Nextcloud Folder and Subfolder Batch File Move Automation Workflow

Workflow Name

Key Features and Highlights

This workflow enables complete and orderly migration of files within a specified folder and all its subfolders in a Nextcloud cloud storage environment to a target location. It supports recursive traversal of all subfolders, accurately replicates the directory structure, and moves files one by one to avoid external storage access restrictions caused by bulk operations. The workflow can be triggered manually, via Webhook, or by other workflows, providing flexible adaptation to various scenarios.

Core Problems Addressed

Resolves issues where batch moving files in Nextcloud involving external storage may fail due to rate limiting.
Prevents operation timeouts or errors caused by moving large numbers of files at once by migrating files individually to ensure stability.
Automatically replicates the complete directory structure of the source folder, ensuring consistency of file paths after migration.
Supports multiple trigger methods to meet diverse automation integration requirements.

Use Cases

Enterprise or individual users needing to migrate large volumes of files and folders from one Nextcloud location to another, especially when external storage (e.g., rate-limited cloud drives) is involved.
Automated IT operations scenarios requiring periodic or on-demand organization and re-archiving of folder structures within Nextcloud.
Integration with external systems via Webhook to trigger Nextcloud file migration and streamline business workflows.
As part of larger automation processes, triggered by workflow calls to execute complex file management tasks.

Main Process Steps

Trigger Start: Initiated manually, via Webhook, or by other workflows, receiving source and target folder paths.
Path Configuration: Set parameters for “from” (source path) and “to” (target path).
Target Folder Creation: Automatically create the target folder if it does not exist.
Source Folder Traversal: Recursively retrieve all files and directories within the source folder and its subfolders.
Directory Structure Replication: Create subfolders layer-by-layer at the target location following the source directory structure.
File Path Reconstruction: Calculate new target paths for each file to maintain structural consistency.
File-by-File Movement: Process all files in a loop, moving each individually to the new path to avoid rate limiting.
(Optional) Source Folder Deletion: After migration, optionally delete the source folder based on configuration to achieve a complete move.
Error Checking and Feedback: Validate input requests; halt and return prompts if errors occur.

Involved Systems or Services

Nextcloud API: For folder creation, file listing, file moving, and deletion operations.
n8n Automation Platform: To orchestrate the workflow, manage data transfer between nodes, and perform conditional logic.
Webhook Interface (optional): Allows external systems to trigger the migration process via HTTP requests.

Target Users and Value

IT operations personnel and system administrators: Simplify Nextcloud file management and automate large-scale migration tasks.
Enterprise users: Ensure secure and orderly file migration within enterprise cloud storage, supporting complex storage environments.
Automation developers: Integrate into larger workflows for cross-system file management.
Any users requiring reliable, efficient, and repeatable Nextcloud folder migration.

By combining recursive traversal with sequential file migration, this workflow significantly reduces the risk of failure caused by rate limits and enhances the automation and reliability of Nextcloud file management. Whether operated manually or integrated into systems, it facilitates complex folder move tasks with ease. Detailed usage instructions and example videos are available on the author’s official website and video links to assist with quick onboarding and customization.