Template-Based Google Drive Folder Generation with Forms and Apps Script

Description

Overview
Stop manually creating folder structures for every new client or project. This workflow provides a simple form where users enter a name, and automatically duplicates your template folder structure in Google Drive—replacing all placeholders with the submitted name.

What This Workflow Does
Displays a form where users enter a name (client, project, event, etc.)
Creates a new main folder in Google Drive
Calls Google Apps Script to duplicate your entire template structure
Replaces all {{NAME}} placeholders in files and folder names

Key Features
Simple form interface** — No technical knowledge required to use
Recursive duplication** — Copies all subfolders and files
Smart placeholders** — Automatically replaces {{NAME}} everywhere
Production-ready** — Works immediately after setup

Prerequisites
Google Drive account with OAuth2 credentials in n8n
Google Apps Script deployment (code below)
Template folder in Drive using {{NAME}} as placeholder

Setup

Step 1: Create your template folder
📁 {{NAME}} - Project Files
├── 📁 01. {{NAME}} - Documents
├── 📁 02. {{NAME}} - Assets
├── 📁 03. Deliverables
└── 📄 {{NAME}} - Brief.gdoc

Step 2: Deploy Apps Script
Go to script.google.com
Create new project → Paste code below
Deploy → New deployment → Web app
Execute as: Me | Access: Anyone
Copy the deployment URL

Step 3: Configure workflow
Replace these placeholders:
DESTINATION_PARENT_FOLDER_ID — Where new folders are created
YOUR_APPS_SCRIPT_URL — URL from Step 2
YOUR_TEMPLATE_FOLDER_ID — Folder to duplicate

Step 4: Test
Activate workflow → Open form URL → Submit a name → Check Drive!

Apps Script Code

function doPost(e) {
try {
var params = e.parameter;
var templateFolderId = params.templateFolderId;
var name = params.name;
var destinationFolderId = params.destinationFolderId;

if (!templateFolderId || !name) {
return jsonResponse({
success: false,
error: 'Missing required parameters: templateFolderId and name are required'
});
}

var templateFolder = DriveApp.getFolderById(templateFolderId);

if (destinationFolderId) {
var destinationFolder = DriveApp.getFolderById(destinationFolderId);
copyContentsRecursively(templateFolder, destinationFolder, name);

return jsonResponse({
success: true,
id: destinationFolder.getId(),
url: destinationFolder.getUrl(),
name: destinationFolder.getName(),
mode: 'copied_to_existing',
timestamp: new Date().toISOString()
});
} else {
var parentFolder = templateFolder.getParents().next();
var newFolderName = replacePlaceholders(templateFolder.getName(), name);
var newFolder = parentFolder.createFolder(newFolderName);
copyContentsRecursively(templateFolder, newFolder, name);

return jsonResponse({
success: true,
id: newFolder.getId(),
url: newFolder.getUrl(),
name: newFolder.getName(),
mode: 'created_new',
timestamp: new Date().toISOString()
});
}
} catch (error) {
return jsonResponse({
success: false,
error: error.toString()
});
}
}

function replacePlaceholders(text, name) {
var result = text;
result = result.replace(/\{\{NAME\}\}/g, name);
result = result.replace(/\{\{name\}\}/g, name.toLowerCase());
result = result.replace(/\{\{Name\}\}/g, name);
return result;
}

function copyContentsRecursively(sourceFolder, destinationFolder, name) {
var files = sourceFolder.getFiles();
while (files.hasNext()) {
try {
var file = files.next();
var newFileName = replacePlaceholders(file.getName(), name);
file.makeCopy(newFileName, destinationFolder);
Utilities.sleep(150);
} catch (error) {
Logger.log('Error copying file: ' + error.toString());
}
}

var subfolders = sourceFolder.getFolders();
while (subfolders.hasNext()) {
try {
var subfolder = subfolders.next();
var newSubfolderName = replacePlaceholders(subfolder.getName(), name);
var newSubfolder = destinationFolder.createFolder(newSubfolderName);
Utilities.sleep(200);
copyContentsRecursively(subfolder, newSubfolder, name);
} catch (error) {
Logger.log('Error copying subfolder: ' + error.toString());
}
}
}

function jsonResponse(data) {
return ContentService
.createTextOutput(JSON.stringify(data))
.setMimeType(ContentService.MimeType.JSON);
}

Use Cases
Agencies** — Client folder structure on new signup
Freelancers** — Project folders from intake form
HR Teams** — Employee onboarding folders
Schools** — Student portfolio folders
Event Planners** — Event documentation folders

Notes
Apps Script may take +60 seconds for large structures
Timeout is set to 5 minutes for complex templates
Your Google account needs edit access to template and destination folders