Create trigger events for your functions

Written by Owner

Updated at August 20th, 2025

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Table of Contents

Create a trigger Create a new connection Create a custom JSON sample Reference trigger outputs on code files Provide feedback and get help

Beta

This product is in open beta. It’s available for use but still in active development and may change.

With Zapier Functions, you can create multiple triggers that will provide output for your function. A trigger is an event that starts your workflow and causes the function to run. You can reference the trigger fields in your code files.

Create a trigger

To create a new trigger in your function:

On the left sidebar, click the Explorer icon . This will open the sidebar.
Click the plus sign next to Triggers. This will create a new trigger file.
Within the trigger editor, start typing the name of the app you want to use and select it.
- Use the Tab key to move between fields.
Select the name of the trigger event in the next field.
In the account_id field, select an existing app connection from your Zapier account. You can also connect a new app account.
The file will be populated with any available parameters. Fill out all required parameters.
Once all fields are set, the right sidebar will display the sample data.
To retrieve a new sample from your trigger app, click Fetch again in the right sidebar.

Repeat the process to add multiple triggers for your function. Once a trigger is set up, you can reference its outputs within the main.py file or any other code files you create. Learn how to reference trigger data in code files.

Tip

You can use the field trigger_name to reference the trigger that caused your function to run.
You can rename or delete your trigger by clicking the three-dot icon beside its name.

Create a new connection

Any app connections you have in your Zapier account will be available in Functions. You can also create new connections. To add a new connection:

Click the account_id field.
Select Connect Account. A new tab or window will open.
In the upper right, click Add connection.
Search for and select the app you want to connect. A new browser tab or window will open.
Follow the instructions to connect your app account.
Once you complete the setup, return to the Functions window or tab.
Click the account_id field and select your new connection.

Create a custom JSON sample

Once your triggers are set up, you can reference their output in your code files. If you cannot find a sample that matches your needs, you can create your own JSON sample.

In the right sidebar, click the Selected Trigger dropdown menu.
Select Custom JSON.
Enter the valid JSON you want to use as a sample.

Reference trigger outputs on code files

Once your triggers are set up, you can use their output fields in your code files.

Provide feedback and get help

Submit a feature request, provide feedback on existing features, or get help from the Zapier Functions team. You can also discuss Functions with other users on Zapier's Early Access Program Slack.