Convert Image URLs to an Uploaded Attachment in Airtable

This n8n workflow provides a starting point for a common automation task: taking image URLs and converting them into actual uploaded attachments within Airtable. While the provided JSON is a basic trigger, this README describes the intended full workflow based on the directory name and common use cases.

What it does

This workflow is designed to streamline the process of handling image data in Airtable. The full implementation would typically involve:

1. Triggering the workflow: Initiated manually for testing or by an external event (e.g., a new Airtable record, a webhook).
2. Fetching Airtable records: Retrieves records from a specified Airtable base and table that contain image URLs.
3. Processing Image URLs: For each record, it iterates through the image URLs.
4. Downloading Images: Downloads the image content from each URL.
5. Uploading to Airtable: Uploads the downloaded image content as an attachment to the corresponding Airtable record.
6. Updating Airtable: Updates the Airtable record, potentially replacing the URL field with the new attachment field or adding the attachment to an existing attachment field.

Prerequisites/Requirements

• n8n Instance: A running n8n instance (cloud or self-hosted).
• Airtable Account: An Airtable account with a base and table containing records with image URLs.
• Airtable API Key: An Airtable API key for authenticating the n8n workflow with your Airtable account.
• Airtable Base ID and Table Name: The specific ID of your Airtable base and the name of the table you wish to interact with.

Setup/Usage

1. Import the workflow:
   • In your n8n instance, click "New" to create a new workflow.
   • Go to "File" > "Import from JSON" and paste the provided JSON content.
2. Configure Credentials:
   • The "Airtable" node requires an Airtable credential. If you don't have one configured, click on "Create New" next to the "Credential" field within the Airtable node and follow the instructions to add your Airtable API key.
3. Expand the Workflow (Manual Steps - based on directory name):
   • Airtable Trigger/Read: The current workflow has a manual trigger and an Airtable node. You would typically configure the Airtable node to "Get Many" records from your table.
   • Iterate over Records: Add a "Split In Batches" or "Item Lists" node after the Airtable read to process each record individually.
   • Extract URLs: Use a "Code" or "Set" node to extract the image URLs from the Airtable record's fields.
   • Download Image: Use an "HTTP Request" node to download the image content from each URL. Ensure it's configured to return binary data.
   • Upload to Airtable: Add another "Airtable" node, configured to "Update" a record. In the "Fields to Update" section, map the binary data from the "HTTP Request" node to an attachment field in your Airtable table.
   • Error Handling: Consider adding "Try/Catch" blocks for robust error handling, especially for failed image downloads or Airtable updates.
4. Test the Workflow:
   • Click "Execute Workflow" to run the workflow manually and observe the output.
   • Check your Airtable base to verify that the image URLs have been converted to attachments.
5. Activate the Workflow:
   • Once you are satisfied with the workflow's behavior, activate it by toggling the "Active" switch in the top right corner of the n8n editor.