Automating Image Processing with Zapier, Google Drive, Canva, and Notion

This project was developed for an Upwork job requiring the automation of image processing workflows. The client needed to integrate Google Drive, Canva, and Notion using Zapier to streamline file organization, background removal assignments, and task tracking while maintaining necessary human oversight. Tools Needed Zapier (For automation workflows) Google Drive (For storing and sorting images) Canva (For background removal) Notion (For tracking tasks and managing workflow) Guide to Setting Up the Automation 1. Automate File Organization & Sorting with Zapier Paths Instead of using Zapier Filters, we opted for Zapier Paths to dynamically sort files into multiple folders based on their names. We started by creating a "New Images" folder in Google Drive, where all raw images would be uploaded for processing. A Zap was then set up to detect new file uploads, using Google Drive’s "New File in Folder" trigger, ensuring any newly added images were recognized. To automate sorting, Zapier Paths were implemented—Path A moved files containing "Etsy" in their names to an "Etsy Orders" folder, while Path B assigned other images to relevant categories based on predefined conditions. With this setup, every uploaded image is automatically renamed and sorted into the correct Google Drive folder without manual intervention. This streamlined workflow ensures efficient organization, reducing the need for manual sorting and improving overall productivity. 2. Automate Image Routing to Canva for Background Removal Since Canva lacks a direct Zapier integration, we implemented a workaround using Google Drive and team notifications. Since Canva lacks a direct Zapier integration, we implemented a workaround using Google Drive and team notifications. Images requiring background removal are first uploaded to a designated "Background Removal" folder in Google Drive, triggering Zapier to detect new files. A notification is then sent via Slack, Email, or Notion, alerting the team with a message that includes a Google Drive link to the image, ensuring prompt action. Once the background is removed in Canva, the processed image is manually uploaded to the "Processed Images" folder in Google Drive. Zapier detects this new file and moves it to the next workflow stage. This setup streamlines collaboration, instantly notifying the team and efficiently transferring processed images for further use. ✅ Automated Outcome: The team is notified instantly, and processed images are seamlessly transferred for further use. 3. Automate Task Assignments & Notifications Once an image is processed, the next step is to notify the team and update the Notion task tracker. Step 1: Detect New Processed Images Trigger: Select Google Drive → "New File in Folder". Folder: Choose "Processed Images". Step 2: Create a Task in Notion Action: Choose Notion → "Create Database Item". Database Fields: Image Title Google Drive Link Assigned Team Member Due Date Status (Pending/Completed) Step 3: Notify the Assigned Team Member Action: Choose Slack/Email → "Send Message". Message Content: "A new task has been assigned to you in Notion." Include a Notion link to the task. ✅ Automated Outcome: Tasks are auto-created, and team members receive instant notifications. Final Workflow Summary File Sorting → Google Drive (via Zapier Paths) Image Processing → Canva (via Manual Step) Task Assignments → Notion (via Zapier) Order Tracking → Notion (Auto-Updates & Notifications) Error Handling → Automatic Reminders for Delayed Tasks This scalable automation system minimizes manual effort while ensuring smooth workflow execution.

Mar 15, 2025 - 11:48

Automating Image Processing with Zapier, Google Drive, Canva, and Notion

This project was developed for an Upwork job requiring the automation of image processing workflows. The client needed to integrate Google Drive, Canva, and Notion using Zapier to streamline file organization, background removal assignments, and task tracking while maintaining necessary human oversight.

Tools Needed

Zapier (For automation workflows)
Google Drive (For storing and sorting images)
Canva (For background removal)
Notion (For tracking tasks and managing workflow)

Guide to Setting Up the Automation

1. Automate File Organization & Sorting with Zapier Paths

Instead of using Zapier Filters, we opted for Zapier Paths to dynamically sort files into multiple folders based on their names. We started by creating a "New Images" folder in Google Drive, where all raw images would be uploaded for processing.

A Zap was then set up to detect new file uploads, using Google Drive’s "New File in Folder" trigger, ensuring any newly added images were recognized. To automate sorting, Zapier Paths were implemented—Path A moved files containing "Etsy" in their names to an "Etsy Orders" folder, while Path B assigned other images to relevant categories based on predefined conditions.

With this setup, every uploaded image is automatically renamed and sorted into the correct Google Drive folder without manual intervention. This streamlined workflow ensures efficient organization, reducing the need for manual sorting and improving overall productivity.

2. Automate Image Routing to Canva for Background Removal

Since Canva lacks a direct Zapier integration, we implemented a workaround using Google Drive and team notifications.

Since Canva lacks a direct Zapier integration, we implemented a workaround using Google Drive and team notifications. Images requiring background removal are first uploaded to a designated "Background Removal" folder in Google Drive, triggering Zapier to detect new files. A notification is then sent via Slack, Email, or Notion, alerting the team with a message that includes a Google Drive link to the image, ensuring prompt action.

Once the background is removed in Canva, the processed image is manually uploaded to the "Processed Images" folder in Google Drive. Zapier detects this new file and moves it to the next workflow stage. This setup streamlines collaboration, instantly notifying the team and efficiently transferring processed images for further use.

✅ Automated Outcome: The team is notified instantly, and processed images are seamlessly transferred for further use.

3. Automate Task Assignments & Notifications

Once an image is processed, the next step is to notify the team and update the Notion task tracker.

Step 1: Detect New Processed Images

Trigger: Select Google Drive → "New File in Folder".
Folder: Choose "Processed Images".

Step 2: Create a Task in Notion

Action: Choose Notion → "Create Database Item".
Database Fields:

Image Title
Google Drive Link
Assigned Team Member
Due Date
Status (Pending/Completed)

Step 3: Notify the Assigned Team Member

Action: Choose Slack/Email → "Send Message".
Message Content:

"A new task has been assigned to you in Notion."

Include a Notion link to the task.

✅ Automated Outcome: Tasks are auto-created, and team members receive instant notifications.

Final Workflow Summary

File Sorting → Google Drive (via Zapier Paths)
Image Processing → Canva (via Manual Step)
Task Assignments → Notion (via Zapier)
Order Tracking → Notion (Auto-Updates & Notifications)
Error Handling → Automatic Reminders for Delayed Tasks

This scalable automation system minimizes manual effort while ensuring smooth workflow execution.