How to retrieve email attachments using Zapier automation?

I’m trying to set up a Zapier workflow to handle incoming emails with attachments. Here’s what I want to do:

  1. Set up a trigger that checks for new emails with attachments
  2. Create an action that grabs the attachment and converts it to binary format

I’m not sure if I need to use the Zapier CLI for the second step. Does anyone know how to get the attachment data in Zapier? I’ve looked through the docs but can’t figure out the right approach.

Is there a built-in way to access email attachments or do I need to use some kind of custom code? Any tips on how to set this up would be really helpful. Thanks!

As someone who’s implemented numerous email automation workflows, I can tell you that Zapier’s capabilities for handling attachments have improved significantly. For your specific needs, I’d recommend using the Gmail or Outlook app as your trigger, as they offer more robust attachment handling compared to the Email Parser.

Once you’ve set up the email trigger, you can use Zapier’s built-in ‘Formatter’ utility to convert the attachment to binary format. This approach doesn’t require any custom code or CLI usage, making it more maintainable in the long run.

One word of caution: keep an eye on your attachment sizes. Zapier has limits on file sizes, so if you’re dealing with large attachments, you might need to implement a workaround, such as using cloud storage as an intermediary step.

Lastly, don’t forget to set up error handling in your Zap. Email attachments can be unpredictable, and a robust error handling system will save you headaches down the line.

hey alex, i’ve done this before! zapier has a built-in ‘Email Parser’ app that can grab attachments automatically. just set it as your trigger and choose the ‘New Attachment’ option. no need for custom code or the CLI. hope this helps!

I have set up similar workflows before, and in my experience, the default Email Parser app works well for simple tasks but can fall short for complex attachment requirements. Instead, using Gmail or Outlook as your trigger often provides better control, especially when you need to ensure that attachments are processed accurately. After triggering, Zapier’s Utilities app can be a reliable method to convert attachments into binary format, removing the need for custom code. Just be aware of potential issues with larger files, and test your workflow thoroughly.