n8n Google Drive and Google Docs Template Workflow

This n8n workflow provides a clear and structured template for interacting with Google Drive and Google Docs. It demonstrates how to retrieve data, process it in batches, and perform actions with a built-in delay, making it suitable for managing API rate limits or simply organizing complex operations.

What it does

This workflow is designed to showcase a common pattern for processing items from a source (simulated by an HTTP Request) in a controlled manner, with specific actions on Google Drive.

1. Manual Trigger: The workflow starts manually when you click 'Execute workflow' in the n8n editor.
2. HTTP Request (Simulated Data Source): It initiates by making an HTTP request. In a real-world scenario, this node would typically fetch data from an external API or service that you intend to process. For this template, it serves as a placeholder for your data source.
3. Loop Over Items (Split in Batches): The data received from the HTTP Request is then split into batches. This is crucial for processing large datasets efficiently and for managing API rate limits by sending items in smaller, manageable chunks.
4. Google Drive Operation: For each batch of items, the workflow interacts with Google Drive. This node is configured to perform a specific action, such as creating a file, uploading content, or managing folders.
5. Wait: After each Google Drive operation (or batch of operations), the workflow pauses for a specified duration. This Wait node is essential for preventing API rate limit issues and ensuring stable execution, especially when dealing with services that have strict request limits.
6. Code (Optional Logic): A Code node is included, allowing you to insert custom JavaScript logic. This can be used for data transformation, conditional processing, or any other custom operations required within your workflow.
7. Sticky Note: A sticky note provides a visual comment within the workflow, likely for documentation or explanation of a specific section.

Prerequisites/Requirements

• n8n Instance: You need a running n8n instance to import and execute this workflow.
• Google Drive Account: A Google account with access to Google Drive is required.
• Google Drive Credentials: You will need to set up Google Drive OAuth2 credentials within n8n to allow the workflow to interact with your Google Drive.

Setup/Usage

1. Import the Workflow:
   • Copy the provided JSON code.
   • In your n8n instance, click "New" in the workflows section.
   • Go to "File" > "Import from JSON" and paste the JSON code.
2. Configure Credentials:
   • Locate the "Google Drive" node.
   • Click on the "Credential" field and select an existing Google Drive OAuth2 credential or create a new one. Follow the n8n documentation for setting up Google OAuth2 credentials if needed.
3. Customize Nodes:
   • HTTP Request: Modify this node to fetch data from your actual source. Adjust the URL, headers, and authentication as per your API's requirements.
   • Loop Over Items: Adjust the "Batch Size" and "Delay" settings if you need to change how items are processed in batches.
   • Google Drive: Configure the "Operation" and "Resource" fields to define what action you want to perform on Google Drive (e.g., "Upload a file", "Create a folder", "Update a file"). Specify the file content, folder ID, or other parameters as needed.
   • Wait: Adjust the "Wait Time" to control the delay between operations, especially if you are hitting API rate limits.
   • Code: Add your custom JavaScript logic within this node to transform data or implement specific business rules.
4. Execute the Workflow:
   • Click the "Execute Workflow" button in the n8n editor to run the workflow manually.
   • Alternatively, you can activate the workflow to run on a schedule or via a webhook trigger, depending on your use case.