n8n Workflow and Credential Transfer Tool

This n8n workflow provides a robust solution for managing and transferring n8n workflows and their associated credentials between different n8n instances. It's designed to simplify the process of backing up, migrating, or replicating workflows, especially in environments where direct database access or manual configuration is cumbersome.

What it does

This workflow automates the following steps:

1. Triggers Workflow Execution: The workflow is initiated by an n8n Form Trigger, allowing for manual input to control the transfer process.
2. Executes CLI Commands: It leverages the Execute Command node to interact with the n8n CLI.
   • It first attempts to export all workflows and credentials using n8n export:workflow --all and n8n export:credentials --all.
   • It then attempts to import workflows and credentials using n8n import:workflow and n8n import:credentials.
3. Conditional Logic for Export/Import: An If node checks for a specific condition (likely an input from the form trigger) to determine whether to proceed with the export or import operations.
4. File Operations:
   • Read/Write Files from Disk: This node is used to save the exported workflow and credential data to disk and to read the files for import.
   • Extract from File: This node processes the content of the exported files, likely to prepare them for import or further manipulation.
5. Data Transformation:
   • Edit Fields (Set): This node is used to manipulate data, potentially setting file paths, names, or other parameters for the export/import commands.
   • Split Out: This node helps in processing multiple workflows or credentials if they are exported as a collection.
   • Code: A custom code node is included, which could be used for advanced data manipulation, formatting, or error handling during the transfer process.
6. No Operation: A No Operation node is present, likely as a placeholder or for debugging purposes, indicating a path where no action is taken.

Prerequisites/Requirements

• n8n Instance(s): You need at least two n8n instances (source and target) if you intend to transfer between them.
• n8n CLI Access: The n8n instance running this workflow must have access to the n8n CLI (Command Line Interface) and the necessary permissions to execute n8n export and n8n import commands. This typically means the n8n server user needs appropriate shell access.
• File System Access: The n8n instance needs read/write access to a local file system where exported workflows and credentials can be temporarily stored and read from.
• n8n Form Trigger: The workflow is initiated via an n8n form, so an active n8n instance with the form trigger enabled is required.

Setup/Usage

1. Import the Workflow: Import the provided JSON into your n8n instance.
2. Configure Execute Command Node:
   • Ensure the Execute Command nodes are configured with the correct n8n CLI commands for your environment. The current commands are n8n export:workflow --all and n8n export:credentials --all for export, and n8n import:workflow and n8n import:credentials for import. You may need to specify paths or other options depending on your setup.
   • Verify that the user running the n8n process has the necessary permissions to execute these CLI commands and to read/write files to the specified disk locations.
3. Configure Read/Write Files from Disk: Adjust the file paths in the Read/Write Files from Disk nodes to match your desired temporary storage locations for the exported JSON files.
4. Configure If Node: Review the condition in the If node (id: 20) to ensure it correctly branches the workflow for export or import based on your input. You will likely need to link this to an input field from the On form submission node.
5. Configure n8n Form Trigger: Customize the form fields in the On form submission node (id: 1225) to provide the necessary input for controlling the workflow (e.g., a dropdown to select "export" or "import", or fields for specific workflow IDs if not exporting/importing all).
6. Activate the Workflow: Once configured, activate the workflow. You can then trigger it via the generated n8n form to perform workflow and credential transfers.

This workflow provides a powerful foundation for managing your n8n assets programmatically, offering flexibility and control over your deployment strategy.