Google Drive workflow with nested folder support
This powerful workflow recursively scans Google Drive directories to extract every file within a folder tree, regardless of nesting depth. It simplifies complex file management by generating a comprehensive, flat list of file metadata for easy downstream processing. Ideal for developers and admins, it transforms messy folder hierarchies into organized datasets automatically.
Run this with your team's AIWhat This Recipe Does
Managing large volumes of digital assets often leads to bottlenecks when files are scattered across deep folder structures. This automation streamlines your document management by systematically retrieving every file within a specified Google Drive folder, including those nested within subfolders. Instead of manually clicking through directories to find specific documents or verify project assets, this workflow provides a comprehensive list of all contents automatically. For businesses, this means faster audits, simplified data migration, and improved oversight of shared workspaces. By converting a complex folder hierarchy into a flat, actionable list, teams can ensure no file is overlooked during critical processes like client onboarding, legal discovery, or marketing campaign reviews. This tool eliminates the repetitive task of manual file discovery, allowing your team to focus on high-value analysis and decision-making rather than administrative searching.
What your team gets
Forms and dashboards, so it is not a script only one person understands
Runs on your schedule in the cloud, so it does not stop when a laptop closes
Endpoints, so the rest of your stack can trigger the same work
Google Drive connected for the team, not per person
How It Works
- 1
Open the recipe and connect your accounts
Connect Google Drive once, in your team cloud, and nobody has to do it again on their own machine
- 2
Tell your own agent what is different about your process
Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, whichever your team already uses. It adapts the recipe to how you actually work
- 3
Run it, then leave it running
It lives in your team cloud, so it keeps going after you close the laptop and every teammate's AI can use it
Who Uses This
- Project managers who need to generate a complete inventory of all project deliverables stored in a main client folder.
- Compliance officers who must audit all documents within a secure directory to ensure proper filing and naming conventions.
- Marketing teams looking to aggregate all brand assets from various sub-campaign folders for a central repository update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this automation work with shared drives?
Yes, it can access files in both personal folders and organized shared drives, provided the account has the necessary permissions.
Can I filter for specific file types like PDFs or images?
The automation retrieves all files by default, but you can easily customize the output to show only specific file formats or naming patterns.
How does it handle very large folders with hundreds of files?
The workflow uses batch processing to handle large volumes of data efficiently without hitting performance limits or skipping files.
What information do I get for each file found?
You receive comprehensive metadata for every file, including the file name, unique ID, creation date, and the specific path where it is located.
Importing from n8n?
This recipe uses nodes like If, StickyNote, ExecuteWorkflowTrigger, Code and 4 more. On Runwork, you don't need to learn n8n's workflow syntax. Describe what you want to your own AI agent in plain English.
Based on n8n community workflow. View original
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Run this with the AI your team already uses
Your agent adapts it, your team cloud keeps it running, and everyone's AI can find it.
Open this recipe in Runwork