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Question

"This file is too large to be exported" error on Zap when moving file from root of Google Drive to a folder

  • July 23, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 8 views

Using a softwaere package that creates a Google Doc via Api from the system.

The Google Doc is created from a template which is copied from the root fo the Google Drive. The API “pushes” text and images into the Google Doc.

We have created a Zap that polls every 2 minutes to move any newly created Google Doc from the root of Google Drive into a folder.

This works for the bulk of Google Docs we create - but occassionally (and seemingly without cause) we get a Zap error as follows:

This Google Docs step hit an error

Error while hydrating data from Google Docs: The app returned "This file is too large to be exported.".

The files being generated range from 4MB to 15MB (at most). It is the larger files that seem to have more problems but they are not near the 1GB that has been suggested by the Troubleshooter.

Is the Google Doc being held open by the API and the Zap doesn’t like it?

Would love to hear from the community on any thoughts of where to look next as to the cause.

1 reply

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  • Zapier Solution Partner
  • July 23, 2026

Hi ​@Sc40 

You can try this approach:

  • Add a "Delay by Zapier" Action: Place this step after your Google Drive trigger ("New File in Folder") and before the "Move File" action .

  • Set the Delay Duration: Set it for 1 to 2 minutes. This small pause gives the external API enough time to finish saving the file, ensuring it is fully ready for Zapier to move 

Documentation:

Hope this helps!