n8n templatesn8n templates

n8n Automated Workflow Backup and Cleanup Management

The main function of this workflow is to automatically back up and manage workflow configurations. It regularly backs up the current workflow to a designated Dropbox folder, moves old backups to an "old" subfolder, and cleans up expired backups that are over 30 days old, ensuring that data is archived in an orderly manner. Through this automated process, users can effectively prevent data loss, avoid wasting storage space, reduce manual maintenance costs, and improve the efficiency of backup and recovery, making it suitable for businesses or individuals that require efficient workflow management.

Workflow Diagram
n8n Automated Workflow Backup and Cleanup Management Workflow diagram

Workflow Name

n8n Automated Workflow Backup and Cleanup Management

Key Features and Highlights

This workflow automates the backup of all current workflows in n8n, uploading the backup files to a designated folder in Dropbox. It periodically moves older backups to an “old” subfolder and automatically deletes backups older than 30 days. The entire process runs autonomously, ensuring orderly archiving of backup data while effectively managing storage space.

Core Problems Addressed

Automates the management of n8n workflow backups to prevent data loss and avoids unlimited accumulation of backup files that waste storage space. By regularly cleaning up expired backups, it reduces manual maintenance costs and improves backup and recovery efficiency.

Use Cases

  • Enterprises or individuals using n8n for workflow automation who need to regularly back up workflow configurations to prevent accidental loss.
  • Scenarios requiring cloud storage of backups (Dropbox) with automatic storage space maintenance.
  • Users seeking to minimize manual intervention by implementing a fully automated backup and cleanup process.

Main Process Steps

  1. Schedule Trigger: Periodically initiates the backup process.
  2. Set Backup Destination Folder (DESTINATION FOLDER): Specifies the backup storage path in Dropbox.
  3. Get Current Date (GET CURRENT DATE): Used for tagging backup filenames and archiving.
  4. Retrieve Current Backup List (GET CURRENT BACKUPS): Reads existing files in the Dropbox backup folder.
  5. Filter Out Non-File Items (IGNORE FOLDERS): Excludes folders to ensure only files are processed.
  6. Move Current Backup Files to “old” Folder (MOVE INTO OLD FOLDER): Archives existing backups.
  7. Wait for Move Operation to Complete (WAIT FOR MOVE TO FINISH): Ensures archiving finishes before proceeding.
  8. Fetch All n8n Workflows (GET WORKFLOWS): Retrieves the latest workflow data.
  9. Convert Workflows to JSON Files (MAKE JSON FILES): Prepares files for upload.
  10. Upload Backups to Dropbox (UPLOAD WORKFLOWS): Saves new backups to the specified folder.
  11. Calculate Expiration Date (PURGE DAYS): Determines cleanup threshold by subtracting 30 days from the current date.
  12. List Old Backups in “old” Folder (LIST OLD BACKUPS).
  13. Check Backup Dates (CHECK DATES): Identifies backups older than 30 days.
  14. Delete Expired Backups (DELETE OLD BACKUPS): Frees up storage space.

Systems and Services Involved

  • n8n API: Used to retrieve all current workflow configurations.
  • Dropbox: Cloud storage service for backup files, supporting upload, move, and delete operations.

Target Users and Value

  • n8n automation platform administrators and developers who need to regularly back up and manage workflow configurations.
  • IT operations personnel aiming to automate backup processes to ensure business continuity.
  • Any teams or individuals relying on n8n workflows who want to enhance backup security and storage management efficiency while reducing the risk of human error.