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# Automatically Save Files from Gmail to Google Drive
- URL: https://tinkeringwithideas.io/save-pdfs-gmail-gdrive/
- Published: 2024-02-12T14:15:53.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-13T10:09:55.000Z
- Description: Keep your files organized.
- Author: Anna Burgess Yang
- Tags: Automation, Google Drive, Gmail

Gmail makes it really easy to save attached files from your email to Google Drive. Just click on the "Add to Drive" button. Easy peasy. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c6/8b/c68b9f37-94e3-4c3c-ae12-39470811de24/content/images/2024/02/tinkering-with-ideas-save-pdf-00.png)

The problem? *Remembering* to save files to your GDrive. 

I run a solo business. I need copies of things like contracts and invoices in my GDrive, for my records. If I rely on manually saving them, I risk forgetting or making a mistake.

So I have an automation set up to automatically save PDFs to my GDrive for me.

## Step 1: Create a Gmail filter

First, I have Gmail apply a label based on a filter. 

To create a filter, click on the **Filter** icon in your Gmail search. You can also go into your settings and click on "Filters and Blocked Addresses."

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c6/8b/c68b9f37-94e3-4c3c-ae12-39470811de24/content/images/2024/02/tinkering-with-ideas-save-pdf-01.png)

My filter is based on the sender. I send invoices from my accounting software and contracts from my e-signature platform. 

In the filter, I use the check box "Has attachment." Then click on **Create Filter**.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c6/8b/c68b9f37-94e3-4c3c-ae12-39470811de24/content/images/2024/02/tinkering-with-ideas-save-pdf-02.png)

On the next screen, select "Apply the label." I have different labels set up for different filters. In this case, I have a label set up called **Invoices**. Anything coming from my accounting software will have this label applied. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c6/8b/c68b9f37-94e3-4c3c-ae12-39470811de24/content/images/2024/02/tinkering-with-ideas-save-pdf-03.png)

## Step 2: Add a folder in your GDrive

The attached files have to be saved somewhere. I have a folder in my GDrive set up for "Invoices." I have another one set up for "Contracts."

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c6/8b/c68b9f37-94e3-4c3c-ae12-39470811de24/content/images/2024/02/tinkering-with-ideas-save-pdf-04.png)

*Note:* I want contracts saved to a specific client's folder. But at the time the contract is signed, the folder doesn't exist yet. I create the folder *after* I have a signature. (See [this tutorial](https://tinkeringwithideas.io/client-folders-google-drive/) for setting up client folders.)

So all contracts are saved to a generic Contracts folder and I move them later. But I'd rather do this than risk having them not saved from my GDrive at all. 

## Step 3: Create an automation in Zapier based on a new attachment in Gmail 

Next, you'll set up a simple automation in [Zapier](https://try.zapier.com/annabyang?ref=tinkeringwithideas.io) *\[affiliate link\]*. 

Your app will be **Gmail** and your trigger step will be **New Attachment in Gmail.** 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c6/8b/c68b9f37-94e3-4c3c-ae12-39470811de24/content/images/2024/02/tinkering-with-ideas-save-pdf-05-1.png)

You'll apply this trigger to the specific Label you've set up (in this case, **Invoices**). 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c6/8b/c68b9f37-94e3-4c3c-ae12-39470811de24/content/images/2024/02/tinkering-with-ideas-save-pdf-06.png)

## Step 4: Automatically add the file to Google Drive

Your Action app is Google Drive and the Event is to **Upload File**.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c6/8b/c68b9f37-94e3-4c3c-ae12-39470811de24/content/images/2024/02/tinkering-with-ideas-save-pdf-07.png)

In this step, I am saving my PDF to my **Invoices** folder.

The file being saved is **Attachment** 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c6/8b/c68b9f37-94e3-4c3c-ae12-39470811de24/content/images/2024/02/tinkering-with-ideas-save-pdf-08-1.png)

The File being saved is the attachment from your first step. You'll see a description "(Exists but not shown)."

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c6/8b/c68b9f37-94e3-4c3c-ae12-39470811de24/content/images/2024/02/tinkering-with-ideas-save-pdf-09.png)

You'll give your file a name. I use the attachment name, but you could append it with text, such as "NEW INVOICE – {File Name}."

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c6/8b/c68b9f37-94e3-4c3c-ae12-39470811de24/content/images/2024/02/tinkering-with-ideas-save-pdf-10.png)

That's it! Turn on your Zap and you're ready to go. 

## A few notes:

Some clients require that I email them and attach a PDF of my invoice, rather than sending it from my accounting software. This Zap still works: I just need to manually add the Label "Invoices" when I send the email and the Zap will still trigger based on that Label. 

I have a second Zap that triggers after this one. Once a file is added to my Invoices folder in my Google Drive, I add a copy of that file to Airtable along with the URL. Airtable is where I track all invoices to be sent. I then match the Invoice with the deliverable(s). This ensures that nothing is overlooked. 

But that's a tutorial for another day...

## More resources:

- Use [this template](https://zapier.com/apps/gmail/integrations/google-drive/192/save-new-gmail-attachments-to-google-drive?ref=tinkeringwithideas.io) from Zapier to get started with this workflow. Additional Filter steps can control what gets saved to your GDrive, if needed.
- I talk about how I keep track of deliverables in Airtable [here](https://blog.annabyang.com/keep-track-of-freelance-work/?ref=tinkeringwithideas.io).
- Want more ideas delivered directly to your inbox? Check out my [newsletter](https://newsletter.annabyang.com/profile?ref=tinkeringwithideas.io).

*I created the screenshots in this tutorial using Scribe – it's one of my new favorite tools. You can check out Scribe* [*here*](https://get.scribehow.com/lp-1/?via=anna-burgess-yang&ref=tinkeringwithideas.io) *\[affiliate link\].*