Files and output

Save File Block

Save File converts a variable or file reference into a saved file artifact.

At a glance

Best for

Saving variables as files

Input

Variable or file reference

Output

Saved file reference

Error handle

Yes

What it does

Save File turns text, objects, lists, or existing file variables into saved output.

Strings save as text, objects save as JSON, and arrays can be saved as JSON or CSV depending on settings.

Use it when

Save extracted rows as JSON.
Copy or rename a file created by another Block.
Create a file for upload or email attachment.

Do not use it when

You need spreadsheet formatting; use Create Spreadsheet.
You want to write directly to Google Sheets.
Cloud Run is configured with a local-only destination.

Settings

Save File needs a source variable, filename, destination, overwrite behavior, and output variable.

Source variable

Required: Yes

Variables: Variable name
Description: Variable or file reference to save.

Filename

Required: Yes

Variables: Yes
Description: Output file name.

File extension

Required: No

Variables: No
Description: Extension used when saving raw data.

Destination

Required: No

Variables: No
Description: Local or cloud destination depending on runtime.

Output variable

Required: Recommended

Variables: Variable name
Description: Stores the saved file reference.

Setting	Required	Variables	Description
Source variable	Yes	Variable name	Variable or file reference to save.
Filename	Yes	Yes	Output file name.
File extension	No	No	Extension used when saving raw data.
Destination	No	No	Local or cloud destination depending on runtime.
Output variable	Recommended	Variable name	Stores the saved file reference.

Outputs

Save File outputs a file reference.

{{outputVariableName}}file

Saved file or cloud artifact reference.

Example Flow

Use Save File after creating a variable that should become a file.

Extract, collect, or render data.
Save the variable as a file.
Upload or email the file if needed.

Errors and fixes

Start with symptoms visible in the editor or Inspector, then check the earliest Block that produced the wrong page state, variable, or output.

The source variable is missing.

Check: Check the variable name and execution order.
Fix: Create the source variable before Save File runs.

Cloud Run rejects local saving.

Check: Check destination.
Fix: Use cloud storage or a cloud artifact destination in Cloud Run.

Symptom	Check	Fix
The source variable is missing.	Check the variable name and execution order.	Create the source variable before Save File runs.
Cloud Run rejects local saving.	Check destination.	Use cloud storage or a cloud artifact destination in Cloud Run.

Local and cloud runs

Cloud runs reject local destinations. Use cloud-compatible output when the Flow runs in the cloud.

Blocks

Understand how Blocks connect and pass state through a Flow.

Runs and outputs

Inspect Block output, errors, and variables after a run.