A Simple Automation Project Using the Free Version of IFTTT

Hey there, tech enthusiasts! Welcome back to the AI Fast and Easy Blog, where we break down complex tools into bite-sized, actionable guides.

Today, we’re diving into the world of automation with IFTTT—short for "If This Then That." If you’ve ever wished your apps and devices could talk to each other and handle repetitive tasks for you, IFTTT another automation tool for your toolbox. Best of all, you can get started with their free version, and I’m going to walk you through a super simple project to show you just how powerful it can be.

Let’s get started!

IFTTT is a free web-based service that lets you create connections between hundreds of apps, services, and devices. Think of it as a digital assistant that automates tasks by linking two things together in a cause-and-effect relationship. For example, “If I post a photo on Instagram, then save it to my Dropbox.” These connections are called Applets, and they can save you tons of time.

The free version of IFTTT is perfect for beginners. While it has some limitations—like only allowing a small number of active Applets at a time—it still offers plenty of functionality to test the waters and automate everyday tasks. You can connect popular services like Gmail, Google Drive, Twitter, and more without spending a dime. Ready to see it in action? Let’s create a basic Applet that will make your life easier.

Your First IFTTT Project: Save Gmail Attachments to Google Drive

For this beginner-friendly project, we’ll set up an Applet that automatically saves any attachment you receive in Gmail to a folder in Google Drive. This is a fantastic way to keep important files organized without having to manually download and upload them. Here’s how to do it, step by step.

Step 1: Sign Up for a Free IFTTT Account

First things first, head over to https://ifttt.com and click on “Try for Free”, “Get Started,” or “Sign Up.” You can create an account using your email or sign in with Google or Apple for a quicker setup. Once you’re in, you’ll see a dashboard with options to explore Applets or create your own. Don’t worry if it looks overwhelming at first—we’ll take it slow.

Step 2: Connect Your Services

Before you can create an Applet, you need to connect the services you’ll be using. In this case, that’s Gmail and Google Drive. From your IFTTT dashboard, click on your profile icon (usually in the top-right corner) and select “Create.” Then, click on the “+” sign next to “If This” to choose a trigger. Search for “Gmail” and select it. You’ll be prompted to sign in to your Google account and grant IFTTT permission to access your Gmail. Do the same for Google Drive when you set up the “Then That” action later. Don’t worry—IFTTT is secure, and you can revoke access anytime.

Step 3: Set Up the Trigger

Now that Gmail is connected, choose the trigger “New Attachment Received.” This means the Applet will activate every time you get an email with an attachment. Click “Create Trigger” to move to the next step.

Step 4: Set Up the Action

Next, click the “+” sign next to “Then That” and search for “Google Drive.” Select the action “Upload File from URL.” This will tell IFTTT to save the attachment to your Google Drive. You can customize the folder path if you want the files to be saved to a specific location (such as “Gmail Attachments”), or leave it as the default. IFTTT will automatically pull the attachment’s URL from Gmail and upload it for you. Hit “Create Action.”

Step 5: Review and Activate

Give your Applet a quick review to make sure everything looks good. You can name it something like “Gmail to Drive Backup” for clarity. Once you’re satisfied, click “Finish,” and toggle the Applet to “On.” That’s it! The next time you receive an email with an attachment, IFTTT will automatically save it to your Google Drive without requiring any action on your part.

Why This Automation Rocks

This simple Applet is a game-changer for productivity. Whether you’re receiving work documents, receipts, or family photos via email, you no longer have to manually save each one. Everything gets neatly stored in Google Drive, where you can access it from any device. It’s a small step, but it frees up mental space and time for more important things. Additionally, it’s a great way to dip your toes into automation without requiring any coding or technical expertise.

Exploring More with the Free Version

Now that you’ve got your first Applet up and running, why stop there? The free version of IFTTT lets you experiment with other simple automations. Head to the “Explore” section on the IFTTT website to browse pre-made Applets. Here are a few beginner-friendly ideas to try:

- Social Media Backup: Automatically save your Instagram posts to Google Photos.

- Weather Alerts: Get a notification on your phone if it’s going to rain tomorrow.

- Task Reminders: Send yourself a reminder in Slack or via email when you add a new task to Google Calendar.

 Keep in mind that the free plan has a cap on the number of Applets you can have active at once (usually just a couple), so you may need to toggle some off to try new ones. Still, it’s more than enough to get a feel for what IFTTT can do.

Tips for Success with IFTTT

As you experiment with IFTTT, here are a couple of tips to keep things running smoothly. First, double-check that your connected services are working by testing your Applets after setup. If something doesn’t trigger, it might be a permission issue or a glitch—reconnecting the service usually resolves the issue. Second, start with simple Applets before diving into more complex ones. Getting comfortable with the basics will build your confidence. Lastly, don’t be afraid to explore the IFTTT community for inspiration. There are numerous creative ideas available!

Let’s Hear from You!

Automation is all about making life easier, and IFTTT’s free version is the perfect sandbox to start experimenting. I hope this guide has shown you how simple it can be to set up something useful, like saving Gmail attachments to Google Drive. Now it’s your turn—what’s the first Applet you’re going to try? Have you already used IFTTT for something cool? Drop a comment below and share your projects or any questions you’ve got. Let’s learn from each other and make the most of this awesome tool!

Until next time, keep exploring and automating with AI Fast and Easy!