I created a Google Form that allows file uploads from users. After someone submits a file through the form, I need to automatically rename that uploaded file using data from either the form submission itself or from a specific cell in my connected Google Sheets spreadsheet.
For example, if someone uploads a document called “document1.pdf” and they enter “John Smith Report” in one of the form fields, I want the uploaded file to be automatically renamed to “John Smith Report.pdf” in Google Drive.
Is there a way to set up this automatic file renaming process? I’m wondering if I need to use Google Apps Script or if there’s a built-in feature I’m missing. Any guidance on how to implement this would be really helpful.
I ran into the same problems building an automated file handler for Google Forms. Google Apps Script works, but watch out for a few gotchas. Files don’t always show up in Drive right after someone submits - there’s often a delay. I’d add a timer to your script that checks for new files instead of expecting them immediately. Also, uploads aren’t automatically connected to form responses, so you’ll have to match them up using timestamps. I use the onFormSubmit trigger plus a timed function - makes the whole renaming process way more reliable.
I’ve dealt with this exact problem multiple times. That timestamp matching approach everyone suggests? It’s garbage - I’ve seen 15+ minute delays between form submission and files showing up in Drive.
Here’s the real problem: all these manual scripts break when Google tweaks their APIs or adds delays. You spend more time fixing code than getting actual work done.
I switched to Latenode for this stuff. It watches your Google Sheets for new form responses, finds the uploaded files in Drive automatically, and renames them using whatever cell values you want.
The workflow just works. New row appears in your sheet? Boom - renaming kicks off. No timestamp guessing, no API babysitting, no scripts breaking when Google changes things.
Set it up once with their visual builder - connect Sheets as the trigger, add the Drive rename action, map your cells to whatever filename format you need. Handles errors and retries automatically.
Way better than maintaining custom scripts that die every few months.
Google Apps Script works but gets messy with multiple files or error handling. I’ve dealt with this at work - automation platforms handle it way better.
Apps Script forces you to write custom code for every edge case. Upload fails? Multiple files? You’re maintaining a bunch of scripts.
I used Latenode for something similar and it was much smoother. Set up a workflow that triggers on new Sheets rows, grabs the Drive file, renames it based on your cells, and handles errors automatically.
Best part? No coding. Just drag and drop the Drive and Sheets modules, set your renaming logic, done. Built-in retry logic and error notifications included.
I use this approach for file management workflows - saves tons of maintenance headaches vs custom scripts.
To achieve the automatic renaming of files submitted through your Google Form, utilizing Google Apps Script is the ideal solution. You should set up a trigger that activates upon form submission. Your script can then identify the latest file in the designated folder, extract the renaming criteria from the corresponding spreadsheet row, and apply the new name using the DriveApp methods like getFileById() and setName(). Ensure that you retain the original file extension when renaming. If multiple files are uploaded simultaneously, additional logic is necessary to ensure proper matching. The execution is generally quick, typically taking just a few seconds per submission.
You want to automatically rename files uploaded to a Google Form using data from the form submission or a connected Google Sheet. You’re unsure how to achieve this automatic renaming without manual intervention.
TL;DR: The Quick Fix:
Use Zapier to connect your Google Form and Google Drive. Zapier offers a no-code solution for automating file renaming based on form submissions.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Sign up for a Zapier account: If you don’t already have one, create a free Zapier account. Zapier offers a free plan with limitations, which might be sufficient for a smaller number of form submissions. Upgrade to a paid plan if you require higher usage limits.
Create a new Zap: In Zapier, click “Make a Zap.”
Choose your trigger app and event: Select “Google Forms” as the trigger app and “New Form Response” as the trigger event. Authorize Zapier to access your Google Form. Select the specific Google Form you want to connect.
Choose your action app and event: Select “Google Drive” as the action app and “Create or Update File” as the action event. Authorize Zapier to access your Google Drive.
Map your fields: This is the crucial step. Zapier will allow you to map fields from your Google Form submission to the file name in Google Drive. You will need to carefully map the form field(s) containing the desired renaming information (e.g., “John Smith Report”) to the “File Name” field in the Zapier action. You’ll likely need to construct the new file name using Zapier’s formula feature, combining the mapped form fields and the original file extension. Ensure you correctly handle situations where a field might be empty and create a fallback file name.
Test and Publish your Zap: Zapier will offer a test mode to verify the connection and data mapping. Once everything is working correctly, publish your Zap to activate the automation.
Optional: Handle File Location: Specify the target Google Drive folder where the renamed files should be saved.
Common Pitfalls & What to Check Next:
Incorrect Field Mapping: Double-check that you’ve accurately mapped the form fields to the corresponding file name components in Zapier. Incorrect mappings will result in improperly named files.
Zapier Limits: Be aware of Zapier’s usage limits, especially if you have a large number of form submissions. Consider upgrading to a paid plan if needed.
File Extension Handling: Ensure your file name construction within Zapier explicitly includes the original file extension to avoid creating files without the correct type (e.g., .pdf, .docx).
Error Handling: Familiarize yourself with Zapier’s error handling and monitoring features to identify and address any issues that might arise.
Still running into issues? Share your (sanitized) Zapier configuration, the specific fields you are using, and any other relevant details. The community is here to help!
Google Apps Script handles this easily - the setup’s actually pretty straightforward. You need to access both form responses and uploaded files in the same script. When someone submits the form, grab the response data with FormApp.getActiveForm().getResponses() and find the file in your Drive folder using DriveApp. The tricky bit is matching files to submissions since Google doesn’t link them directly. I fixed this by comparing timestamps - form submission vs file creation time. They’re usually within minutes of each other. Once you’ve got both pieces, renaming’s simple with setName(). Just don’t forget to keep the file extension when you build the new filename.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Common Pitfalls & What to Check Next:
Still running into issues? Share your (sanitized) Zapier configuration, the specific fields you are using, and any other relevant details. The community is here to help!