This comprehensive guide has served as your compass, meticulously guiding you through the intricacies of N8N workflows and credentials migration. Along the way, we’ve equipped you with a wealth of knowledge: detailed, step-by-step instructions, invaluable tips gleaned from experience, and crucial considerations to navigate potential roadblocks.

With this arsenal at your disposal, you can now approach your N8N workflows and credentials migration with unwavering confidence. Rest assured, your critical automations will remain uninterrupted throughout the process, paving the way for a more streamlined and efficient operation. Embrace this newfound knowledge and embark on a seamless migration journey, empowered to unlock the full potential of your N8N workflows.

Introduction

N8N, a powerful workflow automation tool, allows you to export and import workflows and credentials effortlessly. This tutorial will cover the essential steps to export your workflows and credentials from one N8N container, transfer them to another server, and import them seamlessly. Let’s dive in!

Export N8N Workflows

Efficiently import N8N workflows into your Docker container by copying exported workflow files. With just a few commands, ensure a smooth transition when migrating to a new server or replicating workflows across environments. This straightforward process maintains the integrity of your automation setup, minimizing downtime during transitions.

• List Docker Containers:

docker ps  # Identify container name (e.g., n8n_container_name_1)

• Export Workflows:

docker exec -u node -it n8n_container_name_1 n8n export:workflow --all --output=pre-exported-workflows.json

• Copy Workflow Outside Container:

docker cp n8n_container_name_1:/home/node/pre-exported-workflows.json /home/user/exported-workflows.json

• Transfer to Other Server:

scp -P 22 /home/user/exported-workflows.json [email protected]:/home/user2

Export Credentials

Safely export all your N8N credentials from a Docker container with the n8n export:credentials command. This one-liner generates a file containing all your credentials, providing a secure way to transfer or back up sensitive information. Simplify the sharing and replication of your automation setup by exporting credentials seamlessly.

• Export All Credentials:

docker exec -u node -it n8n_container_name_1 n8n export:credentials --all --output=pre-exported-credentials.json

• Copy Credentials Outside Container:

docker cp n8n_container_name_1:/home/node/pre-exported-credentials.json /home/user/exported-credentials.json

• Transfer to Other Server:

scp -P 22 /home/user/exported-credentials.json [email protected]:/home/user2

Import Workflows & Credentials

Bringing your N8N workflows and credentials to life on a new server! This section outlines the process of importing your meticulously crafted workflows and essential credentials, ensuring a flawless transition:

• Copy Workflow Inside Container:

sudo docker cp /home/user/n8n/exported-workflow.json n8n_container_name_2:/home/node/exported-workflows.json

• Copy Credentials Inside Container:

sudo docker cp /home/user/n8n/exported-credentials.json n8n_container_name_2:/home/node/exported-credentials.json

• Import Credentials:

sudo docker exec -u node -it n8n_container_name_2 n8n import:credentials --input=exported-credentials.json

• Import Workflows:

sudo docker exec -u node -it n8n_container_name_2 n8n import:workflow --input=exported-workflows.json

IMPORTANT

During the migration process, it is crucial to copy the encryption key from the old server’s .n8n/config to the new server. This key is essential for ensuring that the transferred credentials work seamlessly on the new server. Failing to copy the encryption key may result in authentication issues and disruptions to your workflow processes.

Copy Encryption Key: Copy the encryption key from the old server’s .n8n/config to the new server. This step is crucial for the credentials to work on the new server.

Helper Commands

• List Contents in Container:

The helper command docker exec n8n_container_name_1 ls / is used to list files and folders within your N8N container. This command provides a quick overview of the container’s contents, allowing you to navigate and access specific files needed for export, import, or troubleshooting purposes.

docker exec n8n_container_name_1 ls /

Conclusion

This detailed guide has empowered you to embark on a successful N8N workflow migration journey. We’ve equipped you with step-by-step instructions, invaluable tips, and crucial considerations, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition. Now, you can confidently migrate your N8N workflows, guaranteeing uninterrupted operation of your critical automations, ultimately leading to a more streamlined and efficient operation.

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