"Column not found" errors

Platform discussions
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I have an integration using the GraphQL API and add_file_to_column that works most of the time but occasionally it will give me this error “Column not found” but I know that this works and it’s just failing inexplicably at random times. Is this a known issue?

Here is an example:

mutation ($file: File!) { add_file_to_column(item_id: 10941668697, column_id:"files6", file: $file) { id } }
1 Like
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Hi @brondavies this usually isn’t random.

Most of the time Column not found with add_file_to_column means the column_id doesn’t match the item at runtime. This happens if the item is on a different board, the column_id is actually a column name, the column is a Mirror column, or the mutation runs immediately after item creation.

Quick checks
Use the API column_id, not the column title
Confirm the item and column are on the same board
Mirror columns do not support files
Add a short delay after creating the item

Dr. Tanvi Sachar
Monday Certified Partner, Tuesday Wizard

3

This usually isn’t truly random. Intermittent “Column not found” errors with add_file_to_column often happen if the column ID (not the column name) is incorrect, the column was deleted and recreated or the board was duplicated, or the item/column was created shortly before the mutation runs, causing a timing issue. It can also occur if the item is archived, is a subitem while the column exists only on the parent board, or if the token/app temporarily lacks access.

4

Thanks for the reply @sanmart and @drtanvisachar Checking these:

  • the column ID is incorrect - NO
  • the column was deleted and recreated - NO
  • the board was duplicated - NO
  • the item/column was created shortly before the mutation runs - is Monday that bad that I have to wait to upload files?
  • the item is archived - NO
  • is a subitem while the column exists only on the parent board - NO
  • the token/app temporarily lacks access - highly unlikely
  • item and column are on the same board - YES, although add_file_to_column doesn’t require the board id.

I’ll do some more troubleshooting to see if there’s any issues with timing.

5

Hello @brondavies If all of those are confirmed NO, this is very likely a timing / consistency issue rather than a configuration problem.

A few quick things to try:
• When it fails, immediately query the board’s columns to confirm the column still exists and is a files column
• Add a short retry with backoff (e.g. 300ms → 800ms → 1500ms). This often resolves intermittent “Column not found” errors
• Log the exact item_id and column_id on failure to ensure the ID (not the title) is always being passed
• Double-check the item isn’t being created or moved by automation right before the upload

In cases where all checks are solid, a retry delay usually ends up being the reliable fix.

Dr. Tanvi Sachar
Monday Certified Partner, Tuesday Wizard