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Workflow Importer

This workflow enables the automatic import of workflows from local files or remote instances. It supports reading and parsing JSON format files, simplifying the migration process across instances or from local files. Users can select the target workflow and manage credential mapping to ensure the validity and security of the imported credentials. The workflow provides instant feedback, enhancing the user experience, and is particularly suitable for team collaboration, workflow sharing, and batch import scenarios, effectively reducing the risks associated with manual operations.

Workflow Diagram
Workflow Importer Workflow diagram

Workflow Name

Workflow Importer

Key Features and Highlights

The Workflow Importer automates the process of importing workflows from local files or remote n8n instances. It can read and parse uploaded workflow files in JSON format and retrieve workflow lists from specified remote instances, allowing users to select target workflows for import. The workflow automatically handles credential mapping issues by enabling users to manually match existing credentials or create new ones, ensuring that imported workflows have valid and secure credentials. Additionally, it provides immediate feedback on the success or failure of the import, enhancing the user experience.

Core Problems Addressed

  • Simplifies workflow migration and sharing across instances or local files, avoiding the complexity and errors of manual configuration copying.
  • Automatically identifies and manages credentials included in workflows, resolving conflicts or missing credential issues.
  • Supports credential mapping and creation to ensure correct credential associations after import.
  • Offers flexible import source options (file upload or remote instance) to meet diverse usage scenarios.

Use Cases

  • Migrating or copying workflows between multiple n8n instances.
  • Sharing and reusing workflow templates in team collaboration.
  • Quickly importing third-party or backup workflow files.
  • Bulk importing existing workflows during n8n environment upgrades or replacements.

Main Workflow Steps

  1. The user selects the import source via a form: file upload or remote n8n instance.
  2. If file upload is chosen, the system reads and parses the uploaded JSON workflow file; if a remote instance is selected, the user picks the target instance, and the system retrieves the workflow list via API.
  3. The user selects the specific workflow(s) to import from the list.
  4. The system extracts all credentials from the workflow, removes duplicates, and generates credential mapping options.
  5. The user assigns each credential to an existing credential or creates a new one.
  6. Based on the user’s choices, the system automatically creates any missing credentials and updates credential references within the workflow.
  7. The imported workflow is created in the current n8n instance.
  8. Upon completion, the user receives feedback indicating success or failure of the import.

Involved Systems or Services

  • n8n API (for managing workflows and credentials on remote instances)
  • Local file upload and parsing
  • Form triggers and interactive user interface

Target Users and Value

  • n8n platform administrators and developers managing workflows across multiple instances.
  • Automation engineers and operations personnel seeking to improve workflow deployment efficiency.
  • Team collaborators who need to share and reuse workflow templates easily.
  • Users requiring bulk import or backup restoration of workflows, reducing risks associated with manual operations.

This workflow significantly streamlines the workflow import process by automating credential mapping, ensuring imported workflows operate correctly, and enhancing the security and convenience of workflow migration.