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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.

Examples and templates

For usage examples and templates to help you get started, refer to n8n's Local File Trigger's integrations page.

Parameters#

You can choose what event to watch for:

Trigger On:

  • Changes to a Specific File: triggers when the specified file changes.
    • File to Watch: the path to the file to watch.
  • Changes Involving a Specific Folder: triggers when a change occurs in the selected folder.
    • Folder to Watch: the path of the folder to watch.
    • Watch for: the type of change to watch for.

Options#

Use Options settings 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:

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**/<fileName>.<suffix>
# For example, **/myfile.txt

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

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**/<directoryName>/**
# For example, **/myDirectory/**

View example workflows and related content on n8n's website.