Local File Trigger

The Local File Trigger node starts a workflow when it detects changes on the file system. These changes involve a file or folder getting added, changed, or deleted.

Security considerations

The Local File Trigger node can introduce significant security risks in environments that operate with untrusted users. Because of this, the node is disabled by default from n8n 2.0.

Self-hosted n8n only

This node isn't available on n8n Cloud.

Node parameters

You can choose what event to watch for using the Trigger On parameter.

Changes to a Specific File

The node triggers when the specified file changes.

Enter the path for the file to watch in File to Watch.

Changes Involving a Specific Folder

The node triggers when a change occurs in the selected folder.

Configure these parameters:

• Folder to Watch: Enter the path of the folder to watch.

• Watch for: Select the type of change to watch for.

Node options

Use the node Options to include or exclude files and folders.

• Include Linked Files/Folders: also watch for changes to linked files or folders.

• Ignore: files or paths to ignore. n8n tests the whole path, not just the filename. Supports the Anymatch syntax.

• Max Folder Depth: how deep into the folder structure to watch for changes.

Examples for Ignore

Ignore a single file:

**/<fileName>.<suffix>
# For example, **/myfile.txt <a href="#for-example-myfiletxt" id="for-example-myfiletxt"></a>

Ignore a sub-directory of a directory you're watching:

**/<directoryName>/**
# For example, **/myDirectory/** <a href="#for-example-mydirectory" id="for-example-mydirectory"></a>

Templates and examples

Browse Local File Trigger node documentation integration templates or search all templates